1986 Nissan King Cab Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Nissan King Cab pickup truck from this generation ranges approximately between 1,200 kg to 1,450 kg (2,645 lbs to 3,197 lbs), depending on the model variant, engine choice, and optional equipment fitted. The lighter weight contributes positively to fuel efficiency and handling, especially considering its compact pickup design. Variants with 4WD or heavier-duty engines might weigh closer to the upper end of this range, while basic 2WD models tend to be lighter. This weight class positions the King Cab as a practical, versatile pickup truck suitable for both commercial use and personal transport.

The Nissan King Cab features an extended cab design with additional space behind the front seats compared to a regular two-door pickup. The interior cabin length is generally around 1,200 mm (47 inches) or slightly more, providing extra legroom for rear passengers or cargo. Rear seating is often more of an occasional-use space with foldable jump seats rather than full-sized seats, meaning the King Cab strikes a balance between passenger accommodation and cargo versatility. This extra cab space enhances comfort for short trips with additional passengers or securely storing items inside the cab.

Yes, the Nissan King Cab from 1988 to 2005 generally fits into a standard residential garage. Given its approximate length of 4,650 mm (183 inches or about 15 feet), width around 1,690 mm (66.5 inches or 5.5 feet), and height near 1,650 mm (65 inches or 5.4 feet), it fits comfortably within the typical garage dimensions of around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. This makes parking and storage at home convenient for most users. However, garage door height should also be considered, but the King Cab's height is modest enough to clear standard residential garage door openings.

Compared to its predecessor, the earlier Nissan King Cab pickups from the early 1980s (pre-1988 models) were generally slightly smaller in overall dimensions. The 1988-2005 King Cab offers a noticeable increase especially in cabin space, thanks to a more elongated cab design that enhances rear passenger and cargo capacity. The modernized design includes improvements in width and height to offer a more comfortable interior and better road presence. In terms of length, the newer models also typically have slightly longer beds depending on specific trims. Overall, the 1988-2005 generation represents a practical evolution with a better balance of size and functionality compared to earlier versions.

The Nissan King Cab (1988-2005) is generally a compact to mid-size pickup when compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Mighty Max produced in the same era. Its length of around 4,650 mm (183 inches) and width of 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) falls often a bit shorter and narrower than some of its midsize rivals, which sometimes approach or exceed 5,000 mm (197 inches) in length. This makes the King Cab especially well-suited for customers valuing maneuverability and easier urban driving. While it may have a smaller bed and interior space compared to some American or other midsize pickups, it compensates with reliability, economy, and practical size for everyday use.

The cargo bed of the Nissan King Cab in this generation typically measures around 1,800 mm (71 inches) in length, 1,450 mm (57 inches) in width, and roughly 430 mm (17 inches) in height. These dimensions provide an ample cargo area for carrying medium-sized loads, suitable for both personal and light commercial use. The bed length is shorter than traditional full-size pickups to balance the extended cab and overall manageable vehicle length. The relatively deep bed depth offers good load security and capacity while the width provides enough room for pallet-sized items or construction materials, making it a practical choice for versatile use.

The Nissan King Cab from 1988-2005 usually has a ground clearance of about 200 mm (7.9 inches), which is fairly typical for compact pickup trucks of this period. This ground clearance allows it to handle moderate off-road conditions such as dirt roads, gravel paths, and uneven terrain with relative ease. It strikes a balance between on-road comfort and off-road ability, making it versatile for rural or adventurous drivers. However, it may not be as capable in very rugged off-road conditions as larger pickups or dedicated 4x4 off-road vehicles with higher ground clearance.

The fuel tank of the Nissan King Cab pickup houses approximately 50 liters (13.2 US gallons). Considering its compact size and engine options, this fuel capacity provides reasonable driving range suitable for both urban and highway use. Depending on engine type, transmission, and driving conditions, the truck's fuel consumption typically ranges from 8 to 11 liters per 100 kilometers (27 to 21 miles per gallon). This means the King Cab can usually travel roughly between 450 to 600 kilometers (280 to 375 miles) on a full tank, delivering a practical balance between fuel economy and utility for daily or work-related driving tasks.

Over its production period from 1988 to 2005, the Nissan King Cab offered a variety of engines including four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, typically ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 liters in displacement. These engines balanced modest power output with reliable and efficient performance. For example, the 2.4L four-cylinder petrol engine was popular for urban commuting and light-duty hauling, offering reasonable horsepower and torque. Diesel variants provided enhanced torque for better payload and towing capabilities, favored in commercial or rural applications. The engines supported manual and automatic transmissions, allowing buyers to choose a setup that matched their specific performance and efficiency needs.