Nissan Frontier X-Gear: a factory custom that goes beyond!
- Written by Narend Sooknarine
- Published in Launches

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Massy Motors, agents for Nissan, launched their new NP300 Frontier X-Gear model, inviting the media and customers to enjoy the new 360-degree experience– an off-road course created on location at Massy’s Morvant branch. The X-Gear treatment consists of a specifications list that goes beyond the fully loaded specification, with interior and exterior factory customisation and technology upgrades. The new look is bolder, more aggressive and more stylish than ever before, bringing more attitude to the Frontier lineup.
According to Olivier Rochard, Head of sales for Nissan NIBU (Nissan Importers business Unit), Massy Motors has been Nissan’s business partner for more than 50 years. The Frontier was introduced in 1969, with over 180 million units sold worldwide to date and has won over 10 major awards in various Latin American markets. The Frontier X-Gear represents Nissan’s commitment to producing high-quality vehicles and continuous response to the tastes and preferences of their customers.
The X-Gear treatment consists of a specifications list that goes beyond the fully loaded...
After the formalities, which included comments from Nissan T&T Director Aloysius Bereaux, and Brand Manager Kyle Wynyard, media and fleet customers were invited to ride along with Alex and David, two professional drivers, each in a brand new Frontier X-Gear. Throughout the day light meals and refreshments were available to participants as they observed the vehicles being driven through the 360-degree experience off-road course until they were able to enjoy a ride-along themselves.
Without need to use the brake or accelerator pedals, the Nissan Frontier X-Gear executed a controlled drive downhill...
The drive began with a fairly steep downhill straight that allowed demonstration of the hill descent control (HDC). The vehicle was placed in four-wheel drive and the HDC feature turned on via a switch in the centre console. Without need to use the brake or accelerator pedals, the Nissan Frontier X-Gear executed a controlled drive downhill without slipping, maintaining a constant speed even when the course was wet.
For added effect, the professional drivers even opened their doors and stood up, while steering with one hand and holding on to the vehicle with the other.
Next was a right turn in order to climb an elevated terraced section. In the process, this showed the Nissan Frontier X-Gear’s excellent approach and departure angles and articulation, then once again when crawling back down to the lower level ground. There a tight circular left turn was made, followed by a downhill path that required adequate ground clearance to access.
Along the way the drivers skillfully clambered over a fairly large rock with one of the rear wheels and then into an immediate left-hander between two trees.
After this, it was down into a small gully, back out again and a right turn to head back up the main hill to the upper platform.
On the way up, the Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature was demonstrated showing how easily the Frontier holds position for up to three seconds before allowing rollback– more than enough time for a driver to move their foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
It was also easy to appreciate how well the solid axle multilink rear suspension system with coil springs was able to articulate itself over the rocky surface, with minimal bouncing around in comparison to truck-like leaf spring-based systems. Also, there is no downgrade of its one-ton load rating.
It was also easy to appreciate how well the solid axle multilink rear suspension system with coil springs was able to articulate itself over the rocky surface...
Back at the top level, the course continued across to a small roundabout, made in true off-road fashion with a nice large load of gravel.
Our trusty Nissan drivers pushed the Frontier X-Gear around the roundabout for one or two rounds in 2WD mode with traction control on, and then for a few more with traction control off– in most cases leading to a few exhilarating powerslides!
Our trusty Nissan drivers pushed the Frontier X-Gear around the roundabout for one or two rounds in 2WD mode with traction control on, and then for a few more with traction control off– in most cases leading to a few exhilarating powerslides!
Thanks to the infamous '5-minute, 4-season' quick-changing weather often experienced on the Massy compound, we were able to experience both wet and dry conditions.
After all the bits of drifting, the Frontier X-Gear was returned to 4WD mode and we were treated to a bit of hillside banking that safely showed how much rollover angle the vehicle was capable of before returning to the start/finish area.
So what do you get for the extra money on the X-Gear model?
Essentially, the differences are the use of the higher power engine (188hp same as LE model), paired with the 7-speed automatic transmission with 4H, 4L and 2H modes.
There is also the multilink rear suspension as mentioned earlier, plus a smart differential system, which activates the brakes on individual wheels to simulate the behaviour of standard LSDs.
