New Nissan Trucks Are Coming! | Ep. 327

Nissan is the automaker behind the teased “new exteriors” and the planned body-on-frame architecture for the next Exterra. The hosts mention Roman traveling to Japan to speak with people from Nissan, emphasizing that this is real product development rather than speculation. In the context of trucks, Nissan’s move signals renewed focus on traditional, frame-based vehicles.

“Body-on-frame” is a vehicle layout where the body is mounted on a separate ladder-like frame. This typically makes trucks and SUVs better at towing and handling heavy loads, and it can also make repairs easier because the structure is separated. The hosts connect this architecture to the next Nissan Exterra and why it matters for truck buyers.

“35s” is shorthand for 35-inch tires, a common off-road upgrade that increases ground clearance and improves traction on rough terrain. The hosts imply that fitting 35-inch tires is a major step toward making the Exterra more trail-capable.

The hosts frame Nissan’s strategy as targeting the rugged off-road SUV/pickup segment dominated by models like the Bronco, Wrangler, and 4Runner. This concept is about matching the expectations of buyers who want trail hardware, durability, and capability—not just styling.

The iGauntlet is referenced as an event or test where the hosts have used the Nissan Frontier. In this context, it functions as a real-world proving ground for durability and capability rather than a spec-sheet comparison.

The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck positioned for buyers who want truck capability without going to a full-size truck. It’s mentioned in the podcast alongside other vehicle names as part of a lineup discussion—specifically how Nissan and Infiniti might approach future products. That makes it relevant when talking about what kind of trucks are being targeted and how they’re marketed.

Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand, typically positioned above mainstream Nissan models. In this segment, the hosts suggest Infiniti could take the Exterra concept and sell it as a more upscale, better-equipped alternative. That’s a common strategy: reuse a platform/idea but differentiate with branding and features.

The Lexus GX is a body-on-frame, off-road-capable SUV known for durability and a more traditional truck-like feel. The hosts use it as a benchmark for what a luxury, well-equipped version of an Exterra could aim to be. Comparing a “Lexus GX vs Infiniti” scenario highlights how these brands compete in the rugged-luxury segment.

The Infiniti QX60 is a three-row luxury SUV designed for families who want more comfort and upscale features than a typical mainstream SUV. In the podcast, it’s referenced as an existing model name (QX60) while discussing how an off-road-oriented comparison might be framed. That makes it relevant to the conversation about naming and positioning within Infiniti’s lineup.

“Undercut in price” means setting a lower price than direct competitors to win shoppers on value. In this segment, the hosts say Nissan/Infiniti could price the Exterra below off-road-focused SUVs like the Wrangler, 4Runner, and Bronco. That strategy can increase demand, but it also depends on how much equipment and capability you still include at the lower price.

The Ford Bronco is a modern off-road SUV that competes directly with other trail-focused models. The hosts mention it in the context of pricing—if the Exterra is cheaper than the Bronco, it could pull buyers from Ford’s lineup. This positions the Exterra as a value play in the off-road SUV market.

The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV built for off-road use and long-term durability. In this segment, it’s referenced as a competitor whose pricing the Exterra would aim to beat. That matters because the 4Runner has a loyal buyer base that often prioritizes capability and resale value.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck, and the hosts are comparing pricing “versions of the Tacoma” to the new Exterra’s potential positioning. That implies the Exterra could be priced to compete not only with SUVs, but also with buyers considering a truck. It’s a reminder that off-road shoppers often cross-shop between trucks and body-on-frame SUVs.

Renderings are computer-generated images that show what a vehicle might look like, often before a real prototype or production model exists. The hosts note “some of these are renderings,” meaning some visuals may be speculative. That’s important when evaluating design claims—renderings can be directionally accurate but not final.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize three-row SUV whose platform philosophy has shifted over time between unibody and body-on-frame approaches. In this discussion, the hosts argue that a more body-on-frame, rugged setup could better match the Pathfinder’s “off-road-ready” expectations—especially for trims like Rock Creek.

The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover positioned more toward everyday efficiency and mainstream family use than dedicated off-road capability. Here, it’s mentioned as an alternative within Nissan’s lineup if you want something more efficient than a three-row Pathfinder.

