2021 Nissan Frontier Coming Next Year With New Powertrain, “Strong” Looks

While Europe, Asia and other markets have received an all-new Navara since 2014, the previous-generation model remains on sale in North America.

The Nissan Frontier, as it is known in the U.S. and Canada, is a 15-year-old product, so it goes without saying that a replacement is long overdue. Thankfully, it looks like Nissan’s product planners will address this issue.

Speaking with MotorTrend at the Tokyo Motor Show, Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s corporate vice president of Global Product Strategy and Product Planning, said the new Frontier “is a priority” for the carmaker and will be unveiled next year. “I think it will be a home run,” Espinosa said on the sidelines of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, adding that the new model will use the same basic platform.

Also read: Nissan’s Destination Frontier Is A Rugged Truck Designed For Overlanding

Mind you, the platform will be modified to accommodate the chassis and electrical architecture needed to offer customers the latest safety, driver-assist, and connectivity technology. We also learn that the 2021 Nissan Frontier will adopt a different and better engine.

Espinosa said the new pickup won’t offer electrified powertrains at launch, although Nissan does not rule out some sort of electric assistance in the future. That’s all Espinosa was willing to disclose on this subject, so expect a new V6 as well as updated six-speed manual and new seven-speed automatic transmissions in the next Frontier.

As for the looks, Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Global Vice President of Design, said the truck will have the “spirituality of adventure” and a “strong,” more extraverted look. Rather than an evolution of the current styling, we should expect the 2021 Frontier to be more revolutionary in the looks department.

Nissan has not decided yet whether the new model will debut at an auto show or at a separate event. Despite its age, the current Nissan Frontier (pictured) is doing well in the U.S. market, outselling much newer rivals such as the GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline, and almost matching Ford Ranger sales.