To satisfy your inner geek, there is a larger touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.
All X-Gear models also come fitted with factory custom specifications such as black leather interior (with orange fabric inlays on seats) and steering wheel with custom orange stitching, and more soft-touch surfaces.
Step outside and you have 18" X-Gear-specific wheels and X-Gear-specific exterior paint colours (Twilight Grey, Storm White and Metallic Black) with blacked out mirrors, grille and finishers, orange exterior accents, and custom X-Gear graphics.
All these upgrades help you easily stand out from the crowd, or at least give you a holistic start on building your perfect pickup.
Existing NP300 Nissan Frontiers are around TT$235K-329K depending on spec and trim, while the X-Gear weighs in at TT$349K. Thanks to Nissan’s keen eye on customer preferences, the Nissan Frontier X-Gear already seems to be a hit with customers who appreciate a more rugged and sporty appearance, along with upgraded leather interior, and improved tech on this capable and proven platform. And for individuals and companies who are purchasing their vehicles through financing, the X-Gear delivers its extras as part of the factory price, covered in the standard monthly instalments– making it easier to own a more unique vehicle!
Want to schedule a test drive? Visit any branch of Massy Motors or visit nissantt.com. Also see Massy's facebook page.
...the Nissan Frontier X-Gear already seems to be a hit with customers who appreciate a more rugged and sporty appearance, along with upgraded leather interior, and improved tech on this capable and proven platform.
Enjoy our video of the Nissan Frontier X-Gear on through the 360-degree experience course:
Technical Specifications: Nissan Frontier X-Gear (NP300)
Engine Power | 188hp@3600rpm (140KW) |
Engine Torque | 332ft-lb@2000rpm (450Nm) |
Engine Displacement/Type | 2488cc Direct Injection, Turbocharged, Intercooled, DOHC 4-cylinder / YD25K3 Common Rail Diesel |
Max. Engine Speed, Compression Ratio | 4750rpm, 15:1 |
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic, with 2H, 4H, 4L electronic control |
Engine/Drivetrain configuration | Front-engine/RWD, 4WD |
Top Speed | 215km/h (estimated) |
Acceleration 0-100km/h | 11 seconds (estimated) |
Fuel Type | Diesel |
Est. Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 22mpg (9.3 l/km) |
Suspension (F/R) | Front - Double Wishbone w/stabilizer bar / Rear - Solid Axle Multilink |
Brakes Front/Rear | Front - Vented Disc Brakes / Rear - Drum Brakes with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist |
Wheels with tyres, front / rear | 18" X-gear specific alloy wheels, 255/60R18 all season tyres |
Dimensions (length/width/height) | 5255/2085/1840mm |
Ground Clearance | 225mm |
Tray Dimensions (length/width/height) | 1503/1560/474mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.1 gallons, 80 litres |
Curb Weight (lbs.) | 4442 (2015kg) |
Supplemental Features | Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSC), Rear View Camera, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Brake Limited Slip differential (B-LSD) // Nissan Intelligent Mobility |
Towing/Payload Capacity | 3.5/1 tons |
Approx. starting price | TT$349K+ (X-Gear spec, January 2020) |
Enjoy our Photo Galleries on the next few pages!
Nissan Frontier X-Gear Launch, Image Gallery 1 of 3:
http://www.zorce.com/2014Z3/index.php/departments/departments/zorcerazzi/launches/786-nissan-frontier-x-gear-a-factory-custom-pickup?showall=1&limitstart=#sigProId5d5d6bb913
Nissan Frontier X-Gear Launch, Image Gallery 2 of 3:
http://www.zorce.com/2014Z3/index.php/departments/departments/zorcerazzi/launches/786-nissan-frontier-x-gear-a-factory-custom-pickup?showall=1&limitstart=#sigProId8902f7f955
Nissan Frontier X-Gear Launch, Image Gallery 3 of 3:
http://www.zorce.com/2014Z3/index.php/departments/departments/zorcerazzi/launches/786-nissan-frontier-x-gear-a-factory-custom-pickup?showall=1&limitstart=#sigProId529c52288c
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