Walk through a modern truck showroom, and the trend is unmistakable. Screens are getting bigger, engines are getting smaller and more turbocharged, and the price of genuine off-road capability keeps climbing toward the top of every lineup. Nissan looked at that landscape and decided there was room for something simpler. The 2027 Frontier Sport Edition follows the well-received Dark Armor package with a formula that prioritizes hardware over flash: real off-road equipment, a punch of color, and a proven V6, all bundled into a mid-tier trim that does not require stepping up to the range-topping model. Expected at dealers late summer 2026, it is Nissan’s answer to a question more buyers are asking, which is why off-road readiness has to be so expensive.

A Goldilocks truck, by design

The cleverest thing about the Sport Edition is where it sits in the lineup. Built on the mid-range SV grade, it occupies the middle of the Frontier range deliberately, giving buyers a meaningful jump in off-road capability without the full financial commitment of the PRO-4X. Senior Product Planning manager Brent Hagan described it as a Goldilocks option for value-oriented customers who like getting off the beaten path, and the framing is apt. Not too basic, not too expensive, and equipped with exactly the hardware most weekend adventurers actually use.

That positioning shows a real shift in the market. Demand for off-road options at accessible price points has grown faster than the industry’s willingness to provide them, with most capable trims clustered at the top of truck lineups where the prices live. By placing genuine off-road equipment in the middle of the range, Nissan is betting that a large group of buyers wants the look and the function of a trail-ready truck without paying for the maximum-capability flagship they will rarely push to its limits.

What you actually get

The hardware list is refreshingly free of fluff. Standard equipment includes all-terrain tires wrapped around unique black off-road-style 17-inch wheels, an aluminum skid plate to protect the underbody, fog lamps, and front accent lighting mounted atop the grille for better visibility when the trail gets dark. These are the upgrades that matter when pavement ends, chosen because they address real needs rather than padding a spec sheet.

The visual treatment backs up the function. Unique Sport graphics, black exterior mirrors, a black lower fascia, and a black grille give the truck a purposeful, no-nonsense stance, while the cabin gets a two-tone interior with yellow accents and contrast stitching throughout. Yellow trim surrounds the seats, the console, and the shifter area, lending the interior a genuinely athletic character that distinguishes it from the workmanlike base trims. It is a look that announces intent without shouting, which fits the truck’s broader philosophy.

The engine nobody else offers

Here is where the Frontier makes its quietest but most compelling argument. As the midsize truck class steadily abandons six-cylinder engines in favor of turbocharged four-cylinders, the Frontier holds onto a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6, which Nissan claims is the most powerful naturally aspirated V6 in its class. Paired with a nine-speed automatic, it tows up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped, and it does so without the turbo lag or long-term complexity that forced induction can introduce.

For a certain kind of buyer, this matters enormously. A naturally aspirated V6 is simpler, more predictable, and historically more durable than a small turbocharged engine working hard to move a heavy truck. Hagan framed it as a proven powertrain equipped for everything from off-roading to hauling, and the durability data supports the claim. Nissan says 92% of Frontier trucks sold over the last decade are still on the road, a figure rooted in body-on-frame construction, high-strength steel in the frame, and the kind of extensive testing that a workhorse vehicle demands. In a segment increasingly defined by downsizing, the Frontier’s commitment to a big, simple six is becoming a genuine point of difference.

A platform built to be modified

The Sport Edition is trail-ready as it leaves the showroom, but Nissan clearly sees it as a starting point rather than a finished product. The Frontier fanbase has a strong appetite for customization, and the numbers prove it. The Frontier Lift Kit was the best-selling NISMO accessory in fiscal year 2025, and the Frontier accounted for over a quarter of all Nissan Motorsports accessory sales that year, a remarkable share for a single model.

That ecosystem is the Sport Edition’s secret weapon. NISMO Off Road offers a growing line of Frontier accessories ranging from lift kits to beadlock wheels to high-performance suspension, all of which can be installed while maintaining the factory limited warranty. Motorsports manager Matthew Cole expects the Sport Edition to push accessory sales even higher, and the logic holds. A truck that arrives capable and is designed to be made more capable gives buyers a clear upgrade path, turning a single purchase into an ongoing relationship with the brand’s parts catalog.

