Nissan has had a slew of reveals this year, from the return of the Xterra to the addition of numerous upcoming models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. While exciting to see the brand that just a few years ago was drowning in controversy making a push to revamp its name, some things don't need a full rejuvenation — just a little extra buff to remain competitive. And Nissan knows just where to start: pickups.

For 2027, the Frontier is getting more weapons in its arsenal to take on some of the segment's big names, like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado. Though it picks its fight not on the road, but on the trail. The 2027 Nissan Frontier SV Sport Edition is the latest upgrade package added for the new model year, and it combines what we love about the rough-and-tumble Frontier PRO-4X with the everyday practicality of the standard models.

"Standard models" may be a bit of a downplay, as the new Sport Edition package is available on the mid-level SV trim and serves to bridge the gap between the SV and top-trim PRO-4X off-roader. As such, it comes with a few more gizmos than the base model S trims right off the bat. In terms of living up to its name, the Sport Edition package also adds black off-road-style 17-inch wheels shod in beefy Hankook Dynapro all-terrains, an aluminum skid plate, LED fog lights, and front accent lighting.

At first glance, you'll notice elements from the PRO-4X, like black accenting throughout, as well as unique yellow accents that add sporty contrast to the upgraded appearance. The cabin wears black cloth upholstery, said to be durable, with yellow accent stitching, bringing the exterior and interior visual scheme together. There are also a handful of "Sport" badges and decals throughout, which help with its identity signaling.

Other than those upgrades, the 2027 Frontier Sport Edition will have a list of features similar to the SV, which includes a seven-inch digital cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. By building on the SV trim, buyers who option the Sport Edition package also have access to more optional features than the base S model.

The standard, and only, powertrain available across the entire lineup is the 3.8-liter VQ38 V6, which sends 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque to either the rear wheels or all four, depending on drivetrain. A nine-speed auto transmission is standard, and in terms of the SV Sport Edition, so is a drive mode switch, and, if you go for the 4x4, a four-wheel limited-slip differential. Towing capacity sits at a maximum of 7,150 pounds when properly equipped, while Trailer Sway Control is standard for the SV and, in turn, the SV Sport Edition.

Front independent double wishbone suspension and rear overslung multi-leaf suspension both feature twin-tube shock absorbers, which, when paired with the body-on-frame architecture, make it a tough pickup that definitely won't mind some bumps and bruises. And, thanks to the added underbody cladding and larger all-terrain tires, the SV Sport Edition has some solid fighting potential.

In terms of current competition, the midsize truck landscape has a few names that have been serving the needs of casual off-road enthusiasts. Obviously, the 2027 Frontier SV Sport Edition won't stand up to the Tacoma TRD Pro or Trailhunter, nor the Ford Ranger Raptor or Chevy Colorado ZR2, though it won't need to, as that's the PRO-4X's job. The SV Sport Edition will take aim at the middle-of-the-pack rugged models, like the Tacoma TRD PreRunner and Colorado Trail Boss. Basically, those that offer respectable terrain capabilities without going all-in on off-roading.

Prices will be announced closer to the arrival of the 2027 Frontier, which should be toward the end of the summer, so we won't know how competitive the Frontier SV Sport Edition is until we can compare prices, but mechanically, it should serve its purpose just fine as a well-equipped pickup with equal parts practicality and rough-road capability. Whether buyers will choose it over the Tacoma remains to be seen.

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Source: https://www.topspeed.com/new-nissan-frontier-trim-package-casual-adventurers/