[Auto] The Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition Is Just Cool

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How can you not like the Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition? It’s just an appearance kit, sure, but it’s one that works, with throwback three-spoke wheels, 4x4 graphics, and a black front bumper that evokes its 1980s namesake. All it needs is some KC Daylighters on the sport bar to complete the package. What’s funny is that the Frontier doesn’t need retro styling to feel like a throwback. Yes, this third-generation Frontier debuted just three years ago, but it’s based on the second-gen truck that came out in 2004. Even in 2021, this Frontier felt a bit old, and since then, we've seen the launches of brand-new versions of the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. (Plus the arrival of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, and an update for the Honda Ridgeline, if you want to include car-based pickups.)

Get in the Frontier, and you’ll find bits and pieces Nissan’s used for decades. There’s no option for a digital gauge cluster, no big fancy infotainment screen, nothing. And where all the other mid-size rivals use turbo four-cylinders—hell, the Tacoma’s gone hybrid—the Frontier has a naturally aspirated V-6. It’s behind the times, yet it’s not a huge problem.

Usually when an automotive journalist describes a car as “charming,” it’s really damning with faint praise. Except, that’s not the case with the Frontier. This truck has all you need, and nothing you don’t. I’ve spent a lot of time in new Tacomas recently, and while it’s a great truck, a lot of its bang-up-to-date technology doesn’t necessarily make life better. The digital gauge cluster in that truck is hard to configure, and while the infotainment system is certainly better, you’re just going to use CarPlay or Android Auto anyway, so who cares? And why do we need such big screens?

https://www.motor1.com/reviews/719678/2024-nissan-frontier-hardbody-review/