Nissan unveils the Tribute Frontier Hardbody Edition
Nissan is paying homage to its history with a new throwback to the ’80s and ’90s, and yes, the ’80s and ’90s are history. The news also upset us.
From 1985 to 1997, Nissan sold a full-size pickup truck called the “Hardbody” that was very popular in the United States. Rigid trucks were affordable yet powerful (they won a series of off-road races to prove it) yet small enough to drive anywhere with ease. They had enough power to do the job but not so much that it would be expensive to fuel them.
Frankly, they’re easy to miss in the age of full-size trucks with big appetites for gas.
Nissan won’t bring them back—only Ford and Hyundai are making true compact trucks this year. But it revives them with a new special edition of the Frontier midsize pickup.
80s wheels, 2023 phone interfaces
Nissan calls the 2024 Frontier Hardbody Edition “old but modern.” Retro means cool ’80s-inspired details like heritage-style 17-inch alloy wheels that might as well play their own musical number. Modern means of charging the phone wirelessly.
The Frontier Hardbody Edition gets an ’80s-style sports bar, blocky retro graphics, and a black fascia that resembles a classic brush guard. Black tailgate badges complete the look. “Just like its 1980s model of the same name, the Hardbody Edition wears black-painted bumpers, mirrors, door handles and grille,” Nissan says. The matte black hood sticker to reduce glare seems to be a completely new idea.
But it doesn’t lack any of the Frontier’s internal advances. So step into your Reagan-era machine, and you’ll also find Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other amenities for 2023. The Hardbody gets all the equipment from the upscale Frontier SV.
Other changes to the Frontier lineup include a new SL Crew Cab model 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 power tilt bedliner.
Every 2024 Frontier gets the same 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission.
However, the Frontier competes in a field full of newer trucks. The Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado were recently updated. The boundaries have remained largely unchanged since 2022.
Our expert reviewer calls it “a good midsize truck for drivers looking for a solid workhorse with modern features at an affordable price.” But shoppers may find more flexible and modern options in many sales.
Nissan Frontier 2024 prices
Nissan also imposes a mandatory $1,335 destination and handling fee on all Frontier trucks.
| Cutting level | Management systems renewal project |
| 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 |
