2009 Nissan Frontier (Courtesy of Nissan Media)
The week I drove the Pro-4X I was not able to climb any mountains or hurdle a deep gorge, but I did manage to find some foothills, a dry creek bed, and a gravel pit to drive through.
There are two features I wanted to mention that I did get to use on several occasions. The hill start assist is used when starting on steep hills from a stop. Hill start assist will help keep you from rolling backwards. It holds brake pressure for a few seconds, allowing you enough time to switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator. This feature works only with the 4X4 automatic transmission.
The hill descent control is used when driving down a steep grade in 4WD mode. Just flip a switch, ease your foot from the accelerator, and the system will automatically maintain speed and brake pressure to help provide a controlled descent. Again, 4X4 with automatic transmission only.
Driving in the gravel pit, my main concern was not so much about the terrain as the heavy equipment working there. On a steep decline, a large Caterpillar tractor appeared ahead of me, and there was so much dust it was difficult to see. I couldn’t back out so I just followed the tractor down to the bottom of the pit under the guidance of the descent control system.
Frontier interior (Courtesy of Nissan Media)
The Pro-4X is comfortable and convenient inside. The Pro-4X white face gauges make your instrument panel easy to read when there is lowlight in the cabin. Eight-way driver’s seats with adjustable lumbar support allow you to stretch back as far as possible or bring you as close to the steering wheel as the task may require.
UV-reducing windows provide vital protection from the sun as the 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio radio allows you to bask in the warmth of your favorite show tune or the oldies but goodies music.
The Pro-4X has some of the highest government safety ratings of any truck. Five stars for both driver and passenger front crash protection. And five stars for side crash rear and front seats. Other safety features include tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle security system, an advanced air bag system, and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams.
Off road, the Pro-4X felt strong and capable. It ate up the rough terrain as if it were heavier than 4,300 pound curb weight. The Crew cab can tow up to a maximum of 6,100 pounds.
The base price is right at $29,000. A more refined technology package could bump it another $750. City mpg is 15 and the highway mp.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or mdcaussey@sbcglobal.net
