Naturally, both trucks want to make a bigger, bolder statement (in fact, it's cliche for manufacturers to say they want their trucks to make a brash statement). Whether they do or not will always be up to interpretation, but we can see some specific styling cues that deserve attention. The most obvious styling cue for Dodge has been and will continue to be the wide-mouth grille. Designers are pushing carved angles and more stamped billet-looking forms for the new Dodge, but we'd be surprised if this is something they'll stick with for long unless sales show a considerable surge. We'd expect a more Ram-like Dakota to follow for the next midmodel freshening.
With the Ram being such a...
With the Ram being such a tall full-size pickup truck, there's plenty of room for the Dakota to offer a big stance (and a large interior), without the full-size altitude.
Frontier body styling is definitely headed into mini-Titan territory, with the bed and front grille areas the most obviously derivative, but we like the improved wheel fender flares as they've been softened a bit. The overall effect still offers a rugged 4x4 appearance, but without the previous chiseled feel. Both designs do a good job projecting a muscular, robust flavor, while still retaining softer aerodynamics for a modern interpretation.
Smoother and more molded...
Smoother and more molded lines seem to be the theme for the Frontier. Going big was not only necessary, but will continue to add to Nissan's growing pickup-truck credibility.
As for innovations, both vehicles come to the table with smart improvements off a familiar plan. The Dodge Quad Cab has four front-hinged doors, but improvements have been made in how wide the front and rear doors open. In fact, because the front doors have been modified to open more than 80 degrees, it makes the rear doors (still opening a full 90 degrees) feel like they open even further than before. In addition, Dodge has improved storage by designing the rear seats to flip rearward against the seatbacks to create a cavernous pass-through rear-storage area.
Nissan's HVAC system, although...
Nissan's HVAC system, although simplified, relies heavily on old-school plastic buttons.
Like the Titan, most of the Frontier's innovations are in the bed. Expect many of the same options and unique features available for the Titan bed to make their way into the small pickup; spray-in factory bedliners, a Utili-Track cargo hauling rail system, bed racks, and more will be offered for the Frontier as well. Storage and cargo flexibility are key elements of both new pickups. Although sales numbers for this segment have been flat for several years, you'd never know it by how much money is being invested on smaller pickups. Expect to hear a great deal more as Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota put the finishing touches on their midsize pickups and other untraditional small-pickup players (Kia, Mitsubishi, and Honda) get ready to bring their vehicles to the party.