Expect MPG Boost When Re-engined Nissan Frontier Lands

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

That headline comes with an asterisk, as the fuel economy gains expected from the 2020 Nissan Frontier are only applicable if you planned on buying a V6 model. The four-cylinder Frontier is dead for ’20, as is the manual transmission.

While the Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t yet bestowed MPG figures on the “new” truck (same body, new powertrain), Nissan has come clean with estimates.

Speaking to Motor1, the automaker claims the rear-drive 2020 Frontier, which carries a standard direct-injection 3.8-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic (previous V6 Frontiers boasted 4.0 liters of displacement and either a five-speed auto or six-speed stick), should garner a rating of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined in 4×2 guise.

Four-wheel drive models should net a rating of 17/23/19.

The estimates top the old 4×2 4.0L by 2 mpg, regardless of transmission, while the 4×4 sees a gain of either 1 or 2 mpg. It’s worth noting, however, that the base ’19 Frontier with four-banger and manual tranny returned 21 mpg in combined driving. The ’20 does top it on the highway, though.

With the six-speed manual gone for the current model year, Nissan fans can forget about a resurrection of the bargain-basement row-your-own model. According to Melaina Vasko, Nissan’s vehicle performance development manager for trucks and full-size SUVs, the nine-speed will remain the only transmission option.

Apparently, the model’s stick shift take rate was only 5 percent.

While the Frontier’s fuel economy specs change for 2020, they’re likely to change again when the redesigned 2021 model emerges. Boasting a new body, less weight, and extra aero, the ’21 should see further improvements in the MPG situation.

[Image: Nissan]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • DenverMike DenverMike on Apr 08, 2020

    The old drivetrain was the main attraction.

  • Jeff S Jeff S on Apr 08, 2020

    Agree the old drivetrain was the best part of the Frontier along with a very competitive price. Nissan might not sell as many Frontiers once they move to completely new model especially if they have to raise the price. The Frontier sells on its price it is a good value. Raise the price and only offer a Jatco automatic makes the Frontier less desirable.

  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
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