A Nissan Frontier upgrade has long been overdue. But now that it’s been confirmed customers can expect the next generation of the midsize pickup to arrive soon.
“It is a priority for us,” said Ivan Espinosa, corporate vice president of Global and Japan product planning.
The new Nissan Frontier is set to debut next year, but Nissan officials have not made up their minds whether to launch the model at an auto show or a standalone event.
The current Frontier on the market dates back to the 2005 model year, which was followed by a refresh in 2009. Nonetheless, it’s 10 years too long without a model upgrade. Add to that the fact that the Xterra SUV, which was based on the same body-on-frame platform, has long been discontinued by Nissan.
Despite its age, however, the Frontier still proves to be an efficient model for the brand as it continues to outsell its competitors in the form of the GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline, and is not too far behind the leading Ford Ranger in the United States.
Asked about the upcoming Nissan Frontier that’s currently in production in an interview with MotorTrend, Espinosa said: “I think it will be a home run.”
The new Frontier is reportedly being built on the same basic platform it is currently on but will also get modifications to carry the chassis and electrical architecture to make it competitive on the market. Additionally, the pickup will feature the latest safety, driver-assist, and connectivity technology from Nissan.
Espinosa, however, remains mum on the powertrain that will be equipped on the new Frontier, except that it will be “different and better.” The 2019 Frontier is powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 that makes 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It has a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic, that is nowhere near what’s in demand today.
As for the overall look, Global Vice President of Design Alfonso Albaisa refused to confirm if the company has a final design for the model. But he said that the truck will have the “spirituality of adventure,” will look “strong,” and will be “revolutionary” in design.
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