2020 Nissan Frontier Gains An Updated Powertrain: Comments

[William Maley]

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Nissan isn't quite ready to show off the next-generation Frontier, but they have decided to drop the new engine and transmission destined for the new model into the outgoing Frontier.

Revealed on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show yesterday, the new 3.8L V6 produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque - an increase of 49 hp over the outgoing 4.0L V6, but torque remains the same. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic that is similar to the one used in the recently refreshed Titan. The introduction of this new powertain does mean the base 2.5L four-cylinder and manual transmission have been dropped for 2020.

Why is Nissan releasing this new powertrain in a model that is destined to be replaced in a year's time? Most likely Nissan sees it as a way to get some real-world mileage before being dropped into the next-generation Frontier.

Nissan is also giving all 2020 Frontiers push-button start, power windows and locks; and tilt-telescoping steering wheel. 

Source: Nissan
Press Release is on Page 2

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2020 Nissan Frontier debuts with ‘heart of the next-generation Frontier’

• All-new 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine, 9-speed transmission help set the stage for all-new truck to come next year

CHICAGO – As one successful era ends, another is just beginning in the heart of the 2020 Nissan Frontier.

At a media reception tonight, Nissan revealed the 2020 Frontier which 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, all-new Frontier coming soon.

The 2020 Frontier, which marks the last model year of the current generation, will feature best-in-class horsepower1 while also providing improved fuel economy and emissions performance. It will go on sale in spring 2020.

Helping celebrate the transition to the next-generation Frontier was Brian Murphy and his 2007 Frontier, which just last week crossed the 1 million mile mark – a true testament to the durability and reliability of the Nissan Frontier.

"The 2020 Frontier lays the groundwork for the exciting, next-generation Frontier – an all-new pickup truck slated to arrive soon," said Tiago Castro, director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Nissan North America, Inc. "While looking ahead, we're also celebrating our strong heritage – including the innovations, versatility and reliability of past models, such as the 2007 Frontier that Chicago resident Brian Murphy has driven for more than one million miles."

2020 Nissan Frontier
The 2020 Frontier, with its standard 3.8-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission, focuses on the needs and demands of truck owners in the U.S. Nissan's all-new engine is using 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., next to the full-size TITAN pickup's 5.6-liter Endurance® V8.

Along with the 49-horsepower improvement over the previous Frontier V6, fuel economy is expected to increase2. Also contributing to the 2020 Frontier's improved acceleration and fuel economy is the all-new 9-speed automatic transmission designed to maximize powertrain efficiency and provide an enhanced acceleration feel.

"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," added Castro.

The "Million-Mile" 2007 Frontier
Chicagoland delivery man Brian Murphy bought his two-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder 5-speed manual Frontier King Cab pickup in June 2007 with one goal: to put 1 million miles on it3. The red Frontier passed the million-mile mark on January 27, 2020.

According to Murphy, the original clutch lasted 801,000 miles, the timing chain was replaced as a preventative measure at 700,000 miles, and the radiator and alternator lasted about 450,000 miles each. Even the driver's seat lasted a half-million miles but has also been replaced. 

To celebrate Murphy's incredible accomplishment and loyalty, Nissan announced it would give Murphy a new Frontier once the 2020 model begins production later this year. 

"I never imagined I'd be given a new truck, especially since my Frontier is still running strong. It will be a real treat to have an efficient V6 engine, but I guess I'll have to find another way to exercise now that I'll have an automatic transmission and power windows," said Murphy. 

For regular maintenance, the truck has been serviced at M'Lady Nissan in Crystal Lake, Illinois, the same dealership where Murphy purchased the vehicle new in June 2007. Murphy insists on doing his own oil changes every 10,000 miles.

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[smk4565]

The new 3.8 liter V6 is less powerful than the Nissan 3.7 liter V6 that made 328 hp 10 years ago.  

[ccap41]

2 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

The new 3.8 liter V6 is less powerful than the Nissan 3.7 liter V6 that made 328 hp 10 years ago.  

The one that's not in a truck? 

Truck engines are always tuned down and designed more for hard work and reliability. 

[riviera74]

Needs more torque.

[ccap41]

It could use more torque, because truck, but isn't 281 still more than the other N/A V6's? 

Tacoma 3.5: 265tq

Gladiator 3.6: 260tq

GM 3.6: 275tq

As it turns out, yes. Yes, it is more than the others in its field. 

