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Will 2018 Nissan Frontier Include a 2.8L Cummins Turbo Diesel Option?

The new 2018 Nissan Frontier is in the final design stages. Will it be coming with a Cummins Turbo diesel?
2018 Nissan Frontier

Nissan has declared it’s the “Year of the Truck.” Nissan will be bringing mid-size truck buyers a new-generation 2018 Frontier soon. Will it be getting a Cummins diesel option? If its like the new Titan half-ton single cab, it will. The new Titan will be offered with a Cummins 5.0-liter V8 Turbo Diesel, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. It won’t be getting this diesel powerhouse, but it could come with a smaller version.

What’s next for the new 2018 Frontier?

Nissan recently brought a prototype Frontier pickup with 2.8-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine to a press event. This was the same vehicle Nissan brought to the Chicago Auto Show in 2014. The new diesel variant has around 200hp and 350 lb ft of torque. It comes mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The fuel economy improvement would be around 30 percent over the comparable Frontier V6 gas powerplant according to Nissan sources.

Nissan is evaluating the US market

Nissan says the towing capacity would likely be comparable to their V6 towing rating (5500 lbs), but testing is still being conducted. Nissan is responding to the positive reaction from the new Chevy Colorado with a diesel option. Nissan already produces the global Frontier (Renault Navara) with a diesel that sells well around the world. Now they just need to evaluate US truck buyers, and see if they would buy the new 2018 Frontier with a more costly diesel powerplant.

The new-generation midsize 2018 Nissan Frontier pickup will be redesigned next year. Look for more flexibility in the platform, new styling and an option for a 2.8-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel engine. Stay tuned.

Source: Nissan

Image: Renault Alaskan

Automotive News
Pickup Trucks
Nissan
Nissan Frontier

Comments

dave (not verified)    August 21, 2016 - 3:17PM

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The Navara will be the new Frontier
AS it has won international truck of the year. On the other hand Nissan has the balls and where with all to change things even if the Navara is the truck of the year won international truck of the year.

Jon Naef (not verified)    October 27, 2016 - 8:03PM

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I really want the New Navarro Diesel and willing to bypass the GM mid-size diesels for the time being, but how long do we have to wait?

Car Nut Seattle (not verified)    March 22, 2018 - 10:08PM

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I totally agree. Why wait? Why wait for one to sell well for the others to be offered? Waiting for something to happen rarely, if ever, produces the desired results.

Hassan M (not verified)    November 23, 2016 - 3:11AM

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I have seen these new Navaras in the Philippines and wow they look fantastic. Not crazy about their weak sauce (by US standards) motors they sell there. I currently own a lifted 2003 Frontier 4x4 with manual transmission and I do not have any plans on replacing it. I really love my truck. But if Nissan offers this new Frontier with a 2.8 Cummins or a more powerful than current V6 gas and a manual 4x4 I'm buying a new one as I'm more of a performance car guy that only needs a midsize truck to haul a car to the track and haul the dirtbike to the woods. And yes I'll be lifting her!

Hale Farms (not verified)    January 28, 2017 - 8:53PM

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Really excited about the Cummings Diesel in the fFrontier. Will pay the extra for the Cummings. We drive mid size pu's. Titan too large. I will buy two Frontier Diesels. My son and I will wait on you.

scott (not verified)    April 27, 2017 - 11:53PM

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Hell ya! I'm loyal nissan fan. 3 frontiers, xterra. I'll fork out some $$ for a diesel. Drop the titan, nissan. No one would show up with it on work site, waste or R@D.
Put that hard work into the smaller truck.. trust me.
You'd sell way more than chevy.

Trent (not verified)    June 9, 2017 - 2:21PM

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It's about time Nissan!
The Chevrolet Duramax diesel is over priced and over rated. If it were strictly an Izuzu brand diesel then Chevy would have a good product. I have been waiting with bated breath for a mid size truck with a trusted and dependable diesel manufacturer. Cummins is it and I will order one once they become available in the Nissan Frontier.

david genest (not verified)    December 18, 2017 - 6:31PM

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colorado duramax 180/369 not sure of payload
i'd like to see frontier score big time with 200/400
25-30 highway 1500 payload

Car Nut Seattle (not verified)    March 22, 2018 - 5:58PM

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I'd love to see a 2.8 litre Cummins Turbo Diesel offered for North American consumers. Why should only large truck buyers be the only ones allowed to to buy a diesel powered truck? Why not let those who need/want something smaller buy a diesel? A 2.8 litre 4 cylinder Cummins for smaller and mid-sized trucks. A 5.0 litre Cummins for larger trucks. Is diesel for *everyone?* Maybe, maybe not. But I believe that should be left for the car buyers to decide what's right for them.

Robert Lozick (not verified)    March 22, 2018 - 8:55PM

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It’s really frustrating that new Frontier hasn’t been released yet,...internationally Navara diesel has been sold successfully for years. I keep checking every month for updates.

Car Nut Seattle (not verified)    May 29, 2019 - 10:24PM

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One would have to be crazy *not* to want a quality, reliable engine for their cars and trucks. I think more "'Mericans" want a reliable practical engine than would willingly admit.