2020 Nissan Frontier features the ‘heart of the next Frontier’ with all-new V6 engine and 9-speed transmission

WHAT'S NEW:

• 2020 Frontier lays the groundwork for the next-generation Frontier – with all-new 3.8-liter V6 and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission
• All-new 310-horsepower 3.8-liter direct injection V6 developed for U.S. customers; offers best-in-class horsepower¹ while also providing improved fuel economy² and emissions performance
• All-new 9-speed automatic transmission improves acceleration and fuel economy performance
• On sale this spring at Nissan dealerships nationwide

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A new heart beats in the 2020 Nissan Frontier, helping lay the foundation for the all-new, next generation Frontier coming next year.

The 2020 Frontier features an all-new, powerful 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission – both of which will be key elements in the next-generation Frontier.

With an all-new Frontier on the horizon, Nissan has a proud history of innovation in the compact truck segment. The company invented the compact pickup segment in the U.S. in 1959, when the Datsun 220 became the first compact pickup imported to this country. Other Nissan truck milestones include the introduction of the first half-ton compact pickup in 1969 (Datsun 520) and the first King Cab model in 1983.

This summer, Nissan will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Datsun 720 hardbody pickup, one of the most iconic vehicles in company history. 

The future of the Nissan Frontier, however, begins this spring at Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Heart-thumping upgrades: All-new 3.8-liter V6 engine, 9-speed transmission
For 2020, the all-new 310-horsepower direct injection V6 replaces the previous 152-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine choices. Along with best-in-class horsepower¹, torque is rated at 281 lb-ft. The all-new engine is mated with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions.

Development of the all-new engine, which previews the powertrain expected to be offered in the next-generation Frontier, focused on the needs and demands of truck owners in the U.S. The engine features 93 percent new or redesigned parts, and the powerplant underwent extensive testing in North America. The engine will be assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., alongside the full-size TITAN pickup's 5.6-liter Endurance® V8.

Along with the 49-horsepower improvement over the previous Frontier V6, fuel economy has increased² by 2 mpg for 4x4 models and 2 mpg city / 1 mpg highway and combined for 4x2 models. (2020 EPA Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined– 4x2; and 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined – 4x4). Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

Key technical features in the design of the all-new engine include the direct injection gasoline system, cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifolds, a variable displacement oil pump, variable timing control and a variable tumble control valve.

Also contributing to the 2020 Frontier's improved acceleration and fuel economy is the all-new 9-speed automatic transmission. It is similar to the new 9-speed automatic introduced on the 2020 TITAN and is designed to maximize powertrain efficiency and provide enhanced acceleration feel. With enhancements such as an expanded lockup area, a new high-response electro-hydraulic system, long input shaft and a 99 percent larger gear range, the transmission offers quick, crisp and direct shift response throughout the entire gear range. The 9-speed automatic transmission is also significantly quieter than the previous 5-speed automatic due to a centrifugal pendulum absorber.

Additional 2020 model year enhancements
The 2020 Frontier offers a number of other upgrades for the new model year, including standard push button start. In addition, a number of features are now standard for all grades: leather shift knob, manual tilt steering, power door locks and power windows with driver side auto-down.

Also, now standard on the Frontier S grade are 16-inch styled steel wheels with 65/70R16 tires. Frontier SV again offers 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while PRO-4X features 16-inch off-road design machine-finish aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/75R16 all-terrain tires.

In addition, a new Special Edition Package is offered on Crew Cab SV. It includes a trip computer, Satin Chrome grille, body-colored rear bumper and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 tires. The Special Edition Package joins the previously available Value Truck Package and Midnight Edition Package.

Authentic Frontier style and utility
In a segment where truck dimensions continue to grow, Frontier remains a true mid-size truck – just right for fitting in urban parking garages and tight backwoods trails. Nissan offers the 2020 Frontier with a choice of King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, along with 4x4x and 4x2 drive configurations and three grade levels.

