The Nismo off-road model we drove seemed as capable at highway speeds as it was driving through nearly two feet of rushing water flowing from creeks across Texas ranch roads. The Nismo's trail capabilities include a 31.5-degree approach angle.

Technology further enhances its worthiness off the beaten trail. Hill Descent Control walks the vehicle down steep descents. Hill Start Assist holds your position when you lift your foot off the brake while heading uphill. Limited-slip traction control helps redirect engine torque to the non-slipping drive wheels on low traction surfaces. It operates on the rear wheels on 2WD Nismo models and on all four wheels on 4WD models.

On the road, Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control can help the driver avoid accidents. It's set up to allow a little more sideslip than some electronic stability control systems, and we prefer this approach. Similar electronic stability control systems from other manufacturers often intervene too quickly to suit advanced drivers, but Nissan's VDC reminds us of the system in Porsches, effectively helping the driver maintain control without feeling it has taken over.

The speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering provides good feedback. The Frontier was stable and sure even when driven aggressively around curves. We found the brakes effective. The four-wheel disc brakes use big brake rotors for efficient cooling in repeated hard use.

The Frontier's 4.0-liter V6 engine is rated at 265 horsepower at 5600 rpm, which makes it the most powerful V6 in the mid-size pickup class. It provides 45 more horsepower than the largest engine available in the Chevrolet Colorado, 29 more horsepower (and while using regular fuel) than the V6 in the Toyota Tacoma, and 5 more horsepower than even the strongest V8 available in the Dodge Dakota. (The Dakota V8s develop more torque, however, important if you plan to pull a trailer.)

Nissan's six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are well-matched to the V6 engine, allowing the driver to exercise all of that power.

The Frontier XE's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 154 horsepower, which is certainly adequate. In fact, it's 85 percent of the power produced by the 3.3-liter V6 available in the previous-generation Frontier.

Summary

The Nissan Frontier, all-new for 2005, boasts the most powerful V6 engine in its class, useful innovations such as the Utili-Track cargo securing system and spray-in bedliner, a comfortable cab and attractive styling. We think it's one of the best trucks in this class, sharing that mantle with the Toyota Tacoma.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Larry Edsall filed this report from Austin, Texas.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Nissan Frontier XE King Cab 2WD 5M ($15,600); SE King Cab 2WD 6M ($18,500); SE King Cab 4WD 6M ($21,200); SE Crew Cab 4WD 6M ($23,350); LE King Cab 2WD 5A ($22,300); LE King Cab 4WD 5A ($25,000); Nismo King Cab 2WD 5A ($22,100); Nismo King Cab 4WD 6M ($23,750); Nismo Crew Cab 2WD LE ($23,900)

Engines:154-hp 2.5-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 265-hp 4.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6.

Transmissions:5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual front airbags, 3-point harness for all seating positions (with LATCH lower anchors and tethers for children child seat anchor system on Crew Cab), adjustable active head restraints for front seats

Safety equipment (optional):side-impact air bags, roof-mounted curtain airbags, vehicle dynamic control, active brake limited slip traction system

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled in:Smyrna, Tennessee