“e-Power” refers to an electrified powertrain strategy where electric motors drive the wheels, while a gasoline engine acts as a generator to supply electricity. This can deliver smooth, responsive acceleration like an EV while still using gasoline for longer-range driving. The key idea is that the engine doesn’t directly drive the wheels.

Electrified powertrains include systems that use electric motors and/or batteries to assist or replace the traditional engine’s job. In this segment, the hosts focus on a setup where electric motors propel the vehicle while a gas engine supports by generating electricity. This affects efficiency, driving feel, and how the vehicle behaves in different speeds and loads.

Wrangler is Jeep’s iconic off-road SUV known for its trail-focused design and strong aftermarket support. It’s mentioned here as part of the high-selling off-road SUV category.

When a new model targets a lower price, it can create “price pressure” across the market—pushing competitors to improve value through better features, incentives, or lower pricing. The hosts connect this to how additional competition can benefit consumers.

The GMC Jimmy is a compact SUV nameplate that historically competed in the off-road and family-SUV space. Here, the hosts mention rumors of a “GMC Jimmy returning” as a true off-roader, which would be a notable shift in how the model is positioned.

“Square body” is a styling term associated with older, boxy truck and SUV designs—often linked to classic American body-on-frame aesthetics. In this segment, AI renderings are being described as showing a modern version of that look, which the hosts think may be too extreme for GM.

“Neo retro” design is a modern vehicle styling approach that deliberately borrows cues from older eras—like boxier shapes, classic grilles, or period-inspired proportions—while still using contemporary engineering and materials. The hosts are debating whether a rumored “square body” look would fit that neo-retro direction.

GM (General Motors) is mentioned as a major automaker that could enter the truck/SUV segment being discussed. In these conversations, “why wouldn’t GM want to get in on that?” usually points to market demand and competitive positioning.

The Hyundai Boulder is a concept SUV shown by Hyundai, and in this discussion it’s specifically described as a body-on-frame design. Concept vehicles like this are often used to preview future production platforms and design direction.

The Kia Tasman is referenced here as a body-on-frame pickup truck Kia is showing for the U.S. market. The hosts also note uncertainty about whether it will actually come to the United States, which matters for anyone tracking Kia’s truck plans.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small pickup truck that Hyundai introduced as a “crossover-like” truck aimed at buyers who want truck utility without going full-size. In this segment, it’s used as an example of Hyundai’s limited sales success compared with Ford’s Maverick, leading to discontinuation.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup known for being relatively affordable and practical, which helped it sell strongly in the U.S. Here, it’s used as the benchmark for what “commitment” in the small-truck market looks like versus Hyundai’s Santa Cruz.

This is a metaphor for trying a new product category with limited commitment—offering a truck but not fully investing in scale, marketing, and product fit. The hosts argue that U.S. pickup buyers expect a serious, purpose-built truck, so partial efforts may struggle.

The Toyota Hilux is a globally popular pickup known for durability and strong sales in many international markets. The hosts suggest the Hyundai Tasman could be a competitor to the Hilux overseas, implying it would need to match the Hilux’s appeal in those regions.

Payload is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry in addition to its own weight—typically measured as how much cargo or passengers it can haul safely. The hosts mention payload as a reason the Tasman could be attractive in certain overseas markets.

This refers to the idea that U.S. pickup customers have strong preferences about styling, size, and overall truck “fit,” so a vehicle that’s merely acceptable elsewhere may struggle. The hosts connect this to why Hyundai would likely need to redesign the Tasman for the U.S. market.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) uses both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor/battery. The key difference versus a regular hybrid is that you can charge the battery from an external power source, enabling more electric-only driving.

A range extender is a small engine (often gasoline) used to generate electricity and extend the driving range of a primarily electric vehicle. It’s not the same as a traditional hybrid because the wheels are typically driven by electric motors, while the engine mainly charges the battery.

The Nissan Xterra is a midsize SUV known for rugged, off-road-oriented styling and body-on-frame roots. In this segment, the hosts mention Nissan pairing it with a V6 (and potentially a V6 hybrid), which signals a focus on larger-displacement engines rather than downsizing immediately.

A V6 engine is a six-cylinder configuration arranged in a V shape, typically balancing smoothness and power with better packaging than a straight-six. In this discussion, the hosts use “V6” to describe Nissan’s strategy of sticking with larger-displacement engines (and possibly hybridizing them) for the Xterra.