Frontier is also big enough – with a choice of standard and long wheelbase models – to handle large loads of cargo, work equipment or building materials. Frontier's long 125.9-inch wheelbase (standard wheelbase models) helps enhance ride comfort, while the overall length of 205.5 inches (King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed) is a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup.

The Frontier SV Crew Cab Long Wheelbase's bed measures more than 13 inches longer than the SV Crew Cab Short Wheelbase's standard bed. A 5-foot bed is standard on all Crew Cab models, with a 6-foot bed optional on Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase models. The 6-foot bed is also standard on all King Cab models.

The exterior design of the 2020 Frontier retains a number of signature Nissan truck themes – an angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large, stamped-steel geometric fender flares.

Six exterior colors are available for 2020: Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black Metallic, Glacier White, Cayenne Red Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic and Arctic Blue Metallic.

Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and Utili-track™ Channel System. The Utili-Track™ system provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed. Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo. In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units. All Frontier pickups feature a locking tailgate and cargo bed light.

Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, Frontier's interior features outstanding functionality combined with comfort and intelligent design. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo areas and flip-up rear seats, along with excellent cab storage and flexibility.

Useful storage boxes are tucked beneath the rear seats. A locking dual glove box, center console storage, one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholders and power points are standard. Frontier Crew Cab also offers an available leather-appointed interior.

Every 2020 Frontier includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Also standard are the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Legendary capability continues
Every 2020 Frontier starts with a full-length, fully boxed ladder frame. Constructed of high tensile-strength steel, the platform provides structural rigidity for rock-solid performance on- and off-road. All 2020 Frontier models feature an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for off-road performance. Frontier PRO-4X adds Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers.

Frontier 4x4 models include a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case. Frontier 4x4 models are available with 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces.

The available Hill Descent Control feature allows slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal. Hill Descent Control must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 21 mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO.

Hill Start Assist can allow the driver to stop on an incline. The system is designed to release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds while the driver moves his or her foot to the accelerator for a smooth, controlled start. HSA operates in 4x4 models in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all 4x4 models. A 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip system is standard on all 4x2 models.

All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum 8.9 inches (4x2) or 10.1 inches (4x4) of ground clearance. Every Frontier also offers strong approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.

Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System.

Frontier's maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,720 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).

A range of well-equipped models
For 2020, the Frontier King Cab is offered in 4x2 and 4x4 S and SV grades. The Frontier Crew Cab is available in 4x2 and 4x4 S, SV SWB (standard bed) and SV LWB (long bed), along with the Crew Cab PRO-4X (available in 4x4 only).

In addition to the PRO-4X's Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, skid plates, electronic rear differential locker 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires, also featured are body-colored grille and bumpers, outside mirrors and fog lamps, standard NissanConnect with Navigation, with 5.8-inch display, touch-screen display, rear fold-down center armrest, moonroof and a roof rack with crossbars.

Three option packages are available. The Value Truck Package, available on SV grade, includes rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, two additional speakers auto-dimming mirror with compass and temperature, spray-in bedliner, Utili-Track™ system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, heated cloth seats, fog lights, Vehicle Security System, sliding bed extender, and a trailer hitch.

The Midnight Edition Package includes Gloss Black painted grille, 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, 265/60R18 all-season tires, body-colored rear bumper, black painted exterior rearview mirrors, semi-gloss black carline badging and Midnight Edition badge. It is available on Crew Cab SV SWB.

The new Special Edition Package, offered on Crew Cab SV SWB, features It includes a trip computer, Satin Chrome grille, body-colored rear bumper and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 tires.

