This Nissan Frontier Upgrade Isn’t Another Appearance Package
You aren’t alone if the Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition seems a little underwhelming. Sure, it provides a retro style for a more confident look, but it doesn’t offer many performance upgrades. However, the Nissan Frontier Nismo Off-Road concept has substantial improvements.
What is the Nissan Frontier Nismo Off-Road concept?
The Nissan Frontier Nismo Off-Road concept is the latest off-roading beast to hit the stage at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Don’t be sad because this truck is just a concept.
These shows are for automakers to gauge how fans feel about particular builds. Sometimes, these concepts are crafted into production models if the reactions are positive. For example, the Nissan Frontier Hardbody concert was transformed into an available package.
The Frontier Nissan Off-Road truck was developed by Nissan engineers with the help of Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg and Forsberg Racing. It was already put to the test in the Norra 500 Off-Road Rally and finished first in the stock production category.
That’s another good sign because this concept truck has already received a taste of the wild with incredible success. It will be displayed at SEMA in its racing condition.
The Nismo Off-Road Frontier features a Nismo lift kit, a high-performance suspension kit, Axis Truck 17-inch beadlock capable wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires, a beefier exhaust system, off-orad rock sliders, and enhanced lighting.
Some of the suspension upgrades include monotube gas-pressurized shocks, high spring rates, increased oil capacity for heat dissipation, and tuning to support heavier loads and off-roading equipment.
But this build features the 5.6-iter V8 engine from the Nissan Titan with 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. We don’t see this engine making it to Frontier production.
The current Frontier has a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. If this Baja desert racing truck does get the green light, maybe it will have more engine power.
Also, this build could help the Frontier better compete against other racing trucks like the Ford Ranger Raptor or Chevy Colorado ZR2 models.
What comes with the Frontier Hardbody Edition?
The Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition features retro flair to honor its past as a great desert racer back in the 1980s. However, it hasn’t been put through any grueling challenges like the Nissan Frontier Nismo Off-Road build.
With the Frontier Hardbody, you get 4×4, heritage-style 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a sports bar, retro-inspired graphics, and black exterior trim. The package can be added to the entry-level SV trim for $3,890. It’s primarily an appearance package with nostalgia.
For more off-roading grit, you can opt for the Frontier Pro 4-X with its Bilstein shock absorbers, skid plates, tow hooks, off-road gauges, locking differential, dark-painted alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and LED headlights.
The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X features a 9.4-inch ground clearance, and the 2024 model has an MSRP of $39,300. You can also add a variety of NISMO parts and accessories to your rig.
2024 Frontier: What’s new?
Aside from the addition of the Heritage Edition, the 2024 Nissan Frontier is primarily a carryover model. There’s also a new SL trim that builds upon the entry-level SV trim and its available convenience package.
The SL model adds a sunroof, 10-speaker premium Fender audio system, LED headlights, foglights, and leather upholstery. There are a few other trim changes and minor shuffling. The current Frontier generation is two years old, so it’s a little early for significant upgrades.
If the Nissan Frontier Nismo Off-Road concept makes it to production, then it will probably debut for the 2025 model. But we will continue tracking this truck for upgrades. Do you think the Nismo Off-Road concept would increase Frontier sales?
