Along with the 49-horsepower improvement compared to the previous Frontier V6, fuel economy is expected to increase. Also contributing to the 2020 Frontier’s improved acceleration and fuel economy is the all-new 9-speed automatic transmission.
At a media reception last night, Nissan revealed the 2020 Frontier which has an all-new 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission – both of which are key aspects of the next-generation Frontier.
The 2020 Frontier as the last model year of the current generation, will have best-in-class horsepower, while also providing improved fuel economy and emissions performance.* It will go on sale in spring 2020.
Helping celebrate the transition to the next-generation Frontier was Brian Murphy and his 2007 Frontier, which just last week crossed the 1-million-mile score – proof of the durability and reliability of the Nissan Frontier, especially when the oil is changed, and regular maintenance performed.
“The 2020 Frontier lays the groundwork for the exciting, next-generation Frontier – an all-new pickup truck slated to arrive soon,” said Tiago Castro, director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Nissan North America, Inc. “While looking ahead, we’re also celebrating our strong heritage – including the innovations, versatility and reliability of past models, such as the 2007 Frontier that Chicago resident Brian Murphy has driven for more than one million miles.”
2020 Nissan Frontier
The 2020 Frontier’s all-new engine is using 93% new or redesigned parts, and the powerplant underwent testing in North America. The engine will be assembled at Nissan’s engine facility in Decherd, TN, next to the full-size TITAN pickup’s 5.6-liter Endurance V8.
Along with the 49-horsepower improvement compared to the previous Frontier V6, fuel economy is expected to increase. Also contributing to the 2020 Frontier’s improved acceleration and fuel economy is the all-new 9-speed automatic transmission.
The “Million-Mile” 2007 Frontier
Chicagoan delivery man Brian Murphy bought his two-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder 5-speed manual Frontier King Cab pickup in June 2007 with one goal: to put 1 million miles on it. (your mileage may vary – editor) The red Frontier passed the million-mile mark on 27 January 2020.
According to Murphy, the original clutch lasted 801,000 miles, the timing chain was replaced as a preventative measure at 700,000 miles, and the radiator and alternator lasted about 450,000 miles each. Even the driver’s seat lasted a half-million miles but has also been replaced.
To celebrate Murphy’s loyalty, Nissan announced it would give Murphy a new Frontier once the 2020 model begins production later this year. (Maybe he should have waited a year to claim a million miles and get an all-new truck?)
“I never imagined I’d be given a new truck, especially since my Frontier is still running strong. It will be a real treat to have an efficient V6 engine, but I guess I’ll have to find another way to exercise now that I’ll have an automatic transmission and power windows,” said Murphy.
For regular maintenance, the truck has been serviced at M’Lady Nissan in Crystal Lake, Illinois, the same dealership where Murphy purchased the vehicle new in June 2007. Murphy insists on doing his own oil changes every 10,000 miles.
*Comparison based on 2020 Frontier S vs. latest in-market Ward’s Small Truck segment. Base models compared using manufacturer’s website. Final fuel economy figures will be available at a later date.
After more than a million miles of hard work, Brian Murphy’s 2007 Nissan Frontier is headed home. – 4 August 2020. Today, Murphy swapped his “Million-Mile” Frontier for a new 2020 Frontier at M’Lady Nissan in Crystal Lake, the same dealership where he bought his 2007 Frontier more than 13 years ago. The Million Mile Frontier will retire where it was assembled, the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.