These Nissan Bakkie Concepts show what’s possible when engineers are given free reign. We’re in love!

The 2022 Chicago Auto Show hasn’t produced much ground-breaking car news, but we came across these Nissan bakkie concepts and we’re smitten.

Based on the new Frontier, these three Nissan bakkie concepts each have their own identity. Sadly, the Nissan Frontier is not offered in South Africa, but we do have the rather good-looking and surprisingly refined updated Nissan Navara on showroom floors. The new Navara is quite a big leap as far as comfort and driving refinement are concerned.

The first Frontier concept is the Project 72X Frontier. By using the Crew Cab S 4×4 derivative as a base, this retro-looking bakkie has been created as a modern-day version of the Datsun 720 truck that made its debut back in 1979.

The heritage vibes are strong, with a simple exterior paint job, with retro-style decaled and white steel wheels. Nissan has given this model a lift kit for additional clearance and we love the old-school cool look.

Next up is the Project Hardbody Frontier Concept, which begun as a standard 2022 Frontier Crew Cab SV 4×4. It looks fairly standard, but Nissan has given it a 3-inch lift kit, adjustable upper control arms, fender flares, block-style alloy wheels with 33-inch tyres, sports bar, decals and a 10-inch rectangular LED light bar.

Finally, the piece de resistance for the Nissan bakkie concepts. This is the Project Adventure and it looks ready to do some serious overlanding. Under the skin is a monster 5-inch lift kit, 34-inch special mud tyres, carbon fiber snorkel while Nissan has accessorised it with a Yakima bed rack setup, Yakima Loadwarrior roof basket, sky tent and an uprated Kicker audio system.

As far as hardcore overlanding bakkies go, we think the Nissan Project Adventure is one of the most impressive. Right, who wants to drive one to the middle of nowhere for an adventure?

Want to buy a new or used Nissan bakkie?

Further Reading

Nissan Navara 2021 Review

Big bakkie shootout – we test SA’s best double-cabs.