“US made with US steel” signals a manufacturing and supply-chain strategy tied to domestic content. For trucks, this can be part of meeting buyer expectations, supporting local production, and aligning with regulations or incentives that favor domestic sourcing.

Ram (often referred to as “Dodge Ram” in conversation) is a brand known for full-size pickup trucks aimed at work and towing. The podcast references Ram introducing something described as “pursued capabl…,” which suggests a focus on capability and performance features. That kind of product talk is typically about how Ram is trying to improve what the truck can do for buyers.

“Pursued capable vehicle” appears to be a Ram branding term describing a truck philosophy focused on capability—likely tying design, engineering, and features to real-world towing, hauling, and off-road/work use. Because it’s presented as something Ram “introducing,” it’s worth explaining as a marketing/positioning concept rather than a standard mechanical component.

“Hemi” refers to Chrysler’s hemispherical combustion-chamber engine design, and “6.4 liter” points to a 6.4L V8 used in certain Ram heavy-duty trucks. In a pursuit/fleet context, the big-displacement V8 is chosen for strong low-end torque and sustained power under load.

The “Power Wagon” is Ram’s off-road–oriented heavy-duty model known for stronger drivetrain components and a more capable axle setup. The speaker says they’re using a rear axle from a Power Wagon, which implies improved durability and gearing suited for demanding use.

The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty, off-road-oriented version of Ram’s pickup lineup, known for aggressive capability. The podcast specifically mentions using a rear axle from a Power Wagon into another truck build, highlighting its off-road hardware and strength. That’s why it’s brought up: it represents rugged components intended for tough driving and work use.

The rear axle ratio (here described as “4.10 to one”) is the gearing between the driveshaft and the rear differential. A numerically higher ratio like 4.10 typically improves acceleration and pulling power, which is useful for heavy vehicles and stop-and-go pursuit or towing.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) sends power to both the front and rear axles for better traction. For pursuit and government fleet use, 4WD helps maintain grip in rain, snow, or uneven road conditions and improves confidence during hard launches.

A crew cab is a pickup configuration with four full-size doors and seating for multiple passengers. For fleet and government vehicles, crew cab layouts are common because they allow more personnel to ride together comfortably.

A “standard bed” refers to a conventional-length pickup cargo bed rather than a shorter or longer variant. Bed length matters for fleet use because it affects how equipment can be stored or mounted and how the truck fits in service areas.

A fleet vehicle is purchased in volume by organizations like police departments or government agencies, often with simplified options and pricing aimed at total cost of ownership. Because fleets buy many units, manufacturers may offer configurations that prioritize durability, upfit compatibility, and predictable maintenance.

A “pursuit truck” is a police or government vehicle configured for high-performance, high-durability driving—often with stronger drivetrain components, specific gearing, and accessory-ready packaging. The point is to balance acceleration, traction, and reliability for repeated hard use rather than just normal commuting.

The California Highway Patrol is a state law-enforcement agency that conducts vehicle testing and uses specialized equipment. Mentioning them provides context for why certain trucks are configured for enforcement and regulatory work.

The Tesla Semi is an electric semi-truck intended for long-haul freight, with the goal of reducing emissions and changing how trucking fleets operate. The podcast mentions it in the context of enforcing laws around semi trucks, which ties into how regulations can affect adoption and operations. That makes it relevant because legal and compliance requirements can influence when and how electric trucks are used.

Mobile scales are portable weighing systems used to measure commercial vehicle weights on the road. Equipping a truck with mobile scales and gear supports enforcement of regulations like weight limits for semi trucks.

Police agencies often use standardized acceleration tests (like 0–60, 0–80, and 0–100 mph) to compare vehicles under repeatable conditions. These tests focus on real-world pursuit and response performance rather than just peak horsepower.

Michigan State Police is a state law-enforcement agency that tested the vehicle’s acceleration performance. Their testing criteria (0–60, 0–80, 0–100) is a clue that the truck is being evaluated for pursuit/response suitability.

The host is quoting a measured 0–60 mph time (here, about 8.4 seconds). For a heavy-duty truck, that’s a useful real-world performance datapoint, but it’s not typically “sports car fast.”

