The 2024 model year for the Frontier has arrived, and it's reasonably priced compared to its main rivals. Unfortunately, the Hardbody Edition is a bit of a letdown for anyone expecting a full-blown 1980s-style treatment.
For example, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma – still the absolute best-seller in America's mid-size pickup truck sector, has a slightly lower starting MSRP of $28,600. Alas, we all know what happens when automakers change model years – the prices go up. Even more so if the model is all-new, like the 2024 Tacoma (N400). The Frontier, meanwhile, starts from $29,770 for the 2024 model year – and does so from the position of runner-up for the sales title.
Coming in third in the first-half sales charts, the all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado is now $29,200, while its GMC Canyon sibling has an MSRP of $36,900 – it's also dead last in the spreadsheets as people don't seem to appreciate its premium pretensions as much as they did in the past. Anyway, there's also the more expensive but still better-selling (just below the Colorado) 2023 Gladiator, starting at $38,775, and the company just unleashed the 2024 model year at NAIAS 2023.
Last but not least, let us not forget about the Ford Ranger, which kicks off at $32,565 for the all-new generation, or about the unibody Honda Ridgeline, which goes to the dealerships from $38,800. So, you see, the 2024 Nissan Frontier really is an excellent package – not too expensive to boot (2023 Frontier King Cab S 4x2 starts at $29,570), and now also available with a new SL grade plus a retro-inspired Hardbody Edition that may or may not bring back fond memories of the 1980s.
"The rugged and tech-filled 2024 Nissan Frontier" will hit the American car market sometime this fall with the new SL trim on the Crew Cab models. The new bundle includes highlights such as LED lighting, leather-appointed seating, a 10-speaker Fender audio system, and more. There's even an available NissanConnect Services telematics feature with an enhanced three-year trial period, up from six months previously.
Nissan Frontier King Cab S or SV and 4x2 or 4x4 prices vary between $29,770 and $35,670. Meanwhile, Crew Cab models span between $31,070 and $42,640 – they offer a variety of choices, including 4x2 or 4x4 and five- or six-foot cargo beds. Now, let us discuss the throwback curve ball Nissan just threw at 1980s Nissan Hardbody enthusiasts in particular and retro-styled modern trucks in general.
Well, for starters, those who eagerly awaited the Hardbody Edition on the Nissan Frontier King Cab will be disappointed to find out that this "nostalgic tribute to the original Nissan Hardbody pickup of the 1980s that's sure to resonate with many generations" will only be available on the Frontier SV Crew Cab 4x4 version. It includes perks like retro-styled 17-inch wheels, heritage decals, all-terrain tires, a sports bar, additional black exterior trim elements, plus "other rad design flair."
That's not a lot, right? Sheesh, at least the pricing is fair – the package has an MSRP of $3,890. However, many of us expected a bit more than a few visual upgrades thrown around the exterior – at the very least, Nissan could have offered these choices on the Frontier King Cab, too. That way, folks could have benefitted from the 'is that an old truck looking pristine or a modern pickup feeling retro' doubt the first time onlookers laid out on this special edition.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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