The Frontier sells a lot better than expected despite the fact it has been around in roughly the same shape since 2005. The truck is rugged, capable and dependable. However, it is not as efficient as the competition and the lack of features is starting to show in the amount of sales Nissan has. A new model has been rumored for a while now but it will likely not be released until the 2018 Nissan Frontier. Like with the previous two models, the new one will basically be a Navara with some changes did to it. For starters, expect new engines, a slightly different look and different trim levels.
Source: cars.com
2018 Nissan Frontier – In detail
The new Navara is a highly competitive truck on the markets it sells. It is a lot more efficient than the competition, comfortable, powerful and good looking. The Frontier will likely inherit most of these traits. The platform it will be using is one that makes use of high strength steel with a more car-like suspension system. This allowed Nissan to improve the way it drives without taking much from the utility. The price is unknown at this point but it is unlikely to change much. Expect a base model at around $20,000 with the top end versions going for more than $40,000.
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Is a diesel in the works?
Back in 2014 Cummins was showcasing a Frontier prototype boasting one of their 2.8 liter engines. Fast forward more than two years nothing changed for the Frontier. We are quite sure that they thought it wouldn’t make much sense to keep developing for that aging chassis. However, things will definitely become more interesting for the 2018 Nissan Frontier. The Navara is offered with a 2.3 liter turbocharged diesel designed with Renault and a couple more older engines. However, the US market is unlikely going to receive the 2.3 liter unit. Instead, we can expect it to get a Cummins 2.8 liter turbocharged diesel with around 200 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This would allow Nissan to focus on offering a better set of petrol engines.
Source: cars.com
The base truck will more than likely receive a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated inline 4 which should be capable of around 180 horsepower and over 170 lb-ft of torque. The older 4 liter V6 is going to be replaced by a smaller unit. Most rumors suggest a 3.5 liter naturally aspirated VQ series V6 with as much as 270 horsepower and over 250 lb-ft of torque. This would deliver better fuel efficiency than the older 4 liter unit while offering similar capabilities. The transmission of choice will likely be a seven speed automatic with some models also receiving a six speed manual gearbox.
The looks of 2018 Nissan Frontier
Even though the Navara might not be the 2018 Nissan Frontier, most of its traits will definitely be carried over. This is great especially since the truck has a really muscular and upmarket look which makes it stand out from its competitors. The front end is expected to be redesigned slightly in order to bring the truck closer to the Titan. However, the cab and the bed will likely remain mostly unchanged.
2017 MY Frontier – Source: nissanusa.com
What about the interior?
So far things are quite interesting, especially since the Navara is a lot better in terms of materials and equipment than the competition. We are quite sure that the Frontier will get the same cabin as its sibling with minor differences. The infotainment system might be upgraded and some of the materials might change depending of the model of choice. The end result will still be one of the best cabins in its class which is not an easy feat, especially with great trucks like the Colorado or the Ridgeline.
Source: nissanusa.com
