The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition: The 80s Were Cool

The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition harks back to the aesthetic that defined Nissan’s Hardbody trucks of the 1980s. There are no two ways about it: This truck is mega-cool. Aiming to artfully marry retro design with modern technology, the Hardbody Edition pulls out all the stops and brilliantly recreates the familiar look of the original Hardbody truck, once an icon in the Nissan lineup nearly four decades ago.

According to Hiren Patel, project lead designer at Nissan Design America, the design elements have been modernized for today’s audience. “Even if you don’t recognize or remember the original Hardbody, you’re still going to say, ‘That’s a cool truck,'” Patel said. This design initiative is the first full production model conceived by Nissan Design America, which had its team searching for inspiration from older Hardbody models during the design process.

Based on the well-equipped Crew Cab SV 4×4, the Hardbody Edition features various elements that evoke its 1980s predecessor. It comes with awesome three-spoke, heritage-styled 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, along with an aluminum skid plate, black fender flares, a black side rail, and mud flaps. The exterior also includes black-painted bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and grille. Adding to the retro charm are black graphics with a large “4×4” logo on the front doors and a tailgate graphic featuring a cut-out “Nissan” logo.

While the Hardbody Edition focuses on nostalgia, the 2024 Frontier also introduces a new Crew Cab SL grade. Replacing the outgoing SV Premium Package, this grade incorporates a variety of premium features like LED headlights, fog lights, leather-appointed seating with heated front seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Additional creature comforts include a power tilt and slide sunroof, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and much more.

Under the hood, the 2024 Frontier continues with its 3.8L V6 engine, which produces 310 horsepower. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it sits on a fully boxed ladder frame enabling a towing capacity of up to 6,640 pounds. The Frontier also offers four-wheel drive capabilities, allowing drivers to switch between 2WD, 4HI, and 4LO modes.

Standard technology features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging. Safety is bolstered by Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and the availability of Nissan Safety Shield 360. Moreover, Nissan has extended the trial period for NissanConnect Services to three years, up from the previous six months.

The 2024 Nissan Frontier will be on sale this fall in the US, with a starting MSRP of $29,770. With its mix of retro styling and modern amenities, the Frontier Hardbody Edition enriches Nissan’s six-decade history in the compact pickup segment.

We’ve reached out to Nissan Canada to find out that they have no news to share on the subject at the moment. We sad.