Outdated Nissan Frontier Sees Biggest Increase Of Any Truck In America

The aging 2018 Nissan Frontier isn’t dead yet. See how it outperformed all pickups in February.

Mid-size pickups are a hot segment in the U.S., with the Toyota Tacoma leading the class by a healthy margin with the Chevrolet Colorado, both seeing healthy increases over the previous years numbers. GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline struggled to improve their numbers over February 2017, with both going in the wrong direction.

But it’s the 2018 Nissan Frontier that surprises. It may not beat Toyota Tacoma in total sales, but it leads all U.S. trucks in percentage-of-increase vs February 2017. Toyota Tacoma was up 18 percent over the previous year, Chevy Colorado was up 7.1 percent and the Nissan Frontier was up 68.8 percent to lead all trucks including Ford’s F-150 increase over the previous year’s numbers. GMC Canyon was down (-22.1 percent) and Honda Ridgeline also saw a decline (-32.3 percent).

It’s surprising because the Nissan Frontier is aging and in need of a total makeover. Frontier is selling well in spite of its aging body style, drivetrain, and current tech features. But Frontier is getting a complete makeover and it’s coming later this year. It could give Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado a challenge when it finally arrives.

Reports tell us the new-generation Nissan Frontier will have three engine choices. The SV 4.0-liter V6 will grow to 273 horsepower and 285 lb. ft of torque. That’s up from the current 261hp / 281 lb. ft. The big news is, the next-generation Frontier pickup will have a diesel engine option. We’ve been told by an anonymous source close to Nissan, the mid-size pickup will be available with an optional 2.8-liter turbo diesel. We reported last year, the next Frontier would get a Cummins Turbo Diesel. It looks like it will be a reality.

For now, the 2018 Nissan Frontier is selling well in spite of its age. The new-generation midsize 2019 Nissan Frontier pickup is getting a complete redesign. Look for more flexibility in the platform, new styling, and an optional 2.8-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel engine. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Nissan USA