Frontier

Make
Nissan
Segment
Sports Car

The 2020 Nissan Frontier is possibly the strangest truck on the market. Having arrived way back in 2004, the Frontier is on the verge of being replaced by an all-new model. But before that happens, Nissan installed the next-generation engine and transmission into the outgoing model. Strange, right? The Frontier might be old, but it's tough as nails, with one example even racking up over one million miles.

Its durability makes the Frontier the perfect choice for the 2020 Rebelle Rally, an off-road challenge with all-female drivers. Nissan has provided a 2020 Frontier to Team Wild Grace, comprised of veteran off-roaders Sedona Blinson and Lyn Woodward. Team Wild Grace will drive the Frontier over grueling terrain without the help of cell phones or GPS systems from Lake Tahoe to the Glamis Dunes.

The Frontier provided to them is far from stock, with a slew of new Nismo off-road parts. Nissan's Nismo division says these components will arrive on the market later this fall and fit the 2005 to 2020 model year Frontier; the 2016 to 2021 model year Titan; the 2005 to 2015 model year Xterra; and the next-generation Frontier.

The Nismo components include an off-road Performance Suspension Kit with monotube and gas-pressurized shocks that raise the ride height by two inches. There are also exterior upgrades including an off-road bumper, LED off-road lights, and custom wheels. These parts look great, provide real gains in performance, and give Nissan a viable competitor to Toyota's TRD division.

"We've taken the 2020 Frontier on a couple of trial runs, and it's been an absolute rock star," said Woodward. "I'm very excited about the extra power in the V6 - it's a solid truck, and that's what you need to compete out here. Our first goal is to always compete hard, but I don't see any reason why Sedona and I can't win it all this year."

Team Wild Grace finished in sixth place last year, but with the Nismo off-road parts and a new 310-horsepower V6, the Frontier has a great chance of placing higher.