- Two prototypes of the Nissan Frontier were spied testing on public roads with camouflage wrap covering most of their bodywork.
- Changes will include slightly revised grilles and new alloy wheel designs.
- The covered interior suggests a new digital cockpit for the midsize pickup.
The third generation of the Nissan Frontier has been around unchanged since the 2022 model year, so the company is working on a facelift to better compete with newer rivals in the midsize pickup segment. Camouflaged prototypes of the Frontier were spied testing in two different configurations, suggesting that the updated truck could arrive just in time for the 2025 model year.
Our spy photographers spotted Frontier prototypes in blue and gray shades. Both had their entire front and rear ends wrapped in camouflage. The blue (Bluestone Pearl) truck is a higher trim level judging from the full-LED headlights and the rugged wheels shod in all-terrain tires. The grille appears slightly revised, while the foglights are surrounded by black garnish.
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The gray (Gun Metallic gray) prototype has a heavier dose of camouflage and comes with the halogen headlights found in the entry-level S and SV trims. This one features a different grille pattern and rides on a new set of alloy wheels with a design inspired by Nissan’s passenger car lineup. The rest of the bodywork appears to be largely carried over, although future prototypes might reveal more changes.
Both trucks had their dashboards covered, suggesting that Nissan might be working on a new digital cockpit. An upgrade to the Frontier’s technological equipment could help it compete with the newer Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado rivals, although we doubt that Nissan could match the
screen size of the Ford Ranger.
Baldauf
We don’t expect significant changes under the skin, with the existing powertrain likely being carried over. The current Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 is good for 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque, sending power to the rear or all four wheels exclusively via a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
According to a recent report, Nissan doesn’t plan on equipping the Frontier with its e-Power hybrid system, at least for the foreseeable future. A fully electric powertrain is also not on the cards, as the company believes that customers are not ready to make the switch.
More: 2024 Nissan Frontier Gains Cool New Hardbody Edition With ’80s Nostalgic Vibes
The upcoming mid-lifecycle update will keep the Nissan Frontier fresh for a few more years. A recent memo revealed that Nissan plans to keep the midsize truck’s current generation on sale until the 2029 model year. Following the full-size Titan’s forthcoming demise, the Frontier will become the sole pickup offering in Nissan’s North American lineup.
