Help me decide, keep Frontier or get SUV (Montero, Xterra, 4Runner, Trooper)

[desert499]

Hey all,

I've been lurking for a bit trying to learn as much as possible. I’m really liking this site and hope to become a part of the community as I start camping / exploring more.

Right now I have a 2007 Nissan Frontier SE Crew Cab 4x4, which I bought new and it now has 75,000 miles. Truck has a Leer camper shell with Thule rack system.

I’ve got a couple of young nephews who I like taking out on 4 wheel adventures, so I’m considering either upgrading my Frontier a bit, or selling the Frontier in favor of an SUV that can carry more family / friends.

My desires are a vehicle that gets decent fuel mileage, has good off-road capabilities, can carry 5 to 7 passengers, good storage capacity, decent power / towing capabilities.

I think the Frontier can make a pretty good trail rig, but the back seat is a bit small and I prefer the open design of an SUV. I’ve been doing a lot of research on the 2003 – 2006 Montero, and it seems to have a lot going for it, including a 3rd row seat, but I’m not real knowledgeable about the unibody and independent rear suspension. I’ve also been looking at 4Runner, Xterra, and late model Trooper, but it looks like they usually can only fit about 5 people.

If I keep the Frontier, I'm thinking of doing a lift kit with with 33" tires, front and rear bumpers, rock sliders, maybe lock the rear end.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Dake21]

You probably already know, but the Xterra is basically a Frontier with a SUV Body. When I test drive it last year I found the Xterra to be more comfortable than the Frontier. I really liked them both a lot. Even my wife liked the Xterra!

Edit: The Xterra however has a smaller gas tank.

 

[desert499]

Yea, I like the Xterra too, I think it's interesting that you found the Xterra to be more comfortable. In general I think I prefer the SUVs over the trucks due to the interior space, but then again you loose all the storage of the truck bed.

 

[justbecause]

to carry 7 people you will need a newer 4runner with 3rd row, a gx470, landcruiser, full size montero, 1st gen sequoia, excursion....


"My desires are a vehicle that gets decent fuel mileage, has good off-road capabilities, can carry 5 to 7 passengers, good storage capacity, decent power / towing capabilities."
I dont think that vehicle exists in stock (or near stock form) in the united states.

Dont buy a trooper unless you like replacing transmissions. (and it will not fit more than 5, and thats putting someone in a lap belt)

 

[kmroxo]

I actually have a Titan, which replaced an Xterra. I loved the Xterra, but wanted/needed a bit more tow capacity. I'm currently traveling for a year with a travel trailer and when I am done I'm actually looking to go back down in size. I generally prefer SUVs, but I also am getting into hunting so a pickup makes a bit more sense to carry game out.

I really don't think you are going to get the mix you want unless you get. Hybrid Tahoe or something like that. More than 5 passengers requires a bigger vehicle unless you are talking small kids in those back seats.

 

[justbecause]

Reliable isn't on the list.... does the diesel grand Cherokee have a 3rd row?

 

[Dake21]

A lot of the 7 seater SUV have terrible 3rd row seat, are hard to reach and are too small for adults. They eat up most if not all of your cargo room too. They could work for temporary use, but since you mentioned you want a lot of cargo room...Full size SUV comes to mind. They have real comfortable seats, have lots of room but they won't be cheap on gas.

 

[desert499]

Thanks for the input. I realize trying to find a vehicle that does everything great is not realistic. I don't plan on using 3rd row seating often, but it would be nice if I wanted to get the whole family in for a short day trip (small kids in the far back).

Most of the time I would really only need capacity for 2-5 people and I'd probably remove the 3rd row to make room for gear.

Right now the back seat of the Frontier is kinda cramped, and the openness of a SUV is preferred. A newer 4Runner with 3rd row seating would be nice, but I think they are a little out of my price range, so I'm leaning towards a Montero.

Any suggestions on what I should be concerned with if I were to go the Montero route? I'm not real familiar with unibodies or independent rear suspension.

 

[Camelfilter]

Consider an Armada maybe?

Hits all your requirements excluding mileage. I'd imagine if you spent some time looking you could find a very well appointed one (leather, dvd players etc), at a vy nice price.

The V8 & transmission are the same as in the Titan, very proven drivetrain.

Pics of a couple folks on here in this thread...

 

[DD196]

Any suggestions on what I should be concerned with if I were to go the Montero route? I'm not real familiar with unibodies or independent rear suspension.

There's a pretty active Mitsy forum here, that's the place to look and ask. I looked hard for a Gen 3 Monty but couldn't find one I liked. Not much aftermarket support. Lots of room. Like any vehicle there are preferred years/models.

 

[justbecause]

You are going to be very cramped with 5 people on two rows of seats. We did that for years in boy scouts.
And most of the time that puts someone in a lap belt. Some newer vehicles have shoulder belts for the middle of the back seat, but I don't know how common they are.

Look up on YouTube "overland bound" he talks about fitting 7 people in an 80. And he is PACKED. Roof rack loaded. Behind the 3rd row stuffed full.

the new sequoia and the armada are fully independent suspension. It's up to you if that will meet your offroad needs.

 

[Ryan Rogers]

Right now the back seat of the Frontier is kinda cramped, and the openness of a SUV is preferred. .

Just moved from a Frontier to an Xterra. The rear seat room was one of the big reasons why we decided to do it. Car seat only fit in the rear of the frontier with the passenger seat all the way forward. Fits in the back of the X just fine and a passenger can fit up front just fine.

 

[kmroxo]

You could go for a used Lexus GX470. It has a removable 3rd row that is good for kids.

 

[fortel]

I went from a 2010 Xterra to a 2012 Frontier CC (due only to gremlins in the X that no one could solve so the dealership got me out of it into the truck). Like others have noted, rear seat room is not as good or comfortable in the crew cab Frontier as it is in the X. I would have probably preferred to stay in an X for comfort but the Fronty with the Leer topper has actually been more practical for me (wet dogs, lots of long-handled muddy trail tools, etc). If it matters, one other thing not mentioned so far is the ease of entering and exiting the rear seat. The Frontier's rear doors are easier to get in and out of. As much as I liked my X, I had several family members who had difficulty with the door and rear wheel well being so close. If I were you I would try to spend as much time as possible in the other candidates you mention and see if you really would be gaining enough to make the switch. I'm not sure you will be. Good luck with the decision.

 

[seekerbeta]

I have an Xterra (2008) and i can say that the 2nd Generation Xterra is very well equipped, all 3 rear seats are lap and shoulder belt. towing even up to the max rating is unencumbered and labourless, and the 4.0L VQ40DE engine never has left me wanting more power. Pro4x comes with updated rear suspension and rear e-locker, but even land rover guys are impressed at where i can get my 2008 S with only General AT2 Tires. extra storage is available underneath the rear seat cushions (i put tent poles, hatchets, and shovels under mine) and there are plenty of options for holding and sorting the generous rear cargo space.