Road Test: 2005 Dodge Dakota and 2005 Nissan Frontier

The bulging rear fenders and strong bumper line are clear attempts at lining the Dakota with the bigger Ram and it works. We like the dual-stack taillights and large Ram's head. The Frontier rear end also borrows from the bigger Titan, but suffers from a drooping bumper. It's worth noting the first-generation Frontier was the first to have the signature Nissan tailgate release.

With the same engine options (and no Hemi on the horizon), Dodge decided to keep the perfectly adequate five-lug axles. Nissan's new truck benefits from liberal borrowing from a bigger and stronger donator platform--the Frontier will have stronger six-lug axles.

There's no mistaking the Dodge grille--it's massive and looks intimidating in the rearview mirror. We're told only the Laramie package will have chrome. The ST and SLT packages will be either body-color or black.

Nissan will continue to push its adventure functionality by designing strong-looking roof racks, presumably for hauling survival gear into the Outback.