# # #

1. Comparison based on 2020 Frontier S vs. latest in-market Ward's Small Truck segment. Base models compared. Based on manufacturer's website.
2. 2020 EPA Fuel Economy 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined (4x2) and 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined (4x4). Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

At A Glance: 2020 Nissan Frontier

WHAT'S NEW:

• 2020 Frontier lays the groundwork for the next-generation Frontier – with all-new 3.8-liter V6 and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission
• All-new 310-horsepower 3.8-liter direct injection V6 developed for U.S. customers; offers best-in-class horsepower¹ while also providing improved fuel economy² and emissions performance
• All-new 9-speed automatic transmission improves acceleration and fuel economy performance
• On sale this spring 

As one successful era ends, another begins in the heart of the 2020 Nissan Frontier – which features an all-new 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission. The new 310-horsepower engine offers best-in-class horsepower¹ while also providing improved fuel economy² and emissions performance. Both the engine and transmission will be key elements in the next-generation Frontier.

Development of the new engine focused on the needs and demands of truck owners in the U.S. The engine features 93 percent new or redesigned parts, and the powerplant underwent extensive testing in North America.

The new 9-speed automatic is similar to the one introduced on the 2020 TITAN and is designed to maximize powertrain efficiency and provide enhanced acceleration feel.

Three option packages are available for 2020: Value Truck Package, Midnight Edition Package and the new Special Edition Package.

The 2020 Frontier, which marks the last model year of the current generation, will go on sale at Nissan dealerships nationwide this spring.

Highlights of the 2020 Nissan Frontier pickup include: 

Engine and Driveline

• All-new 3.8-liter DOHC Direct Injection V6 producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque
• Key technical features in the design of the all-new engine include the direct injection gasoline system, cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifolds, a variable displacement oil pump, variable timing control and a variable tumble control valve
• All-new standard 9-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
• Transmission enhancements include an expanded lockup area, a new high-response electro-hydraulic system, long input shaft and a 99 percent larger gear range
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control
• Standard 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (2WD) or 4-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (4WD)
• Available shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case
• Available electronic locking rear differential, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist
• 6,720 pounds maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped)

Body

• Available in King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations, and SV Crew Cab Long Bed
• Aggressive exterior design with angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs, large geometric stamped steel fender flares
• Satin Chrome grille finish (standard PRO-4X, optional SV Special Edition Package)
• Standard tailgate spoiler
• Available high-utility bed with factory-applied spray-in bedliner and Utili-track® bed channel system with adjustable aluminum-alloy tie-down cleats (standard on SL and PRO-4X trims) and available accessory racks, trays, dividers and modular storage systems
• Available Sliding Bed Extender, fog lights and trailer hitch (SV Value Truck Package)
• Standard tube-style, functional roof rack (PRO-4X Crew Cab only)
• Standard power tilt and sliding moonroof (PRO-4X Crew Cab only)
• Available Midnight Edition exterior treatment, including Gloss Black grille and 18-inch wheels, body-colored rear bumper, black painted outside mirrors, semi-gloss badging (Crew Cab SV)
• Six available exterior colors: Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black Pearl, Glacier White, Cayenne Red Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic and Arctic Blue Metallic

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• All-steel double-wishbone front suspension
• Solid axle leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs with long suspension stroke for optimized off-road ride and ground clearance
• Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System
• Available off-road tuned Bilstein® high-pressure performance gas shock absorbers, skid plates (oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case), electronic rear differential locker and limited-slip (PRO-4X)
• 16-inch off-road design aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires (PRO-4X)
• 6-spoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires (SV)
• 16-inch styled steel wheels with 265/70R16 tires (S)
• Available Gloss Black 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (SV Midnight Edition)
• Available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (SV Special Edition)

Interior Features

• Roomy interior design with flexible seating and cargo utility
• New standard Push Button Start
• New standard power windows with driver's auto up/down
• New standard power locking doors
• Flip-up rear seats
• Leather-appointed white-stitched shifter knob and steering wheel, chrome accent rings and trip computer (PRO-4X)
• 7.0-inch color display (S and SV)
• Standard RearView Monitor
• Standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Standard Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®
• Standard Siri® Eyes Free
• Available Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant
• Available Dual Zone Auto A/C
• Available NissanConnect® with Navigation (PRO-4X)
• Available 5.8-inch NissanConnect color touch-screen display (PRO-4X)
• Available Voice Recognition for navigation and audio (PRO-4X)
• Available SiriusXM® Traffic, SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) (3-month trial subscription included) (PRO-4X)
• Available Rockford Fosgate®-powered audio system with SiriusXM® Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) (3-month trial subscription included) and MP3 capability and USB (Crew Cab)

