In Wheel Time

JEEP GLADIATOR

GARAGE SIZED TRUCKS

By Don Armstrong

Most full-size, half-ton trucks no longer fit in a standard garage, so what’s a truck lover supposed to do? Have you checked out a midsize? We recently drove a couple of them and highly recommend the size, especially for city dwellers.

NISSAN FRONTIER

What took so long? The last new Nissan Frontier debuted as a 2005 model and we are glad to report that the long awaited, completely redesigned 2022 Frontier has finally hit showrooms.

Frontier’s exterior exudes a bold, edgy, and modern flair, all of which add to an attractive look without offending traditionalists. Our offroad demo had an integrated front skid plate in the lower grille. Big tires with bead-lock style wheels added to the rock-crawler swagger.

Simple, easy-to-use controls and a big, new touchscreen complement the dash, while optional, colorful, stylish accents give a nod to a serious, rugged off-road lifestyle. The steering feels a little heavy for our taste, but ride and agility are what make this Nissan mid-size pickup a real challenger to the Toyota Tacoma, which has had a competitive edge for years.

Frontier is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 that delivers 310 horsepower to two or four-wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. That combination delivers 20-MPG on average.

Pricing starts at $29,440.

JEEP GLADIATOR

The mid-size truck segment is the perfect size for off-roading and when you think of capability, Jeep is top of mind – at least the slow speed stuff. Rock crawling and Jeep continue to comingle DNA. Looking at the Gladiator, one may think it’s a Wrangler with a truck bed, but increased towand hauling capabilities change the Gladiator’s purpose and size so think bigger and badder in numerous ways. All Gladiators come with 4-wheel drive and a 5-foot bed. The standard engine is a capable 3.6-liter V-6 that delivers 285 horses. A manual transmission is available too. An optional diesel engine turns a whopping 442 lb.ft. of torque – can you say, “stump puller?” This one has an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The interior is nearly identical to the Wrangler. The large infotainment screen is a must-have.

Pop its top, unhinge the doors, load the gear, get your best friends, and go places no one has been before. It’s an experience like no other with a fun factor that’s off the chart.

Starts around $35,000.

INTERIOR OF THE NISSAN FRONTIER

INTERIOR OF THE JEEP GLADIATOR