Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.One Name, Two PickupsThe name Frontier has been on Nissan's compact to midsize pickups for nearly 30 years now. It was first introduced in 1997 and has always run parallel with the global model. However, in 2021, the North American model went its own way, while the rest of the world carried on with a different platform.The thing is, the Frontier has had two versions since 2015. U.S. and Canadian models utilize the Nissan F-Alpha platform, while the global model went for the D23 chassis. The latter has been the one that has been flying the Nissan flag in the midsize pickup market, and also goes by the names NP300, or more popularly, the Navara.Anton Andres/AutoblogWhat's the Difference?As mentioned, these are two completely different architectures. As U.S. and Canadian markets still like midsize pickups on the larger side, the F-Alpha-based D41 Frontier is marginally bigger than the global D23 model. That's not to say the latter is small, but park it beside the American Frontier, and it is noticeable. Also, the D41 is built in the U.S, while the D23 is assembled in Thailand, Mexico, and China.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe D41 is rugged and all, but it could be said that the D23 Frontier had to be built with a wider market in mind. While it's hard to say which has the tougher frame, the global model can apparently tow and haul more based on official literature. The D41 Frontier can tow up to 7,150 lbs and carry 1,620 lbs on its frame. Meanwhile, the D23 Frontier can tow up to 7,716 lbs and has a payload capacity of roughly 2,200 lbs.As this writer is based outside the U.S., we were able to sample the global Frontier. Dubbed the Navara, it's relatively fresh off an update, the biggest change being the interior. It now has the same dash arrangement as another forbidden fruit in the U.S., the Nissan Terra. It also had a styling refresh in 2020.Anton Andres/AutoblogWe Tried OneDespite being around since 2015, it still looks good, and the facelift from six years ago did it favors. What we have here is the Calibre-X model, so it comes with a more rugged exterior and interior styling pack. We do have to point out that it's a 2WD model, just so it wouldn't muddle up the Pro4-X name. It's a 2WD truck larping as a 4WD, and in Southeast Asia, Nissan isn't the only one doing that. Toyota, Ford, and Mitsubishi are guilty of making their respective 4×2 pickups look like 4x4s as well, but we digress.Anyway, back to the Navara. The American Frontier doesn't have the most polished of interiors, but hop in the Navara/global Frontier, and you'll think the U.S. version is a premium model. Still, the 2025 interior update modernized the cabin, and the dashboard looks far, far better than before. Believe us when we say the old dash would make a Nissan Versa feel like a luxury car.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut that's the thing: it's not trying to be a premium vehicle. It's refreshingly honest inside with analog gauges, while buttons and dials are still very much present in here. The new dash was made just to refresh an interior that remained unchanged for a decade. It's an exercise of function over form, so we're giving it points for that. We do wish the rear seat bases were a little higher, though, as it's set way too low and forces taller occupants to sit in a fetal position. The legroom is there, but the thigh support isn't.Anton Andres/AutoblogHow Does it Drive?Frankly, it's pointless to say it's car-like in any way, shape, or form. Those who were never raised with hydraulic power steering will complain that its tiller is heavy, but honestly, it's pretty well weighted. We're genuinely curious if it uses the same rack as the American Frontier, or at least, similar in design and calibration. It drives like a truck, and anyone who moans about it is looking at it from the wrong perspective. Not everything has to be car-like, especially something that's meant to be a workhorse. For what it is, it actually drives okay.But what's more surprising is the ride. Admittedly, not as composed or settled as a Ford Ranger, it's still better than something like a Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi Triton. For those who have experienced sitting in the back of those, you'll know what we mean. The rear coil-sprung axle helps a lot here.Then we get to performance, and its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel won't win any races, but it won't let you down, either. It's rough, noisy, and never stops reminding everyone that it's a diesel. It makes 187 hp and 332 lb-ft, so while it's not fast, it pulls and hauls with ease. The lump gets the job done and doesn't try to impress anyone with quietness or refinement.Anton Andres/AutoblogFinal ThoughtsIt's interesting to see how the pickup market works around the world. Sure, many have evolved from being utilitarian and have become lifestyle accessories. But something like the Navara/Frontier is a good reminder of how far pickups have come without sacrificing their utilitarian origins.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's not the smoothest nor the most refined pickup in the world, but it's good where it has to be, with a greater focus on utility. It's what a pickup should be in the first place.Anton Andres/AutoblogAnton Andres/AutoblogView the 17 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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