The current generation of Nissan’s mid-size pickup has been around for a while and still looks quite fresh. Although it’s not a class leader in any of the most important aspects of a pickup, it is still a pretty competitive model, due to its straightforward design and great practicality on a daily basis. Now, it looks like the Japanese manufacturer is preparing a novelty that could make this pickup even more appealing. Namely, it looks like the 2024 Nissan Frontier Hybrid is on the way, even though the officials are still quiet.
If this happens, the Frontier would get the opportunity to play on the efficiency card. At the same time, it would keep the same level of practicality and everyday usability. Other than the powertrain, we don’t believe this truck could be much different compared to the gas-only model. According to rumors, the new powertrain could be introduced already in the next year.
2024 Nissan Frontier Hybrid Powertrain
Just a year ago, Nissan had one of the best powertrain options in the segment. The 3.6-liter V6 offers a respectable amount of power, but all this changed with the redesign of key players in the segment. Tacoma and Colorado now use more efficient and more capable turbo-four engines, while Toyota’s pickup also brings an impressive hybrid version with 465 pound-feet of torque.
Obviously, Nissan needs something more capable, or significantly more efficient to be relevant in the segment. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t have a proper turbo-four engine that would replace the V6 but on the other hand, we might see a hybrid version. That model would be based on Nissan’s new technology, called ePower. That system works in a little bit different way than Toyota’s hybrid. It relies mostly on electric power, while the gasoline engine only works as a power generator that charges the battery and then feeds the electric motor. So far, Nissan has been offering such a setup in smaller crossovers, but we don’t see any reason why Nissan wouldn’t apply the same technology in something bigger and more capable. At this point, it’s early for predictions when it comes to power, torque and other specs.
On the other hand, standard models are expected to continue with the same 3.8-liter V6, which puts out 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet f torque, and comes coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
2024 Nissan Frontier Hybrid Design
Other than the hybrid powertrain, we don’t believe that this version could feature any other major difference, especially when it comes to the overall design. In this aspect, we would see the same layout and refers both to mechanics and aesthetics. When it comes to the exterior design, we are not sure if the electrified Frontier would come in the King Cab layout, which is what Nissan calls an extended cab. The larger, Crew Cab model with a short bed seems like a perfect pick for an electrified Frontier.
When it comes to off-road upgrades, the new Hybrid version could also be offered the Pro-4X version which, besides styling upgrades, also offers a few off-road upgrades, such as skid plates, upgraded suspension, standard four-wheel drive etc. It’s not as capable as rivals like Tacoma TRD Pro or Colorado ZR2 but seems good enough for moderate off-roading.
Interior
The same goes for the interior design. We expect the same cabin layout, which looks pretty nice, thanks to the combination of attractive aesthetics and decent materials. Moreover, there is also a pretty decent offer of tech features, including a decently-sized infotainment screen, which makes this cabin look even nicer.
As the 2024 Nissan Frontier Hybrid is expected to come only in the Crew Cab layout, it will be able to accommodate five adults quite easily. Along with the spacious cabin, this version would offer a 5-foot cargo bed, with around 40 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Features
We presume that the hybrid powertrain wouldn’t be offered in the most basic variants, with essential features only. It would come with more standard equipment compared to the gasoline version. We presume that the hybrid could come with a bigger 9-inch touchscreen, while the list of standard equipment would also include wireless smartphone integration, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as a decent portion of standard safety features.
The base Frontier comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitoring etc. The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hybrid could add things like lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control etc.
2024 Nissan Frontier Hybrid Release Date and Price
We believe that the 2024 Nissan Frontier Hybrid could arrive already in the next year, even though the officials are still quiet about it. When it comes to price, we expect it to be notably higher compared to the gas-powered model. We believe it could start somewhere between 40.000 and 45.000 dollars.
