We all know Nissan’s Frontier pickup is poised for its first full redesign in 16 years. The current version of the mid-size truck underwent an unusual final-year upgrade, keeping its ancient body and interior but gaining an all-new engine—the same engine, in fact, that will power the new 2021 Nissan Frontier when it arrives. But enough about that old rig. What about that new one? Well, after Nissan released a teaser of the ’21 Frontier recently, someone spotted one naked and totally out there.
Leaked photos that appeared on FormaCar.com show a truck that looks a lot like the one Nissan itself teased, and even wears “Frontier” lettering stamped into its grille surround and tailgate. In the photos, two versions of the Frontier can be seen. The white one looks more traditionally outfitted, with a chrome grille surround, running boards, and a silver-finish roof rack. A second Frontier, a flat-gray example, appears to be decked out in more off-road-ready kit. Perhaps it is a PRO-4X model, Nissan’s off-road trim level offered on the current Frontier and the larger Titan. This would make sense, given the more aggressive tires it’s wearing, along with extra body cladding, blackout grille, roof lights, and front brush bar.
The new Frontier looks markedly more modern than the old one, although that’s a low bar to clear. At first blush, it appears much like a smaller version of the Titan, but the look is overall less blocky. Will it set any new styling trends? Likely not, but the truck has a strong face, simple headlights stuffed with technical-looking LED elements, and retains the original Frontier’s signature rounded fender flares. Overall, the new Frontier’s look builds heavily on that of the Navara pickup that’s been offered in other markets for some time now, but the Frontier wears a bolder grille and more square-jawed bumper detailing. (For comparison, here are some shots of the current, old Frontier below.)
We expect the Frontier’s cabin to take a great leap beyond its forebear’s dour environment simply by virtue of being, uh, sixteen years newer. Look for Nissan’s latest infotainment and active-safety gear to make the leap into the 2021 Frontier. We’ll know for sure when the new Fronty is unveiled officially later this year or early next.
Photo credit: FormaCar.com
