The Frontier Hardbody feels like a blast from the past, brought back to life in the best way possible. It perfectly embodies the essence of a heritage truck, staying true to its roots. What makes it even more special is the old Nissan interior, which adds to its classic vibe. The older design complements the retro exterior perfectly.
It’s the ultimate work truck for those who value simplicity and a connection to the rugged trucks of the past. In an era dominated by electric trucks, with a focus on technological advancement, the Hardbody stands out as a unique and refreshing offering. Its retro charm and throwback design bring a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to resist, making it a cool and unexpected option that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
As a pickup, the Frontier finds itself trailing behind other midsize trucks in the segment, feeling a bit outdated overall. While the Hardbody trim leans into this retro vibe intentionally, the Frontier as a whole struggles to keep up with more modern competitors.
Hardbody Edition
For 2024, Nissan takes a nostalgic turn with the new Hardbody Edition, an appearance package that pays homage to the iconic Hardbody lineup of the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. From the alloy wheels to the black bumpers, fender flares, and sports bar reminiscent of that era’s special editions, the Hardbody Edition is a fun and stylish throwback.
Nissan also offers the NISMO Off-Road Suspension Lift Kit, which provides a 1.5-inch lift in the front and a 1.0-inch lift in the rear. This increases ground clearance, making it easier to tackle obstacles and navigate challenging terrain with confidence.
Drive & Comfort
The Frontier only comes with a V6 engine and no hybrid or electric options, which is a letdown in today’s competitive market. The 3.8L V6 isn’t the quickest midsize truck, but with 310 horsepower, offers plenty of power for most driving conditions. It offers strong midrange power, and it never struggles to accelerate. The transmission adds to the smooth and refined experience by delivering smooth shifts.
The ride quality of the Frontier is great, offering a surprisingly comfortable experience. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and potholes, ensuring a smooth ride. However, the front seats don’t quite live up to expectations in terms of comfort. While they are spacious and can accommodate larger body sizes, they feel flat and lack adjustability. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel is also disappointing and can make it difficult for some drivers to find an ideal seating position.
Interior & Technology
The interior of the Hardbody model complements its retro exterior perfectly, adding to the truck’s classic vibe. However, in an era where interiors are becoming increasingly advanced, the Frontier as a truck does feel noticeably outdated. That said, the interior isn’t necessarily bad, it’s functional and spacious. The front seats offer good headroom and legroom, but the rear seats have surprisingly limited legroom. On the plus side, visibility is excellent all around, thanks to the large windows.
The Frontier comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is straightforward and user-friendly. However, Nissan’s native user interface feels outdated and falls short compared to competitors, ranking as one of the weaker systems in the industry. Thankfully, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available, and both integrate well with the touchscreen, providing a much more modern and enjoyable experience.
The climate controls are controlled with physical buttons, a significant plus for the interior. Most essential controls are also physical, making them easier to access and use without relying heavily on the touchscreen, a welcome change from the overly touch-focused designs seen in many modern vehicles.
Most driver assistance features come standard across all models, enhancing the Frontier’s overall safety package and ensuring the truck remains competitive in terms of modern safety offerings.
Towing
The Frontier offers decent towing capabilities, with a maximum rating of up to 6,350 pounds. While this figure is slightly below average for the midsize truck class, it’s more than sufficient for real-world needs, making it easy to tow something like a small trailer.
Storage
The cabin is practical and utility-focused, offering a lot of storage options. A spacious tray in front of the shifter provides convenient space for small items, alongside cupholders and a dedicated spot for the optional wireless charging tray. The underarm center console also offers a lot of storage space, contributing to the interior’s overall functionality.
