The segment of mid-size trucks is live again, so it’s no wonder that the Frontier is about to finally come redesigned, after more than 15 years. However, latest reports suggest that this will happen in the next year, which clearly indicates that the 2020 Nissan Frontier will continue in the same way. It will be the last year model of the current generation, which has been introduced way back in 2004. Somehow, the Frontier managed to keep relatively decent sales numbers, mainly because of the super affordable price. In most aspects, this truck is way too old, but low initial costs, great durability and cheap maintenance is definitely something highly beneficial for a work machine. This will change soon, as the next generation is about to come with much more refined design, with improved performances, ride quality and many more things.
When to expect the redesigned model?
The new generation of this pickup will probably come in the next year. That means that the 2020 Nissan Frontier will continue in the same way, without more important changes. As for the new model, we count on significant improvements in many aspects. In practice, that won’t be too hard, considering the age of the current model. The new model will borrow a lot of design solutions from the Navara. The internationally-offered truck is far more up-to-date and it is actually a complete opposite to the current Frontier. It is one of the most refined trucks on the market, with excellent comfort and driving characteristics. After all, it serves as the basis for the luxury Mercedes-Benz X-Class, as well as for the comfort-oriented Renault Alaskan.
Of course, we count on completely new aesthetics, as well as on a new powertrain lineup, which should include diesel version as well. Unfortunately, the exact details are still unavailable.
2020 Nissan Frontier Specs
When it comes to base 2020 Nissan Frontier specs, expect no changes, as we already mentioned. This will be the last production year of the current generation, so it doesn’t make sense to expect anything to change. When it comes to the styling, there isn’t much to say about this truck. It hasn’t been changed for years, so it definitely looks outdated compared to competitors. Still, the styling isn’t the only concert. The ride quality is also pretty truckish for today’s standards, though we have to say that the transmission works pretty good.
On the inside, you can definitely see the influence of the early ‘00s. The overall quality is okay, though the dashboard and the rest of the cabin look very Spartan for today’s standards. Materials are mostly hard plastics, though they seem durable. Another obvious indicator of the Frontier’s age is seat design. There are pretty flat, with almost no side support, which can’t be four even in work truck models these days. Speaking of the seats, the capacity depends on the cab style you choose. There is a so-called Kind Cab, which is a kind of an extended cab, where rear seats are best to be left for kids. On the other side, Crew Cab is notably more spacious, with enough room to accommodate five adult passengers. Also, there are two bed sizes in the offer – 5 or 6.1 foot long.
Features
Given the age, the 2020 Nissan Frontier won’t feature a too long list of standard equipment. Still, trims are organized into four main versions. The base S model is a typical work truck and you definitely won’t find too much standard equipment. Still, there are things like 7-inch central display, steering wheel audio controls, CD player etc.
The SV adds some nice upgrades, especially in optional packages. You can get things like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and two extra speakers.
As its name says, the Desert Runner is an off-road version. Some of the highlights are exclusive styling details, foglights, high-performance shock absorbers and off-road tires.
Still, the 2020 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X will be the real deal when it comes to off-road performances. This one comes with knobby off-road tires, specially tuned shocks, a locking rear differential and skid plates etc. Also, there are some nice interior features like navigation, 10-speaker audio system etc.
2020 Nissan Frontier Engines
Despite rumors about the 2020 Nissan Frontier diesel engine, it looks like the oil-burner will wait for the next generation. The upcoming model will continue with two familiar gasoline units. Base models will carry on with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit, which is good for 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, which seem okay for a daily ride. Still, if you prefer a little bit better performance, you should definitely go for an optional V6. It is a well-known and proven 4.0-liter unit, which is good for about 260 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
When it comes to transmission, you have a choice between manual and automatic gearboxes.
2020 Nissan Frontier Release Date and Price
Give the lack of changes, the 2020 Nissan Frontier is about to hit the market sometime late in the year. Also, we don’t expect changes in price, so the upcoming model should continue with super-affordable 19.000 dollars for the base models. Key competitors in the segment are models like Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado, though both models are significantly more up to date in all aspects.
