By: Peter Gregorian
February 15, 2025
Those shopping in the midsize truck segment have always celebrated utility, durability, and design. The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody has taken these pillars and given them a nostalgic twist, blending retro charm with modern-day practicality. The result is a pickup that turns heads on the road while also performing admirably in the dirt. But does it strike the right balance for today’s discerning truck buyer? Thanks to Nissan Canada we had the opportunity to put the Frontier Hardbody through its paces and uncover the answer to that question.
The 2024 Frontier Hardbody takes inspiration from the iconic Nissan Hardbody pickups of the 1980s and ’90s, and it does so with flair. From the blocky black bumpers to the heritage-styled wheels, the retro theme is pervasive, and it works. The truck’s bed rack, complete with side rails, adds rugged utility while nodding to its predecessors.
This retro-inspired design does not feel forced; instead, it adds character to the truck in a way that modern designs sometimes lack. It’s no wonder the Frontier Hardbody attracts double-takes, where its bold stance and unique style make it stand out among competitors like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. However, there is a trade-off: the retro theme is perhaps taken a touch too far, as the Frontier misses out certain creature comforts that buyers in the segment have come to expect.
Inside, the Frontier Hardbody continues its retro homage while offering practical comfort. The cloth seats are surprisingly supportive, and the heritage-inspired carpets embroidered with the “Frontier” logo add an element of nostalgia. It’s these small touches that help connect the truck to its legacy while also making the cabin feel distinct from the rest of the midsize truck segment.
The cabin’s standout feature is the presence of dual-paned glass windows providing a quiet and insulated ride contributing to richer acoustics from the audio system. Aside from this, it is a no-frills experience with a basic infotainment system featuring wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The seating is comfortable enough for extended highway drives or off-road adventures, but finding the right driving position is difficult especially with the lack of a telescopic steering wheel.
Powering the 2024 Frontier Hardbody is a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a healthy 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for towing, hauling, or tackling rugged terrain. In the realm of towing, this setup allows for 6,240 lbs (2,830 kg) of towing capacity. The engine feels smooth and responsive at highway speeds, but the overall driving experience leans heavily into its old-school roots.
At low speeds, particularly in city corners or tight parking lots, the heavy steering wheel lacks the finesse of some competitors serving as a reminder that, while the retro design may be charming, it carries some mechanical compromises not quite delivering the polished handling of newer-generation trucks.
Nissan’s Hardbody name is synonymous with rugged off-road capability, and this trait remains prevalent in the 2024 Frontier. The ability to switch between 4×2 and 4×4, with both High and Low Range gears, gives drivers versatility for everything from navigating construction job sites to traversing backcountry roads.
With its sturdy frame and functional design, the truck performs well off the beaten path. The bed, coated for durability, offers ample cargo space with minimal intrusion from the wheel arches—it’s 59.5-inch truck bed allowing for up to 735 kilograms (1,620 pounds) of payload. Practical bonuses like the bed light and accessory-ready rails enhance its utility, but it’s worth noting that the rear camera falls short due to its poor resolution, making parking or reversing more difficult than it should be.
Fuel economy for the Frontier Hardbody aligns with expectations for a midsize truck powered by a naturally aspirated V6. A combined average fuel economy of approximately 12.8 L/100 km was observed which was slightly lower than Natural Resources Canada rated fuel economy figures of 12.8 L/100km, 10.2 L/100km and 11.6 L/100km in the city, highway and combined, respectively. It’s not class-leading, but it’s a reasonable trade-off considering the size of the truck and antiquated powertrain.
The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody starts at $52,785 CAD. This represents a $500 premium over SL trim which starts at $52,285 and a $2,000 discount from the more offroad focused PRO-4X which starts at $54,785. Although this truck falls in the middle of the pack of trims offered for the Frontier, the lack of certain modern conveniences and refinement may leave some buyers wondering if this is the best value compared to other midsize trucks in this price bracket.
The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody is a truck with undeniable charm. Its retro-inspired exterior design, heritage-focused interior, and plausible off-road capability make it a unique offering in the crowded midsize segment. For those who appreciate a nod to Nissan’s history and are looking for a truck that offers nostalgia, the Frontier Hardbody delivers.
