Episode Details

Not Following Toyota's Playbook

Toyota's new generation of midsize truck-based models runs on downsized four-cylinder turbo engines. From the Tacoma to the Land Cruiser, all use the now-familiar boosted 2.4-liter mill. While there are some fuel economy gains, the engine has so far been criticized for its refinement, or lack thereof.

Of course, many manufacturers are replacing displacement with turbos, but Nissan refuses to go that route for its more rugged offerings. After all, this is the same company that held 'V6 Day', which celebrates larger engines. The thing is, the company isn't doing that just for the sake of fan service.

Social Media Feedback

Speaking to Motor1, Brent Hagan, Nissan North America's senior product planner, spoke in length about the pickup, as well as a few tidbits about the upcoming Xterra. Motor1 then asked Hagan if sticking with V6 power over four-cylinder turbos was an advantage, despite the latter's supposed economy and emissions advantages. As it turns out, Hagan does scour many groups and forums for feedback. There, he found a common denominator: people are actually considering the Nissan over the Tacoma mainly because of the standard six-cylinder engine.

"I see a lot of people posting recently saying, 'I'm a Toyota guy, or I'm an XYZ company guy. I've been with them for a while, but they've gone away from V6s, and I really prefer V6. I prefer the linearity. I prefer the durability. I prefer the overall performance, and I've never considered a Nissan or a Frontier, but now I'm looking at it because of the V6.' So we know it is a differentiator for sure," said Hagan.

Of course, larger-capacity engines are bound to be more understressed than boosted small engines. Folks who use their pickups for work, or simply want something simpler, are likely to prefer the Frontier. While the Tacoma still dominates the midsize pickup market in terms of sales, Nissan is more than ready to accept shoppers who were put off by the Toyota's turbo-four-only offer.

Not Just the Frontier

Despite its electrification push, Nissan is doing its part in keeping V6s around for longer. We already know that the Xterra will have six cylinders, while the truck-based Pathfinder and its more luxurious Infiniti counterpart will likely pack a brawnier engine under the hood. Simply put, there are customers who expect a bigger engine in a bigger vehicle, and not a small engine with a turbo strapped to it.

Those 'it must have a V6' comments may have played a part in the brand's decision to stick with a more traditional powertrain configuration for its ladder-frame vehicles. But