The Nissan Frontier used to be a reliable midsize truck that you could get for cheap. It had a lower price range like the Chevy Colorado, only now times have changed. The Nissan Frontier just went up in price, so let’s look at why. 

The Nissan Frontier Just Got A Price Increase 

The 2021 Nissan Frontier isn’t even here yet, but the 2020 model is with some updates. The 2020 Nissan Frontier received some new guts to become more modernized as it’s currently one of the oldest trucks on the market. 

Did you know that Nissan Frontiers have been around since 1997? Then it became the Nissan Frontier that we recognize today in 2000. Finally, we will see a redesign soon, but what’s new in the 2020 model? 

What’s New In The 2020 Nissan Frontier? 

The 2020 Nissan Frontier has an all-new engine and transmission that will be available in July 2020. With the edition of this new hardware, the Nissan Frontier will start around $26k instead of $20k. 

Nissan is making a bold move by raising the price to replace the old 4.0-liter  four-cylinder base model engine with a new 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine. This V6 engine will provide 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The new engine pumps out an extra 49 horsepower compared to the 2019 V6 engine. 

Other trucks like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado still have a four-cylinder engine in their base models. However, the Ford Ranger’s 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is competitive by offering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. 

The powertrain upgrade in the 2020 Nissan Frontier will improve its fuel economy in the rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models. You can expect 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway with the new Frontier. 

Even though the Nissan Frontier will still be behind competitors in terms of fuel efficiency, this boost is certainly helping it catch up. Plus, on an exciting note, the new automatic 9-speed transmission will improve its acceleration. It should be similar to 9-speed automatic transmission found in the Nissan Titan. 

Nissan is phasing out the Desert Runner, and SL Frontier trims. The S and SV trims are becoming the King Cab and Crew Cab options. The off-road-ready Nissan Frontier Pro-4X will only be available in four-wheel drive and with a Crew Cab. It’s going up in price from around $34k to $38k. 

The Chevy Colorado ZR2 off-roading trim begins around $42k, and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro starts around $43k, so the Frontier still has an edge against the off-roading competition. 

Nissan upgraded the Frontier’s interior as well. New rear-hinged doors allow you to easily access the backseat, which folds up to provide more storage. There are also storage bins under the rear seats. 

You can also use the new shift-on-the fly dial to engage 4×4 and other drive modes to adjust to changing conditions quickly. Features such as hill descent control and hill start assist will be included as well. 

We can’t wait to learn more about the new Nissan Frontier over the summer and will continue to provide updates as July inches closer. So far, we know that the price increase is worth every penny.