I enjoy it when a vehicle attempts to do something different. I realize the proposition of being too different is often risky and fraught with a certain level of probable failure, but that’s how the bar moves in the auto industry. Pushing the bar, like the Nissan Frontier does, makes everyone in the class a little bit better.

Perhaps the differences my Frontier 4x4 Crew Cab LE exhibits are what really make me like this compact-class pickup. The Nissan Frontier does so many things well, and it’s just different enough from the rest that I give it high marks for trying – and succeeding.

On the outside, the crew cab achieves enough brawny attitude that it looks capable of getting off the pavement (a harbinger of things to come). Sleek lines run over the front hood, cascading across the roofline and diving into the rear box. All the great exterior style is in the front two-thirds of the vehicle. My LE tester had big 18-inch alloy rims as well as chrome treatments on the front grille, front and rear bumpers and side mirrors. This gave it a nice sense of class without getting too weak (it is a truck, right?).

The front fenders wrap around and into the front wheel wells in one flowing motion. Big, flared wells give the truck its signature look while not forgetting to spout a little attitude. Adding to the ’tude were the tubular step rails and roof rack adorning the cabin top. This Nissan wants to go off road (even though most will never get a chance).

While a 6-foot bed is standard for the king cab, crew cab models come standard with a 5-foot bed; the 6-footer is available as an option. The entry-level Frontier is the XE ($29,190) and progressive packages such as the SE, LE and PRO-4X are simply added on. Some people do not like the large add-on packages and prefer their options a la carte, but I like this way of optioning up because Nissan includes the right equipment and doesn’t leave me yearning for something left off.

The LE package ($1,600) includes fog lights, a spray-on bed liner, the really useful Utili-Track cargo-management system, keyless entry, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and a first aid kit. My LE tester had the technology package, which included an outstanding 10-speaker audio system upgrade with a six-CD changer with auxiliary jack, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, satellite radio and Bluetooth. The traction package is available with the technology package – but only in 4x4 models with automatic transmissions – adding hill-start assist, hill descent control and stability control.

Inside the cabin you will find power controls and comfortable leather seating, with power adjustments for the driver. Plenty of leg and headroom up front allow for comfortable long hauls. The dash and front surfaces are fraught with cheap plastic, and while not unattractive, they are hard to the touch and do not add to the comfort factor whatsoever.

Back seat passengers will not find the legroom available in the front. Back seats are definitely firmer and less comfortable, but kids never complained. Helping add to the ride quality inside the cabin was a $700 optional moon roof with power tilt and slide as well as an appreciated sunshade.

The Nissan Frontier offers two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque) and a 4.0-liter V-6 (261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet). For buyers choosing crew cabs and four-wheel-drive models like my LE, only the V-6 is available. The four-cylinder has a standard five-speed manual transmission with an optional five-speed automatic on the SE. The V-6 is equipped with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.

My V-6 model had no problem jumping in and out of traffic. I enjoyed the sprite response and I admired the way it handled on the highway, though in general it is a bit stiffer, especially noticeable on longer trips.

In government crash tests, the 2009 Nissan Frontier was rated at four out of five stars for driver protection in frontal collisions and a top five-star rating for side impacts. Front-passenger protection was rated at four stars for the crew cab.

In the bed of my LE tester was the Utili-Track system, which uses a sliding tie-down system that employs removable cleats and a host of accessories like dividers, trays, storage bins and bike racks, providing a flexible cargo storage solution for work or play.

Overall, at $32,340, you get a lot of truck from Nissan. This truck is at the frontier of flexibility and style while remaining utilitarian at its core, something truck owners like to see, but not at the cost of comfort – which Frontier has, too.

2009 NISSAN FRONTIER 4X4 CREW CAB LE

ENGINE: 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: five-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: four-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 14 city/19 highway

BASE PRICE: $26,540

AS TESTED: $32,340

WEB SITE: nissanusa.com