V-6 Gas Mileage, Performance
One of the disappointing elements of the V-6 Frontier — and one that many people in the market for a smaller truck will likely be concerned about — is its gas mileage. With an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, it gets an EPA-estimated 14/19 mpg city/highway, which is similar to what the full-size Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks achieve with V-8 power. If you're looking for better gas mileage, rear-wheel-drive Frontiers come with a standard four-cylinder engine that gets up to 19/23 mpg with a five-speed manual.
Aside from its gas mileage, I like the V-6 drivetrain. The 4.0-liter V-6 makes 261 horsepower (the most of any midsize six-cylinder pickup) and offers strong acceleration when merging on the highway or pulling away from a stoplight.
The V-6 Frontier I tested had the optional five-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is standard), and the transmission is a smooth-shifting unit. However, it likes to run in a high gear, even when cruising at midrange speeds, to keep engine rpm low and save fuel. This didn't prove detrimental to performance because the V-6 is so powerful.
See also:
Explanation of general maintenance items
Additional information on the following
items with “ * ”is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless othe ...
Trunk lid
WARNING:
- Do not drive with the trunk lid open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See Exhaust
gas in the Starting and driving
section of this manual.
- ...
Cooling or heating (AUTO)
This mode may be normally used all year round as
the system automatically works to keep a constant
temperature. Air flow distribution and fan
speed are also controlled automatically.
1. Press the ...