The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s pickup truck based on the Wrangler platform, combining truck utility with off-road hardware. Here it’s specifically tied to Jeep’s monthly special releases, including a retro-themed appearance.

An appearance package is a factory bundle of cosmetic upgrades—like exterior colors, decals/graphics, wheels, and interior trim—without necessarily changing the core mechanical performance. Automakers use them to create limited-time or themed editions that are easier to buy than full custom builds.

V8 refers to an engine with eight cylinders. In truck and off-road discussions, V8s are often associated with strong low-end torque and a more traditional “muscle” feel compared with smaller turbo engines.

Onyx is the partner the hosts mention for organizing a trip. In this context, it’s tied to the “rugged adventure” video series they’re producing around Moab trails.

The hosts refer to the “hundred series Land Cruiser,” specifically an 05 Toyota Land Cruiser. The point they’re making is that it’s close to stock and still capable on Moab trails, with changes mostly limited to tires.

“LR3” refers to the Land Rover LR3, and the hosts specify it’s a 06 model. They emphasize it’s also close to stock, with the main change being tires, showing how capable it can be on trails that don’t require heavy mods.

“Close to stock” means the vehicles are largely unmodified from how they left the factory. The hosts clarify that the main change is tires, which matters because tire choice often has the biggest impact on traction for off-road driving.

A “trail rated” badge is associated with Jeep’s off-road certification branding, used to signal that a vehicle meets certain off-road capability criteria. Here it’s mentioned as a prank detail—Tommy puts the badge on the Land Cruiser to joke around.

The Ford Explorer is a mainstream SUV that, in this discussion, is used as a reference point for components used in the Land Rover LR3. The hosts claim the LR3’s four-liter V6 is sourced from or related to the Explorer, which is why some people make the “it’s just a Ford Explorer” comparison.

“Factory four by fours” refers to off-road-capable SUVs that come from the manufacturer with the right hardware for trails, rather than being heavily modified. The hosts suggest that many stock 4x4s can handle similar obstacles if they’re reasonably rugged and have appropriate tires.

The Subaru Outback is a crossover/wagon-style vehicle known for all-weather capability and standard all-wheel drive, but it’s not typically built for serious off-road obstacles. The hosts answer “No” to doing the same trails in an Outback, implying that ground clearance, tires, and low-range/off-road hardware matter for tougher routes.

“Finns and Things” refers to a specific off-road trail/route in the Moab area. Trails like this are often known by name because they have distinct difficulty, terrain, and line choices that affect how you plan a trip.

“Off the beaten path” means choosing routes or trails that are less popular and less crowded. In off-roading, that often translates to fewer people, less congestion, and sometimes more interesting or lesser-known terrain.

The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup from Ram (Stellantis). In this segment, the hosts are specifically talking about a Ram 1500 build that’s been modified for performance and stance, including a supercharged engine and lowered suspension. It’s an example of how modern trucks are being turned into “mean street” style machines.

A supercharger is an engine-mounted forced-induction device that increases the amount of air entering the engine. More air (and fuel) generally means more power, especially at lower engine speeds where turbo lag can be more noticeable. In a truck context, it’s often used to make acceleration feel stronger and more immediate.

“5.7 liter Hemi” refers to Chrysler/Ram’s 5.7L V8 engine family commonly called the HEMI. The “Hemi” name is associated with hemispherical combustion chamber shapes, which can support efficient airflow and strong performance. In this segment, it’s the base engine that’s being supercharged for the truck package.

A splitter is an aerodynamic add-on mounted near the front bumper that extends forward and helps manage airflow under the vehicle. On street-oriented builds, it’s often used to improve front-end aero balance and increase the “planted” look. While it’s not the same as a full race aero package, it’s a common mod on performance trucks and cars.

Fox Factory is an aftermarket suspension and off-road performance company known for shocks, struts, and related components. In this segment, Fox Factory is described as doing the conversion work for the Ram truck package, including lowering the front and rear ride height. That implies the build is engineered around suspension changes, not just cosmetic mods.

Lowering a truck reduces ride height by changing suspension geometry and/or using different springs/shocks. Dropping the rear by four inches (and the front by two inches, as mentioned next) changes the truck’s stance and can improve visual “fitment.” It can also affect ride comfort, tire wear, and how the truck handles bumps, so it’s a meaningful engineering change.

