Nissan is saluting its history with a new callback to the 1980s and ’90s, and yes, the 1980s and ’90s are history. The news rattled us, too.
From 1985 to 1997, Nissan sold a compact truck called the Hardbody that won a devoted following in the United States. Hardbody trucks were affordable but tough (winning a series of off-road races to prove it) but small enough to drive anywhere easily. They had enough power to do the job but not so much that fueling them was costly.
Frankly, they’re easy to miss in an era of oversized trucks with mortgage-sized appetites for fuel.
Nissan isn’t bringing them back — only Ford and Hyundai build true compact trucks this year. But it salutes them with a new special edition of its Frontier midsize pickup.
1980s Wheels, 2023 Phone Interfaces
“Nissan calls its 2024 Frontier Hardbody Edition “retro yet modern.” Retro means cool ‘80s-inspired details like heritage-styled 17-inch alloy wheels that might as well play their own synthesizer track. Modern means wireless phone charging.
The Frontier Hardbody edition gets an ‘80s-style sport bar, retro-blocky graphics, and a black fascia that apes a classic brush guard. Black tailgate decals complete the look. “Just like its ’80s namesake, the Hardbody Edition wears black-painted bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and grille,” Nissan says. A matte black hood decal to reduce glare seems to be a brand-new thought.
But it doesn’t lack any of the Frontier’s interior advancements. So, step inside your Reagan-era machine, and you’ll still find Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other 2023 amenities. The Hardbody gets all the equipment from the upscale Frontier SV.
Other changes to the Frontier lineup include a new SL Crew Cab trim that replaces last year’s SV Premium Package. It includes leather seating, heated front seats, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a spray-in bedliner.
Every 2024 Frontier gets the same 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Frontier, however, competes in a field full of newer trucks. The Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado have all been updated recently. The Frontier has stayed largely the same since 2022.
Our expert reviewer calls it “a good midsize truck for drivers looking for a rugged workhorse with modern features at an affordable price.” But shoppers may find more flexible, up-to-date options on many sales lots.
2024 Nissan Frontier Pricing
Nissan also charges a mandatory destination and handling fee of $1,335 on all Frontier trucks.
| Trim Level | MSRP |
| Frontier S King Cab 4×2 | $29,770 |
| Frontier SV King Cab 4×2 | $32,470 |
| Frontier S King Cab 4×4 | $32,970 |
| Frontier SV King Cab 4×4 | $35,670 |
| Frontier S Crew Cab 4×2 | $31,070 |
| Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×2 (5-foot bed) | $33,870 |
| Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×2 (6-foot bed) | $36,700 |
| Frontier PRO-X Crew Cab 4×2 | $36,300 |
| Frontier SL Crew Cab 4×2 | $39,640 |
| Frontier S Crew Cab 4×4 | $34,070 |
| Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×4 (5-foot bed) | $36,870 |
| Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×4 (6-foot bed) | $39,700 |
| Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4×4 | $39,300 |
| Frontier SL Crew Cab 4×4 | $42,640 |
