The upcoming Renault Alaskan Pickup Truck is based on the Nissan Navara NP300 which should be underpinning the next U.S.-Spec Nissan Frontier. Being that the Renault Group is willing to use this platform for an all-new truck (the Renault Alaskan Pickup is all-new to the brand), it’s a good indicator that they have a new platform they are willing to enter other markets with. The current Nissan Frontier is woefully out of date and is the oldest midsize truck competition in our market on its current platform.
The Nissan Frontier’s external design has barely changed in over a decade. Most importantly, the drivetrain of the U.S.-Spec Nissan Frontier is in dire need of replacing. Although powerful, the 4.0-liter V6 is inefficient and unsophisticated. Every truck in the Nissan Frontier’s bracket has surpassed it.
Have a look at this interesting Renault Alaskan Pickup Truck. It’s fairly handsome compared to the Nissan Navara NP300 and, like the Navara, it has the wizard-new 2.4-liter dCi (twin-turbo) diesel. In its UK-guise, it makes 190PS (around 187 horsepower) and 450Nm (about 332 lb-ft) of torque. By comparison, the 4,460-lbs Chevrolet Colorado Diesel makes 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s not to say that Nissan wouldn’t crank up the power numbers when/if it comes stateside – especially if their partnership with Cummins extends to smaller, 4-cylinder diesels, we have good reason to believe that it will.
Updated transmissions from the Nissan Navara will be available for the Renault Alaskan Pickup Truck as well. An updated six-speed manual will be standard and a new seven-speed automatic transmission will make an appearance as well. The Renault Alaskan Pickup Truck will also get an available (proper) 4-wheel drive system.
Here’s a list of features available in the Renault Alaskan Pickup Truck that may make their way into the next Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck (according to Renault/Nissan):
- “Excellent off-road capability Drive modes: 2WD (Rear Wheel Drive) / 4WD
- Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) with 4WD delivers a safer, more surefooted drive. This
advanced system uses braking sensors that constantly monitor wheel speed. Whenever the system
detects that one of the axle’s two wheels is rotating faster than the other, the brakes are briefly applied
to slow the faster wheel for improved traction, greater cornering stability and a safer feel. - Rear-locking differential: mechanical lock of rear differential for difficult situations.
- Vehicle control aids: assistance during hazardous maneuvers, enhanced driving comfort and safety:
- Hill Start Assist (HSA): briefly applies the brakes to prevent the vehicle from moving backwards when
pulling away on slopes, - Hill Descent Control (HDC): when traveling down a slope, HDC controls the brakes to prevent the
vehicle from going at speed. - Plus: Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA),
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
- User friendly on-board features and smart technology
- Renault keyless entry with push start button.
- A five-inch 3D TFT color display for swift, easy access to vehicle data.
- Practical audio systems and connectivity: smartphone compatible, hands-free telephony, Bluetooth
connectivity with voice recognition, CD player, AM/FM radio, four or six loudspeakers, steering wheel mounted
fingertip remote controls. - Connected 7-inch touchscreen navigation (available in certain countries).
- 360° visibility with four cameras (front bumper, door mirrors and tailgate) which allows 360° view of the
car and check slow-speed maneuvering on-road or off-road to avoid obstacles (available in certain
countries)”
While the current Nissan Frontier is outdated and a little rough around the edges, it is an incredibly tough and capable little pickup truck. If you’re in the market, prices are very competitive right now. Just a suggestion.
Speaking of the Nissan Frontier with a Cummins diesel, here it is.
