The Nissan Hardbody Edition Frontier is beautiful. Is it possible not to like it? It’s only a style package, but the three-spoke wheels, 4×4 logos, and black front bumper that make it look like its 1980s namesake make it look good. Just add some KC Daylighters to the sports bar to finish the look.
It’s funny that the Frontier might feel old without actually being old. Even though it was based on the second-generation truck, which came out in 2004, the third-generation Frontier wasn’t released until 2013. Even in 2021, when new versions of the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon came out, the Frontier still felt old. If you decide to add pickup trucks based on cars, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Ford Maverick, and a new version of the Honda Ridgeline will all be added.
Nissan’s Frontier has parts and pieces that have been used for many years. There is no choice for a big, fancy infotainment screen or a digital gauge cluster. All of its mid-size rivals have turbocharged four-cylinder engines, except for the Frontier, which has a naturally aspirated V-6 engine. The Tacoma even switches to a hybrid powertrain. The fact that it is out of date is not a big deal.
When an auto journalist calls a car “charming,” it’s generally a very high compliment. This is different with the Frontier, though. That’s all it has in this truck: everything you need.
Not long ago, I drove a lot of brand-new Tacomas. They’re great trucks, but many of their high-tech features don’t always make life easier. It’s clear that the truck’s entertainment system is better, but since you’ll only be using CarPlay or Android Auto, it doesn’t matter. The digital gauge cluster on the truck is especially hard to change. Also, why do we need screens this big?
The Frontier is about the same when it comes to driving. The ride is great overall, but there is some jitteriness at low to medium speeds. This is normal for body-on-frame pickups that aren’t carrying anything. On the highway, it’s very quiet, and the Bose sound system that comes with this model is also very good.
The turning is so heavy at low speeds for some reason, which can be annoying. A modern turbo four makes the normally aspirated V-6 feel a little out of date. It has good torque (281 pound-feet) and horsepower (310 hp), but the torque peak is a bit high at 4,400 rpm. There is 260 lb-ft of power from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm in the 2.7-liter GM engine, even though it has a low output. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2017 Tacoma makes 317 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm. There were times when I wished I had more low-down strength in the Frontier. Especially quickly.
But it’s hard to say anything else bad about it. None of the other ladder-frame bikes are very smooth, and neither is the Frontier. Even though Nissan didn’t have enough money to put all of its technical efforts into its mid-size car, it still made a great car.
The Frontier Hardbody model has many useful changes, but it’s not as off-road-ready as the Pro-4X. It has Hankook all-terrain tires, steel rock rails, and a metal skid plate. That should be enough for light to medium off-roading, but the Pro-4X has hill descent control, a locking rear differential, and better Bilstein shocks.
People who don’t like the Frontier say that it’s not as good of a deal as newer rivals. Especially this truck costs a lot. You need the $2,190 Convenience Package, the $995 Technology Package, and the $3,890 Hardbody Package. The MSRP goes up to $47,135 because of these and a few other features. That’s about the same price as the base price of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport hybrid.
A lot of its rivals sell things you don’t need, but when the prices are this low, the Frontier’s main selling point starts to lose its shine. You want the newest parts and technology when they don’t cost more. However, the Hardbody is truly impressive. No other mid-sizer on the market looks this good right now, and that’s enough to make people want to buy it.
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