The camo Nissan Frontier spotted testing in Middle Tennessee
This week in Middle Tennessee, we caught a glimpse of what appears to be the next iteration of the Nissan Frontier, cloaked in camouflage. The midsize pickup, which has long been a staple in Nissan’s truck lineup, seems to be undergoing testing ahead of a potential refresh.
While Nissan’s Frontier has always been a solid and honest contender in the midsize truck segment, it has never quite reached the sales heights of the Toyota Tacoma. In Q1 2025, Nissan moved 14,481 Frontiers, placing it fourth in the segment. That’s well above the GMC Canyon (9,096 units), but still a far cry from the Frontier’s heyday in the ‘90s and early 2000s, when the Nissan Hardbody routinely sold over 200,000 units annually.
A Refresh in the Works?
In 2024, Nissan gave the Frontier a mild update—revising the grille, tailgate, and wheels. But in today’s competitive midsize truck market, that’s not enough. To stay relevant against continually evolving rivals like the Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado, automakers have to push harder with each model refresh.
The camouflaged Frontier we saw didn’t reveal much at first glance, but some key details stood out. Michigan ORV tags hint that this prototype has likely been undergoing off-road testing in the dunes or trails of Michigan. And based on our observations, this particular test mule is likely a Pro-4X trim—evidenced by yellow Bilstein shocks, all-terrain tires, and a distinctive wheel package.
Could This Be the Frontier’s Off-Road Leap?
With the departure of the full-size Titan, the Frontier is now Nissan’s flagship pickup in North America. The brand has a strong truck legacy, but has often held back when it comes to going toe-to-toe with segment leaders. In past dealer presentations, Nissan teased a Raptor-fighter concept—complete with wider fenders, off-road roof lights, and an aggressive NISMO-inspired front end. That truck had enthusiasts dreaming big, but little came of it.
From what we can tell, Nissan may finally be leaning further into the off-road scene. While the current Pro-4X is competent, it lacks features like front lockers or the premium interior offered in trucks like the Tacoma TRD Pro or Ranger Raptor. If Nissan adds more off-road hardware and updates the interior, the Pro-4X could finally stand out as more than just a value play.
With competitors like the Jeep Gladiator, Honda Ridgeline, and Ford Maverick diversifying the midsize segment, Nissan has an opportunity to carve out a more aggressive off-road identity. The current Frontier remains one of the most honest and reliable trucks on the market—but we’d love to see it get the extra gear it needs to truly compete at the top.
What do you think?
Does the new Nissan Frontier grab your attention? Are you Team Tacoma, Ranger, or maybe a dark horse like the Canyon? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which midsize truck has your vote!
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