Safety and Security

• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger classification sensor)
• Standard front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
• 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab)
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Models and bed lengths

• Available in King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations, and SV Crew Cab Long Bed
• Standard 59.5-inch Crew Cab bed; optional 73.3 SV Crew Cab Long Bed
• Standard 73.3-inch King Cab bed
• Available S (4x2 and 4x4), SV (4x2 and 4x4) and PRO-4X (4x4 Crew Cab only) trim levels
• Three available options: Value Truck Package King Cab SV, Crew Cab SV), Midnight Edition Package (Crew Cab SV SWB), Special Edition Package (Crew Cab SV SWB)

# # #

1. Comparison based on 2020 Frontier S vs. latest in-market Ward's Small Truck segment. Base models compared. Based on manufacturer's website.
2. 2020 EPA Fuel Economy 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined (4x2) and 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined (4x4). Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

2020 Nissan Frontier Specifications

Specifications are based on latest product information available at the time of printing

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety and Security

Dimensions

S – Standard
O – Option 

6/20

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety and Security

Dimensions

S – Standard
O – Option

6/20

2020 Nissan Frontier Pricing

2020 Nissan Frontier King Cab Pricing

^{(1) = Manufacturer's Suggested List Price: Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, title, license, and destination charges. Destination and handling $1,095.}

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2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Pricing

^{(1) = Manufacturer's Suggested List Price: Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, title, license, and destination charges. Destination and handling $1,095.}

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2020 Nissan Frontier – Key Facts and Figures

QUICK TAKE:

• 2020 Frontier lays the groundwork for the next-generation Frontier – with all-new 3.8-liter V6 and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission
• All-new 310-horsepower 3.8-liter direct injection V6 developed for U.S. customers; offers best-in-class horsepower¹ while also providing improved fuel economy2 and emissions performance
• All-new 9-speed automatic transmission improves acceleration and fuel economy performance
• On sale in spring 2020

As one successful era ends, another begins in the heart of the 2020 Nissan Frontier – which features an all-new 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission. The new 310-horsepower engine offers best-in-class horsepower1 while also providing improved fuel economy² and emissions performance. Both the engine and transmission will be key elements in the next-generation Frontier.

Development of the new engine focused on the needs and demands of truck owners in the U.S. The engine features 93 percent new or redesigned parts, and the powerplant underwent extensive testing in North America. Key technical features include the direct injection gasoline system, cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifolds, a variable displacement oil pump, variable timing control and a variable tumble control valve. The new 9-speed automatic is designed to maximize powertrain efficiency and provide enhanced acceleration feel.

The 2020 Frontier is available in rear-wheel drive or available shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and electronically controlled part-time transfer case.

Models:                Frontier King Cab S and SV (4x2 and 4x4)
Frontier Crew Cab S, SV (4x2 and 4x4) PRO-4X (4x4 only)
Powertrain:           All-new 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve Direct Injection V6 rated at 310-horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque 9-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
Suspension:          Independent double wishbone front with stabilizer bar, solid axle leaf spring rear with available Bilstein® high-performance gas shocks
Fuel Economy²:      Frontier 4x2 – 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined; Frontier 4x4 –17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices³ for the 2020 Nissan Frontier King Cab: 

Destination and Handling $1,095.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices³ for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab: 

Destination and Handling $1,095.

1. Comparison based on 2020 Frontier S vs. latest in-market Ward’s Small Truck segment. Base models compared. Based on manufacturer’s website.
2. 2020 EPA Fuel Economy 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined (4x2) and 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined (4x4). Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
3. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and $1,095 USD destination charges. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.