Although the Nissan Frontier has become more popular, showing growth in sales for the past two years, it puzzles me why it trails the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma at all. This is a seriously hot truck that offers bold styling, a macho image, some interesting technological options and a large number of configuration choices. Not to mention a supercharged V6 engine that makes it a genuine hot rod as well.

The Frontier is available in short or long bed versions with a regular cab, King Cab or 4-door Crew Cab. All of those are available with two or four-wheel drive in XE, SE and SC trims. What more could you want?

The two-wheel drive XE is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter 4-banger or a normally aspirated 3.3-liter V6 married to a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. The 4X4 only comes with the normally aspirated V6 or its supercharged version in the case of the SC.

Our test model was a bright yellow, supercharged V6, 4X4, 4-door Crew Cab. By the way, it was Nissan that introduced the King Cab, the 4-door extended cab and was the first to put a supercharged V6 under the hood of its trucks.

The Frontier features a steel unibody and double-sided bed mounted onto a 6-crossmember ladder frame. The independent front suspension utilizes torsion and stabilizer bars on both the two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions with the rear solid axle supported by conventional leaf springs.

Disc and drum brakes are fitted with rear-wheel ABS on the two-wheel drive models and four-wheel ABS on the 4X4s, which also feature automatic locking hubs.

The on-demand all-wheel drive system distributes power equally among all wheels and can only be engaged when the vehicle is moving at less than 25 mph.

The 3.3-liter V6 engine is a version of what’s under the hood of the Pathfinder and its supercharged version uses a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger. On both the 4X4 as well as the two-wheel drive models, standard skid plates protect the engine, transmission, and fuel tank.

I found our test model Crew Cab to be a genuine 5-seater. Behind the wheel, the front bucket seats were comfortable as was the overall driving position, although the seats don’t adjust up and down the way some trucks and most SUVs do. The rear bench provided very little in terms of lateral support however.

Visibility is excellent from just about any angle, which is unusual in some Crew Cab trucks. There are also two airbags and a more rigid structure to protect occupants

Instrumentation is simple and ergonomically well organized. The redesigned dashboard offers styling that is harmonized with the body. Climate controls are also simple but seemed to take a while to get working in cold weather.

On the road, the supercharged V6 cranks out nail-biting raw performance. This truck can hold its own and simply outperforms its better competition hands down.

The two-wheel drive handles in a competent and balanced fashion, and has a shorter turning radius than the 4X4. The 4X4 also demands more driver attention because its large tires and suspension have a tendency to jump on poor-quality pavement. The Frontier’s off-road capabilities are also hindered slightly by limited approach and departure angles, although experienced off-roaders won’t find this to be a serious problem.

Whines: Although the brakes are efficient and easy to gauge under normal conditions, emergency stopping distances are long, and the front wheels tend to lock prematurely, with ABS only engaging the rear wheels. I found fade resistance to be a little suspect as well. The wipers leave a wide blind spot on the right side of the windshield, and seemed to work at an insufficient speed to ensure good visibility in bad conditions.

Applause: The build quality is solid, and the fit and finish show rigorous attention to detail. There are many choices in how to outfit the Frontier, which is a major bonus. The base model is very affordable, but upscale versions can get spendy.

Bottom Line: The aggressive and virile styling is enough to elevate anyone’s testosterone level. Couple that with the muscular performance of the supercharged V6 and you have a seriously underrated truck that should be blowing away its price class. It also delivers remarkable ride comfort with the versatility of the 4-door 4X4 offering some interesting off-road possibilities.