The new Frontier goes old-school with a new look that throwbacks to the 1980s Hardbody.
While the previous generation Frontier was decidedly ancient at the end of its near decade-spanning production run, the newest iteration that launched just last year however is decidedly not. But Nissan nevertheless seems to think that there is money in the old-school, which is perhaps why it has decided to recently revive the Hardbody name as an appearance package for its pickup.
Now just for those who are out of the loop, the Hardbody was the name given to the D21 series of Nissan (or more accurately Datsun) compact trucks that was sold in North America. Designed as nothing more than a utilitarian workhorse, this no-nonsense pickup is often distinguished by its simple unpainted bumper and grille up front, with equally simple pressed wheel along its side. And it is this now-iconic look which the new retro-inspired Hardbody appearance package brings to the Frontier.
Starting from the front, the Hardbody package brings to the Frontier a blacked out face courtesy of a black front grille and bumper. Black now too is its extended wheel arches, wing mirrors and door handles.
This new special edition Frontier also nets a chunky sports bar in its bed as well as some mud flaps and a skid plate lower down. All in black of course. A set of retro-inspired decals along the doors and tailgate meanwhile compliments the retro-tastic 17-inch three-spoke wheels to complete the throwback aesthetic of this truck.
Only to be offered on the SV 4×4 trim of the Frontier, this Hardbody package tacks on an additional $3,890 (RM 19,000) to the at least $33,805 (RM 160,000) MSRP of this Nissan pickup. Nostalgia as it seems ain’t all that cheap after all.
As for the rest of the Frontier range on the other hand, Nissan has a new SL trim for crew-cab models for 2024. A more comfort-focused trim, this new variant LED lighting, leather-appointed seating, and a 10-speaker Fender audio system. All variants of this pickup are nevertheless still powered by a 310 hp 3.8-litre V6 that sends its drive to either solely the rear wheels or all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission.
