2020 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup that competes with trucks such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. This current generation truck is quite old — its last full redesign was during the second George W. Bush administration — but it is getting a few updates for 2020.

The most important chance is that Nissan has outfitted the 2020 Frontier with a brand-new 3.8-liter V6 engine making 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This V6 is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that's similar to the one in its Titan and Titan XD full-size trucks. The combination replaces both previously available powertrains in the Frontier, a weaker 4.0-liter V6 or four-cylinder paired to a choice of two manual transmissions or a five-speed automatic.

Think of the V6 and nine-speed pairing as a sneak preview of the 2021 Frontier, which will be a fully redesigned model that finally replaces the current generation. We expect Nissan to unveil the 2021 Frontier before the end of this year.

Midsize trucks were once basic and affordable vehicles. These days the latest trucks often have steep starting prices. A midlevel Tacoma can cost $30,000 or more. The Frontier used to have a starting price of less than $20,000, but that's not the case anymore.

The lowest MSRP you can find on a new 2020 Frontier is now $27,885 (including destination) for the Frontier S King Cab with rear-wheel drive. Our Pro-4X test truck checked in with a sticker price of $38,585. The new engine delivers better performance, but it's not enough to outclass similarly priced competitors.

The Frontier's new 3.8-liter V6 is definitely a step up from the previous 4.0-liter V6 engine. The additional power is noticeable right out of the gate. There's plenty of punch, whether you're taking off from a light or going to pass on the highway. The new nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly during typical driving. Even during max acceleration, things are still pretty polished.

The rest of the driving experience is still good-ol' Frontier, though. The ride is bumpy, the seats are stiff and poorly bolstered, and the steering is frighteningly vague. Without beating up on the Frontier too much, let's just say we'll be happy to drive the all-new version next year.

The Frontier is a throwback in more ways than one. Compared to other midsize trucks, it has a rudimentary interior with limited small-item storage and an ancient center console layout. It feels well built — there are tight pangel gaps, and our test truck didn't have any squeaks or rattles — but none of the interior surfaces feel like they're made from high-quality materials. What's more, it's missing many of the modern amenities that are either standard or optional with competitors. Looking to get a truck with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, multiple USB ports and adaptive cruise control? You're out of luck here.

The Frontier may seem robust and utilitarian when you consider its low price point, but it has an uncompetitive towing capacity and one of the lowest payload ratings in the class. This year's new engine hasn't changed anything either. The Frontier's towing capacity ranges from 6,370 pounds to 6,620 pounds. Only the Honda Ridgeline has a lower capacity.

The Frontier's bed side rails and moveable tie-down cleats make a handy way to secure cargo, but the crew-cab 4WD configuration we tested has the lowest payload rating of any truck in the segment: just 1,040 pounds. We expect the towing capacity and payload ratings to go up with the 2021 redesign, but the price of a Frontier may go up too.

How practical you find the Frontier depends largely on your definition of the word practical. If you're looking for a workhorse — something simple that you can throw your tools in the back of, put on some music and commute to work in — this truck will do that job, no problem. But for more robust work, there are better options.