A sensible bet in a complicated market

The Frontier Sport Edition is not trying to be the most capable truck in its class, nor the most luxurious, nor the most technologically advanced. It is trying to be the most sensible, and in 2026, that is a surprisingly open lane. By packaging genuine off-road hardware into an affordable mid-tier trim, keeping a durable naturally aspirated V6 when rivals are downsizing, and plugging into a thriving accessory ecosystem, Nissan has built a truck that understands its buyer rather than chasing a spec-sheet war it does not need to win. Pricing will be announced early in the summer, with the truck arriving at dealers shortly after. Whether the Sport Edition becomes a sales success will depend on that number, but the thinking behind it is sound. There is a real and growing group of truck buyers who want capability without complexity and adventure without a second mortgage. The Frontier Sport Edition was built for exactly those people, and right now it has the lane mostly to itself.

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The 2026 Lexus RX is a pillar in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, and for good reason. It’s comfortable, quiet, and easy to drive. In fact, it’s almost too easy to drive—so much so that you can practically fall asleep at the wheel. The RX is available in three flavors: gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. My tester came in 500h F Sport guise, meaning it’s the range-topping hybrid before crossing into plug-in territory.

The F Sport Performance model adds quite a bit of oomph to the RX’s look and feel. Its two-motor hybrid system and 2.4-liter turbo-four engine produce a total of 366 horsepower, compared to the non-F Sport’s 295. In terms of styling, it’s more aggressive, bolder, and inside, very red. It’s also a bit of a rolling contradiction.

While this model is a go-to for folks looking for a luxe SUV, buyers must beware that while some RX models may look sporty, and in this case of the F Sport Performance, it boasts a healthy hp figure, this isn’t an SUV that caters to enthusiasts. This extra power is primarily designed to help with passing on the highway or to feel some sense of sportiness when driving around town. Folks looking for better handling, steering feedback, or sporty dynamics should consider its crosstown rival, the Acura MDX Type S, or go European.

Cons

• Slightly contradicting exterior looks. The elegant and understated design clashes a bit too much with the F Sport elements, such as the body molding, larger black wheels, and orange calipers. It comes off a bit try-hard.
• It’s a similar situation inside the cabin. The red interior is too much, and it doesn’t match the RX’s overall persona.
• The F Sport seats are too heavily bolstered. This isn’t the canyon-carving SUV, its seats would lead you to believe. They are downright uncomfortable, especially if you are on the larger side.
• Even with the adaptive suspension, the F Sport package’s tire-and-wheel combo does not offer much better sporty handling. Ride quality suffers a bit in normal driving conditions.
• Confusing tech with touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons, and overall, a very confusing infotainment interface.

Pros

• Serene ride. The cabin is well insulated, making for a peaceful and quiet ride down the highway.
• Steering the RX requires minimal effort in any situation, making it ideal for folks looking to get from Point A to Point B without having to think about driving.
• Sound experience. Paired with the quiet cabin, the optional $1,160 Mark Levinson premium sound system makes for a great place to pass the time on a road trip. The sound is strong and clear regardless of what kind of jams you get down to.
• Swanky rear accommodations. Rear seats get both heated and ventilated seats, as well as their own climate zone and two USB-C charging ports.
• Plenty of rear cargo space.
• Strong resale value. You can’t go wrong with a Toyota.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a luxurious but also practical and comfortable SUV, the 2026 Lexus RX should be a candidate on your list. For best results, skip the F Sport Performance trim and go for the 350h. That’ll save you some cash while getting the best RX experience.

Lexus provided The Drive with a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of writing this review. 

2026 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD Specs

Base Price (As Tested)	$67,650 ($78,970)
Powertrain	2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four paired to a hybrid motor | eCVT | all-wheel drive
Horsepower	366
Torque	406 lb-ft
Seating Capacity	5
Cargo Volume	29.5 cubic feet behind second row | 46.1 cubic feet behind first row
Curb Weight	4,750 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy	27 mpg city | 28 mpg highway | 27 mpg combined
Score	5/10

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Ever since the full-size Nissan Titan departed after the 2024 model year, the midsize Frontier has been Nissan’s only competitor in the pickup truck segment. Now, Nissan has handed the Frontier a few upgrades for the 2027 model year to keep pace with rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. The big news is the addition of the new Sport Edition package, a rugged upgrade that adds some Pro-4X-inspired gear to the mid-range SV trim. With this pack, the Frontier also gains some new trim and eye-popping colors to make it stand out from other models. Here’s everything that’s new for the tough Nissan.

