2020 Nissan Frontier Keeps Last Year’s Looks, Gets Next Year’s 3.8L V6 And 9sp Auto

The 2020 Nissan Frontier has just premiered and while from the outside it looks no different than Frontiers currently on the road, it does feature a new powertrain that will also be used by the next-generation Frontier arriving in 2021.

This engine is a 3.8-liter V6 that uses 93 per cent new or designed parts and produces 310 hp and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque. Nissan will assemble the engine at its advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tennessee alongside the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 of the full-size Nissan Titan pickup. Mated to the new V6 is a fresh 9-speed automatic transmission that will replace both the five-speed automatic and five-speed manual gearboxes currently sold with the Frontier.

2020 Nissan Frontier models will arrive as standard with rear-wheel drive while all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled transfer case will be optional. Nissan says the 3.8-liter V6 will provide “improved fuel economy and emissions performance” but has yet to announce fuel consumption figures.

Nissan has also tweaked the Frontier line-up for the 2020 model year, ditching the SL trim level and retaining the S, SV, and Pro-4X models. The Frontier will be offered in extended-cab and crew-cab forms, the latter of which is available with either a short or a long bed. Some minor updates made include push-button start in all models, a tilt steering wheel, power locks, and power windows.

“The 2020 Frontier lays the groundwork for the exciting, next-generation Frontier – an all-new pickup truck slated to arrive soon,” director Commercial Vehicle Business Unit of Nissan North America, Tiago Castro said. “While looking ahead, we’re also celebrating our strong heritage – including the innovations, versatility and reliability of past models, such as the 2007 Frontier that Chicago resident Brian Murphy has driven for more than one million miles.”

Sales of the 2020 Nissan Frontier will start in spring 2020 and the pickup will be presented at the Chicago Auto Show. Prices haven’t been announced.