Rarely do long-running models reach an age of maturity in the market while also remaining largely unchanged. One of the few exceptions is the Nissan Frontier, which enters its 16th production year this 2021.
Launched in the 2005 model year, the midsize pickup truck has not had a lot of design overhauls compared to equally old models and other pickup trucks in the segment. It has managed to survive the tough competition by being an affordable option for buyers looking for a truck that is dependable and does not have a slew of accouterments.
The Frontier’s most recent update was in 2020 and merely for a powertrain upgrade in time for its 15th year in the market. The model ditched its 2.5-liter inline-four and 4.0-liter V6 engine options in favor of a new 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers 310 horsepower. While the update is minimal, it still spelled almost $8,000 in price increase.
For this year, Nissan is giving the model a much-deserved redesign but it will keep the current powertrain setup. Design-wise, however, reports claim it will be identical to the 2020 edition.
“The all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier will debut in early 2021,” Nissan spokesperson Kevin Raftery said. “A model year 2021 Frontier will be produced until the 2022 model production commences at Nissan’s Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Mississippi.”
According to earlier reports, the new Frontier will arrive in February alongside the redesigned Nissan Pathfinder.
Ahead of this announcement, images of the upcoming Frontier were shared online, looking very capable of competing against popular names like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. The Nissan truck is expected to have a more rugged styling, an overhauled dashboard layout, and the brand’s Safety Shield 360 suite that includes a bundle of driver-assist systems.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier won’t be available until later this year. In the meantime, customers have the option to get the 2021 model at dealerships across the United States.
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