The Nissan Frontier was finally updated for the 2020 model year with a new engine and transmission. But Nissan's compact pickup is long overdue a replacement considering it's been on the market since 2004. Compared to its more modern rivals like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, it's starting to look dated. Mercifully, the Frontier is getting a complete redesign for the 2021 model year.

Nissan previewed the next-generation Frontier in a shadowy teaser back in May, and these photos posted by Formacar appear to show the redesigned 2021 Nissan Frontier completely undisguised ahead of its official reveal. From the photos, the design seems to match what we saw in Nissan's official teaser, so the photos appear to be legit.

To modernize the compact pickup, the Frontier shown in the photos is fitted with new LED headlights, redesigned bumpers, a tonneau cover, and a larger grille. A separate grey model also appears to be a more off-road focused version with a raised suspension, blacked-out grille, bull bar, and plastic body kit replacing the chrome detailing. There's also prominent Frontier badging stamped above the front grille.

Under the hood, the 2021 Nissan Frontier is expected to utilize the same 3.8-liter V6 that was introduced for the 2020 model producing 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new nine-speed automatic.

Outside of the US in markets where the Frontier is known as the Nissan Navara, the pickup is expected to be offered with a turbo-diesel engine with 190 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Also expect the new Frontier to be updated with Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assists.

Nissan hasn't confirmed when the new Frontier will break cover, but now that the production model has leaked an official reveal should happen sooner, rather than later. There's a good chance the redesigned Frontier will be revealed before the end of the year.