I’m rockin’ it retro this week with the 2024 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 pickup. Although completely redone in 2022, Nissan had some fun bringing back the Hardbody Edition.
Some of you will remember the Hardbody trucks from the 1980s and 1990s. Just in case you don’t remember or are too young, watch this commercial from 1986. You can see they were very proud of the big 106-horsepower engine, and of course, it was a time when automakers always showcased the product and a hot chick:
Exterior
The retro touches on this 2024 version of the Hardbody include the exact replica of the wheels. These are 17” wheels wrapped in meaty all-terrain tires. If you are wondering, the 1986 you see in the video above sported 14” wheels.
Click photos to enlarge.
The retro continues with 4x4 graphics on the sides, graphics on the tailgate, and a rollbar that also has similarities to the one on the trucks almost 40-years ago. Another graphic on the hood looks awesome and has a practical use of cutting down glare when off the pavement.
Performance
Under the hood you’ll find a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 that is putting out 310-horses and 281-pound feet of torque. It is mated to a strong-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission that is shiftable, but not from paddles, from the shifter itself.
Interior
Moving to the interior, the NASA-designed zero gravity cloth seats are super comfortable, heated, and the driver gets power controls, manual for the front passenger. There is minimal stitching on the seats, and also some on the dash. This is an off-road truck, so the interior has a lot of plastic for ease of cleaning.
As you sit, there are colorful analog gauges and a driver info center that works from the steering wheel that has a lot of different items you can change as you scroll through the safety systems, off-road page, vehicle settings, maintenance page, fuel economy, a digital speedometer, and you can change audio from there, also.
High center dash is a large 9” infotainment screen that handles the terrific 10-speaker Fender sound system, Bluetooth, voice recognition, Sirius XM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you have to plug both in-they are not wireless.
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The center console is well done and has a couple of grab handles, cup holders, a wireless charger, the gear shifter, and USB and USB-C ports. Above that are the climate controls, heated seat buttons, heated steering wheel button, and the turn off for the start/stop system.
To the right of the steering wheel is the pushbutton start and 4-wheel drive selector, to the left are buttons for various things like tow mode, the cargo lamp, you have a master switch to turn off and on the safety systems, hill descent control, and you can turn off the traction control.
The back seat is roomy, has more USB and USB-C ports, an outlet for a 110 plug-in, and there is a fold down armrest with cup holders. The back seat folds up and has a nice storage area underneath.
Standard Equipment and Options
Standard equipment besides the items I talked about above are power windows/locks, manual tilt wheel, cruise control, automatic halogen headlights, front tow hooks, locking tailgate, skid plates from front to back, and trailer sway control.
Options on my tester are the $790 Fender stereo, the Hardbody Edition package is $3,890 and includes the cool exterior features I talked about. The SV Convenience Package is $2,190 and features a spray-in bedliner, remote start, tiedown hooks in the bed and a 120-volt power outlet, fog lights, trailer hitch with wiring harness and some other assorted items. Floor mats will set you back $195.
Safety .
On the safety side, this truck has the $990 Technology package which gives you get lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, rearview camera, rear parking sensors with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control
Click photos to enlarge.
Ride and Drive
The Frontier SV is a beast off the road, yet a very good daily driver. The off-road tires make for a bit of road noise, but it is tolerable. The ride is good and acceleration is terrific from the V6.
Two things I noted were the steering feels really heavy in city driving and when rolling slow, but would be a plus when off-road. I also think the turning radius could be shorter, but all in all, it is an enjoyable mid-sized truck.
Fuel economy is rated at 18 city and 23 highway, not bad for a 4600-pound 4-wheel drive truck that will tow over 6,200 pounds.
Verdict
Total MSRP as you see it is $46,540 but this is a fun truck with all the retro touches.
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What I liked most: The exterior looks and old school attitude.
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What I would change: The infotainment system works well, but is a bit antiquated.
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MSRP: Base price $37,090. Total $46,540 with transportation charges.
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Fuel Economy: 18 city/23 Highway/20 overall.
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Odometer reading when tested: 4,700 miles.
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Weight: 4,635 pounds/6,012 GVWR.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized.
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Length-Width-Height: 218.2” long/74.7” wide/72” high.
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Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Red Alert.
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Towing Capacity: 6,350 pounds.
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2024 Frontier Hardbody in a few words: A fun truck to look at, a really good daily driver that would be in its element off the pavement.
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Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.
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Final Assembly Location: Canton, MS.
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Manufacturer's website: Nissan
