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2020 Nissan Frontier Gets New 3.8L V6, Nine Speed Transmission

The Nissan Frontier has been with us in its current D40 Series form since 2004, but the Japanese automaker is finally ready to introduce a new version, with the completely redesigned model set to debut next year.

That doesn’t mean Nissan is done updating the current Frontier, though. The automaker has given the mid-size pickup a different 3.8L V6 engine for 2020, along with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine/transmission combination that will power the redesigned model when it launches next year, but it seems Nissan wanted to send the current truck out with a bang for its last year of production. The new engine makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, giving it the most horsepower in the segment. Nissan also promises it will deliver best-in-class fuel economy in the Frontier, though EPA estimates for the truck are not yet available.

“From its roots tracing back more than 60 years, to the current model, Frontier has had a lasting impact on the compact and mid-size truck segments in North America. As Nissan transitions to the next chapter, we celebrate both a proud past and a bright future with the heart of the next Frontier,” said the company’s commercial vehicle director, Tiago Castro.

Nissan says the new 3.8L V6  engine uses “93 percent new or redesigned parts,” over the Frontier’s outgoing 4.0-liter V6, which was good for a rather paltry 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The engine was tested in North America and will be assembled at the automaker’s engine plant in Tennesse, where the 5.6L V8 for the full-size Nissan Titan is also built.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The Nissan Frontier serves as a direct rival to the mid-size Chevrolet Colorado. While the Colorado has had the advantage of being the more up-to-date product in recent years, the Frontier will finally get a comprehensive remodel for 2021 that will make it more competitive with the likes of the Colorado and also the Ford Ranger. Chevrolet also has some mid-cycle updates for the Colorado coming in 2021, though, which will include new exterior looks and a new Sand Dune beige exterior color.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier will go on sale this spring.

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Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. Still an old truck with only 2 more HP?

    Anyone see the Gladiator sales are still sluggish and they are offering $9k off.

    FCA I thing ran up the price too high by the time you get the good options.

    Reply
    1. There is a 49hp difference between the old 4.0 and the new 3.8. looks like torque remains the same??

      Reply
      1. 2 between the 3 year old Chevy was my point. The old 4.0 was a boat anchor.

        Reply
  2. Lipstick on a pig in a way. That Nissan truck is so old, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 3.8L v6 isn’t the one from Buick! haha.

    C8.R: I couldn’t agree more about the Jeep Gladiator. That thing is just wayyyyyyyyy too high priced. Jeep overall has gotten too high priced. Hell, you can’t touch a new Wrangler for under $30,000 any more. But they all got too high and the Gladiator needs to “start” about 9 grand lower before rebates.

    Reply
    1. Don’t you know they are throwing this in as a test bed for the new truck coming out next year ?

      Reply
      1. Not a test but they are doing them in different years to spread out cost. It is like GM doing the totally new 3.6 in 17 to spread cost and production out with other models.

        It will be in the new truck when ever it arrives. Nissan is having issues right now with Peugeot and the partnership is shaky.

        Reply
  3. That powertrain will be nice in Nissan’a new Frontier, which is due in 2032.

    Reply
  4. The old 4.0 like all variations of the VQ is a rock solid powerplant and makes good power. Sucks the manual trans is being dropped but the new 9-speed auto should be a better compliment for the new V6 over the old 5spd. Is the new 3.8L based on the VR architecture? No mention of that anywhere.

    Reply
    1. The old motor was VQ40DE, and the new one appears to be a VQ38DD, interpreting from the Wiki article.
      But, imagine if they made a Nismo Frontier with the VR38DETT.

      Reply
  5. Still looks like something from around 2001 or so. I’m sure the new engine and transmission will be more powerful and efficient compared to the previous drive train.

    Reply
  6. VR38 has plasma welded cylinder liners, they are very thin, and do not provide proper rigidity to cylinder walls during load. I prefer standard cast iron press fit liners myself. Ask Ford about their 2018-2021 5.0L V8 coyote after introducing those plasma welded cylinder liners, uh. Massive oil consumption.

    I wonder if the VQ38DD has cast iron cylinder liners or not? No specs anywhere I can find on this????

    Reply

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