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By Denis Flierl Jul 17 2017 - 3:29pm

Next-Generation Nissan Frontier Info Leaked; A New 2.8L Turbo-Diesel is Coming

Information is coming out on the next-generation Nissan Frontier pickup. A new turbo diesel variant will be offered.
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A TorqueNews reader who’s brother works at Nissan North American headquarters in Smyrna Tennessee, says the new-generation Nissan Frontier pickup is going to be worth the wait. The reader chose to remain anonymous because in the automotive world, leaking information on new models will get his brother fired. The image is the new Nissan Frontier Attack Concept, revealed in South America last month, but the design language and styling could carry over to the production model.

Our TorqueNews reader told us the new-generation Nissan Frontier will have three engine choices. He says, “The next Frontier will be something to behold.” His brother who works for Nissan, told him the next Frontier will have a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the base S and SV trims producing 184 horsepower. That’s up from the current 152hp 2.5-liter in the 2017 Frontier.

A turbo-diesel option

He also told him the SV 4.0-liter V6 will now come with 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. Our reader’s brother says 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 reality.

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

Other news leaked out of Nissan headquarters is the next-gen Frontier will make extensive use of aluminum in many of the body panels. This will save weight and improve fuel mileage with the newly revamped 4 cylinder powerplant and more powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine.

Nissan already produces the global Frontier (Renault Navara) with a diesel that sells well around the globe. The new-generation midsize 2018 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.

Fan poll: Would you buy a Frontier with a 2.8L Cummins turbo diesel?