The only competitor that ousts it is the 2.3 with 310tq but much less horsepower at 270. 

[David]

Me thinks this engine will get the real world testing that Nissan wants and then in the new Frontier, it will have a considerable bump in power and torque.

Still hate DOHC engines that have more HP than Torque.

[loki]

7 hours ago, smk4565 said:

The new 3.8 liter V6 is less powerful than the Nissan 3.7 liter V6 that made 328 hp 10 years ago.  

HP in trucks is not something to max.... who's gonna race the thing making it turn above 6500rpm?

edit, it's not an SS, or Cyclone type truck

Edited February 6, 2020 by loki
added edit

[Robert Hall]

1 hour ago, loki said:

HP in trucks is not something to max.... who's gonna race the thing making it turn above 6500rpm?

edit, it's not an SS, or Cyclone type truck

Or in Nissan terms, not a NISMO, GT-R or SE-R spec....just a basic pickup, torque counts for hauling stuff...

[USA-1]

This is what you get from a barely hanging on NIMOCO, a brand new 3.8L V6 that only has an additional 2 hp and 6 lb.-ft. than GM's class competitive 5 yr. old 3.6L V6. Basically identical output from a larger displacement NA V6. I had this SAE cert'd. (traditionally a lower output rating but more accurate) 308hp/275 lb.-ft. 3.6L LGZ truck version in a '17 Colorado 4x4 Z71, it's a strong high-output engine for it's size and proves it here. Nissan better hope they can sell more new Frontier's than this old one to compete with the class leading GM twins and Taco to try to help pull them out of their company wide abysmal sales numbers.

[A Horse With No Name]

On 2/6/2020 at 5:49 PM, Robert Hall said:

Or in Nissan terms, not a NISMO, GT-R or SE-R spec....just a basic pickup, torque counts for hauling stuff...

As does reliability, these will be hauling drywall and lumber for more than they will be hauling ass. 

On 2/6/2020 at 9:36 PM, USA-1 said:

This is what you get from a barely hanging on NIMOCO, a brand new 3.8L V6 that only has an additional 2 hp and 6 lb.-ft. than GM's class competitive 5 yr. old 3.6L V6. Basically identical output from a larger displacement NA V6. I had this SAE cert'd. (traditionally a lower output rating but more accurate) 308hp/275 lb.-ft. 3.6L LGZ truck version in a '17 Colorado 4x4 Z71, it's a strong high-output engine for it's size and proves it here. Nissan better hope they can sell more new Frontier's than this old one to compete with the class leading GM twins and Taco to try to help pull them out of their company wide abysmal sales numbers.

I really like the Colorado as an off road truck. 

[USA-1]

On 10/29/2020 at 5:39 AM, A Horse With No Name said:

As does reliability, these will be hauling drywall and lumber for more than they will be hauling ass. 

I really like the Colorado as an off road truck. 

It's a great truck all around. Not as smooth of a ride as my Silvy (both Z71 Off-Road pkg.), but solid little truck.

[A Horse With No Name]

On 11/3/2020 at 7:02 PM, USA-1 said:

It's a great truck all around. Not as smooth of a ride as my Silvy (both Z71 Off-Road pkg.), but solid little truck.

For a guy like me who lives in a city and parks in parking garages, it is the berries to drive a midsize truck. 

[USA-1]

29 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

For a guy like me who lives in a city and parks in parking garages, it is the berries to drive a midsize truck. 

For sure, my Colorado was easier to navigate in parking lots and DT parking garages, but being 6'3" the midsize Colorado just doesn't have the room that I like and was used to with the fullsize Silverado and the seats don't have near as many adjustments in the Colo that the Silvy does even in the TOTL Z71 pkg. I feel back to normal with a fullsize pickup and it still fits in my garage at home 👍🏼 

[A Horse With No Name]

8 minutes ago, USA-1 said:

For sure, my Colorado was easier to navigate in parking lots and DT parking garages, but being 6'3" the midsize Colorado just doesn't have the room that I like and was used to with the fullsize Silverado and the seats don't have near as many adjustments in the Colo that the Silvy does even in the TOTL Z71 pkg. I feel back to normal with a fullsize pickup and it still fits in my garage at home 👍🏼 

I really would love a full size truck at some point. The styling on the new Silverado is really growing on me.