Lowering the front by two inches (while the rear is lowered more) creates a specific rake and stance. That can help the truck look more aggressive and can also change weight transfer and steering feel. Because the front and rear are lowered differently, it’s likely tuned for how the truck sits and drives as a package.

A towing test is a structured evaluation of how a vehicle behaves while pulling a trailer, typically measuring things like speed under load, braking performance, and fuel consumption. It’s especially useful for comparing powertrains because towing reveals weaknesses that normal driving doesn’t.

Octane rating indicates a fuel’s resistance to engine knock (premature combustion). If the truck is tuned for higher performance—especially with forced induction—it may require at least 91 octane to run safely and maintain power without knocking.

“Buy and operate” highlights total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. For performance trucks, operating costs can include premium fuel, higher insurance, maintenance, and potentially more expensive repairs due to complexity.

A “100 MPG loop” is a controlled route/test designed to measure fuel economy under repeatable conditions. It’s useful for comparing gas vs diesel, but it doesn’t automatically predict real-world outcomes like towing loads or 10-year maintenance.

The hosts are comparing gasoline and diesel trucks in terms of efficiency (MPG) and real-world operating costs. Diesel often wins on fuel economy, but long-term maintenance and repair costs can be harder to predict without long-term testing.

“Duramax” is General Motors’ diesel engine family, and “6.6 Duramax” indicates a 6.6-liter diesel used in certain Chevrolet/GMC heavy-duty trucks. Diesel engines like this are often chosen for towing and fuel economy, but maintenance items can differ from gasoline engines.

Diesel engines can have different wear items and service intervals than gas engines, and some costs only show up after years of use. That’s why the hosts call long-term diesel maintenance “hard to calculate” without extended testing.

The episode is weighing total cost of ownership between diesel and gas trucks. Even if diesel can be more efficient, maintenance and repair costs can be higher over time depending on engine complexity and parts.

Diesel fuel pricing often differs from gasoline due to refining and supply factors. In this segment, the hosts point out that diesel has typically cost more than gas, which affects how quickly fuel savings show up.

Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel with very low sulfur levels. The hosts suggest it takes more refining effort to produce, which can contribute to diesel costing more than gasoline.

Diesel engines are often favored for towing because they typically produce strong low-end torque and can be more fuel-efficient under load. This is why diesel trucks are commonly chosen for heavy-duty work like hauling trailers.

“Cummins” refers to trucks equipped with Cummins diesel engines, while “Hemi” refers to Chrysler’s HEMI V8 gasoline engines. The hosts are comparing how each powertrain performs in real towing conditions to see which is better for fuel economy.

Diesel engines are often chosen over gas engines for towing because they typically deliver stronger low-end torque and better fuel economy under load. That can make long-distance towing less stressful on the drivetrain and cheaper to operate—if you actually use the truck the way it’s intended.

Towing efficiency is how effectively a powertrain moves a trailer with minimal fuel use and less strain. Diesel engines are commonly marketed as more efficient for towing because of torque characteristics and how they maintain power at lower engine speeds.

“HD” usually means heavy-duty trucks, which are built with stronger components for sustained towing and hauling. They often have higher-capacity cooling, upgraded brakes, and drivetrains tuned for load-carrying work rather than just everyday driving.

Elevation reduces engine performance because the air is thinner, which lowers the amount of oxygen available for combustion. Gas engines are especially noticeable in this scenario, often feeling “anemic” because they can’t make as much power as they do at sea level.

“12 valve” refers to a specific generation of Cummins diesel engines (commonly the 5.9L 12-valve Cummins) known for strong low-end torque and a reputation for being popular with enthusiasts. When someone says their “12 valve cost eight,” they’re comparing the purchase cost of that older diesel setup versus newer diesel options.

“Neramax option” appears to be a mishearing of “Duramax option,” which refers to GM’s Duramax diesel engine option. The speaker is comparing the cost of a new diesel option (like Duramax) versus buying a used truck.

A manual transmission uses a clutch pedal and gear lever so the driver selects each gear. It’s often associated with more direct driver control and a different driving feel than automatic transmissions.

“Three pedals” is a quick way to describe a typical manual-transmission setup: clutch, brake, and accelerator. Seeing three pedals helps confirm the truck is not an automatic.