Photo credit: Nissan South America

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Comments

Marvin Merillat wrote on July 18, 2017 - 10:24pm
Yes, I have a 2013 4.0 4x4 to trade for, great truck, waiting for the 350 torque and better gas mileage, hopefully close to 30 mpg would be great.
Denis Flierl wrote on July 19, 2017 - 6:09am
I think a lot of buyers will choose the diesel option. Can't wait to see the fuel mileage.Thanks for reading Marvin!
Jason wrote on July 19, 2017 - 8:23am
I would if it came in stick shift. I dont like autos and dont like zf
Denis Flierl wrote on July 19, 2017 - 8:36am
You can count on it having a 6-speed manual gearbox! Thanks for reading Jason.
DrLou wrote on October 30, 2017 - 9:30am
Has Nissan confirmed it will be providing a manual transmission option with the Frontier diesel? This is the first I've heard of it and hope it will be available.
Brent Howe wrote on June 29, 2018 - 6:33pm
I have been waiting for the Diesel Frontier with a std trans for almost 10 yrs now and still waiting. If the auto trans will get the fuel mileage I would go for that. I’ve bought several Nissan cars for my wife but I’m waiting for the Diesel Frontier to replace my gas Frontier .... still waiting !!
Michael Walker wrote on July 19, 2017 - 9:23pm
I believe it will be a better Diesel engine than Chevrolet in running in the Colorado. The Colorado has a timing belt that will need to be replaced every 5 years or 60k to 100k miles. A timing chain has lasted years with no problems. If a timing belt breaks in a diesel, it is desaster to the motor. If a timing chain breaks it is desaster to the motor. Just something to think about.
Denis Flierl wrote on July 20, 2017 - 5:50am
I agree Michael. The Cummins is a better engine. Thanks for reading!
Todd wrote on August 22, 2017 - 11:02pm
How can you write "I agree" when the comment you were responding to is factually incorrect? Doesn't anyone do any homework anymore?
Todd wrote on August 22, 2017 - 10:59pm
Gotta love it when people provide incorrect information. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado user manual indicated checking belt status at 150,000. Also, someone else said it best regarding naive evaluation of timing belts and people's strange idea that the technology of constructing timing belts hasn't chained over time; therefore timing chains are th best option: "Current belts are Kelvar based pieces that have zero issue lasting the recommended interval. Step into the future my worrisome friend".
Todd wrote on August 23, 2017 - 10:47am
Just to clarify, the current Chevrolet Colorado user manual suggests checking the belt at 150,000 miles. A huge difference from what other individuals have posted regarding replacing the timing belt at either 60,000 kilometers or 100,000 kilometers.
Chuck Agle wrote on July 24, 2017 - 5:23pm
My family owns several orchards. Having a compact diesel manual that you can idle through an orchard at low speed picking up boxes of hand-picked fruit would be wonderful. Having enough towing capacity to pull a double axle trailer loaded with a mid-size tractor would be a plus. Say 7 to 8 thousand pounds.
Denis Flierl wrote on July 24, 2017 - 6:20pm
It looks like you will get your diesel Frontier that will be the perfect work truck in the orchards! Thanks for reading Chuck.
Lionel Fusco wrote on October 10, 2017 - 9:45pm
Well it's not going to be the 2018. Maybe the 2019 or 2020. In other words don't hold your breath
mike wrote on October 13, 2017 - 7:32am
WHEN CAN I BUY THE NEXT GENERATION NISSAN FRONTIER TRUCK?
mike wrote on October 13, 2017 - 7:34am
NEXT GENERATION NISSAN TRUCK, WHEN WILL YOU SELL IT?
340 Dart wrote on October 15, 2017 - 10:54am
The timming belt change on the new Colorado is actually @150,000 miles. That is a lot of miles on a belt. That is up from when Jeep used a similar version of the 2.8, and it's change out was 100K miles. If I'm gonna buy one, I'm gonna plan on driving it for a good long time.
Brian wrote on October 22, 2017 - 9:21am
I'd buy one in a New York minute!
Dan wrote on January 3, 2018 - 3:38am
Waiting and waiting....???? Rework the cab, diesel with a 6 speed!!! Please!!!! Enough of the Titan already, give us the Frontier!!!!
Steve Sickles wrote on February 8, 2018 - 11:28pm
I have a new 2017 diesel "next generation" NP300 Frontier that I bought new in Mexico. It looks the same as the truck pictured above. 2016 was the first year for the new body style in Mex and it's considerably roomier than last generation mid-size trucks. It has a Nissan 2.5 liter diesel rated at 187hp with a 7speed auto trans. I also have a 2009 diesel Nissan "Frontier looking" pickup (it's just called a NP300) and has the sheet metal of the early 2000s US Frontiers. It also has a 2.5 liter diesel but only rated at 131hp with a 5 speed manual. I hear people saying the new next gen midsize diesels will get get close to 30mpg highway. Both of mine get at best 23mpg regardless of city or highway driving or loaded or unloaded for that matter. Looking forward to what will be available in the states next year!
Ralphjauf wrote on February 12, 2018 - 9:38pm
I am proud owner of a 2017 Navara NP 300. The truck is great. It drives like a modern SUV and is perfect for long journeys too. I have 17000 km on the odometer allready. It gets the job done. It has a 4 cylinder diesel with 6 manuell gears. Shifting is very smoth. It runs 180 km per hour full throttle. Comfort zone of the engine is 140-160. I have 163 hp. Perfect for cost effective operation and hauling at the same time. It takes 8 Liter Diesel per 100 km. Here in Europe the Navara is sssambelt in Spain. Vw is comming from México.
Tina aburaneh wrote on May 22, 2018 - 9:57am
I love my frontier, and a fuel efficient diesel option is super exciting but the curvy front end like ford did to the new ford ranger is a fail for me and the wimpy roof bars are brutal. Looks like the new ranger and I hate the curves . The pathfinder has already been mom a fied , don’t do it to the frontier too. Keep the truck look ❤️
Andy wrote on November 29, 2018 - 10:33am
hope they offer the cummins with a manual trans behind it and four wheel drive that would be awesome. I think jeep is failing not offering the manual trans in the diesel gladiator soon to come out. Wish GM offered a manual trans behind the 4cyl duramax in the colorado.
J. Brent Howe wrote on November 29, 2018 - 3:18pm
As long as it gets the fuel mileage and holds up like the 82-84 Nissan had. Was that not a Nissan Diesel? If the Japanese build it, it may be better than a Cummings.
Andy wrote on November 30, 2018 - 8:45am
I Imagine the diesel would get mid 24-25 average maybe 27-28 highway. Even if the autos are as efficient as manual transmissions now I'd still prefer a manual in.
DrLou wrote on November 30, 2018 - 6:38am
I would love a Frontier diesel. My only concern is will it be reasonably priced.
J.Brent Howe wrote on November 30, 2018 - 7:46am
Must be 4cyl manual trans like before only more power but main concern is fuel mileage and longevity like the previous kingcab 4cyl 5sp
Joe wrote on February 19, 2020 - 12:13am
Obviously someone's brother is full of more shit than a port a potty. Literally nothing in this article was even close to true