Nissan Frontier Sport Edition

Although not as capable as the Pro-X and Pro-4X models, the Frontier borrows some of the visual changes found on those models, including a black lower front fascia, grille, and mirrors. Sport lettering can also be found on the bedside and tailgate. The following extras are also added for Sport Edition models:

• Black off-road-style 17-inch wheels
• Hankook Dynapro all-terrain tires
• Aluminum skid plate
• LED fog lights and front accent lighting
• Durable black upholstery with high-contrast yellow accent stitching

Like all other Frontiers, the Sport Edition uses a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The towing capacity stays at 7,150 pounds, which is solid but not as strong as the Chevy Colorado’s class-leading figure of 7,700 lbs. There’s no mention of the Bilstein shock absorbers found on the Pro-X and Pro-4X, though, so the Sport Edition is more of a middle ground between the SV and those models. It does come with Sand, Mud, and Rock driving modes, though.

“The Frontier Sport Edition delivers a more athletic appearance that answers our customers’ calls for a stylish, distinctive truck backed by capability that supports their active, outdoor lifestyles,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada.

Related: This Frontier V6 Survived 300 Hours at Redline—Now It’s Nissan’s 20 Millionth Engine

What Else Is New For The 2027 Frontier?

The other changes for the 2027 Nissan Frontier are small but welcome. Alpine White Metallic is a newly available color for the pickup’s exterior, while the Pro Convenience package adds an upgraded Qi2-compatible wireless charger. This charger positions the phone correctly via magnets, has a cooling fan to keep your device’s temperature low, and charges faster and more consistently. Pro-X and Pro-4X variants add a new Moonroof Package with the Convenience Package, allowing for more flexibility when choosing standalone features.

That’s about it for the changes, with the truck still getting a standard eight-inch touchscreen and optional 12.3-inch unit. Advanced features like a 360-degree monitor, remote engine start, and a 10-speaker Fender premium sound system are all available.

Nissan will only announce pricing before the 2027 Frontier reaches showrooms later this summer. The current 2026 model starts at $32,150 for the base King Cab and goes up to $33,550 for the Crew Cab. The SV Crew Cab starts at $36,190, so with a small price increase and the Sport Edition’s extras, this particular 2027 model will likely start at around $38,000.

Related: I Drove The 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro4X Off-Road: Here’s How It Did

Final Thoughts

Sales of the Nissan Frontier increased by 47.9% in the first quarter of 2026, so demand for the midsize pickup is strong right now. That explains why the 2027 model’s changes don’t rock the boat, with just enough that’s new to keep customers interested. The new Sport Edition will compete closely with the Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, another mid-range trim with some welcome extras, but without the serious off-road hardware of higher-spec models. Now that Nissan’s SUVs and pickups are back on track, it just needs to find a solution to substantially lower sedan sales.

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Grand Sport Returns

After months of speculation, Chevrolet has officially confirmed that the C8 Corvette will receive a Grand Sport trim. The announcement, reported by Hagerty, took place during the 12 Hours of Sebring, where the new C8 variant was showcased alongside previous Grand Sport models.

As seen in previous spy shots, the new C8 Corvette Grand Sport features the Admiral Blue paint traditionally associated with the trim, along with the signature dual red hash marks. For the first time, however, those accents have been moved from the front to the rear quarter panel – likely reflecting the Corvette’s shift to a mid-engine layout. Facebook user Steve Boulter shared a photo of the car at the track in the C8 Corvette Owners Facebook group (see photo above). The full details haven’t been disclosed, but the report did confirm that the vehicle is getting a new V8.

A Bigger V8 Could Be Coming

Based on earlier rumors, the new trim could receive a new naturally aspirated small-block V8 bearing the LS6 designation, a name historically associated with high-performance engine variants. The engine could feature a 6.7-liter displacement, making it larger than the base Corvette Stingray’s naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LT2 V8.

Given that the Grand Sport is expected to slot above the Stingray, it will likely produce more than the base model’s 495 horsepower. It is also expected to retain a rear-wheel-drive layout, unlike the all-wheel-drive system used in the Corvette E-Ray.

Speaking of the Corvette E-Ray, reports suggest Chevrolet may rename the hybrid trim the Grand Sport X. The current E-Ray badge appears to cause some confusion, as some buyers assume the “E” means the car is fully electric, which could potentially affect buyer perception. Adopting the Grand Sport name would give the model a more familiar badge.

Expanding the Lineup

The upcoming Corvette Grand Sport could emerge as a volume leader, serving as a “sweet spot” between the base Stingray and the more track-focused Z06. Above it sit more extreme variants like the ZR1 and ZR1X, with the latter featuring an AWD system and a hybrid setup producing a combined 1,250 horsepower.

The 12 Hours of Sebring, where the new Corvette trim was unveiled, is the second race of the 2026 IMSA SportsCar Championship season. The report also noted that Grand Sport models from various generations hit the track for a parade lap before the race began on Saturday.

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