After 16 years of the current second-generation Frontier, Nissan’s mid-sized truck gets a proper makeover. The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a lot the same, but looks and should feel a lot different.
The new Nissan mid-sized truck offering has the same frame and driveline as the current Frontier but has all-new everything else. The bold new looks inside and out are sure to attract a lot of buyers, and the tech and utility packed in should impress as well. Let’s dive into what we know about the new 2022 Frontier.
2022 Nissan Frontier Basics
Let’s get the basics out the way first. The 2022 Nissan Frontier has the same body on frame construction, and frame, as the second-generation Frontier. It also has the same 3.8L V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission that was first introduced in the 2020 Frontier. The new truck can be purchased with a 2WD or shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes. The Frontier’s V6 offers best-in-class 310 hp, as well as 281 lb.-ft of torque.
Under the truck, you get an independent front suspension and a solid axle with leaf springs at the back. The 2022 Frontier rolls on 30.6 or 31.6-inch tall tires on either 16 or 17-inch wheels. Disk brakes are found at all four corners of the truck, something class-leading Toyota Tacoma still doesn’t have.
You can choose between 2WD and 4WD, 5-foot or 6-foot beds, and three different cloth or leather interiors, but all 2022 Frontier come with 4-doors. You either get the King Cab or the Crew Cab, and can choose between 4-grades; S, SV, PRO-X, and PRO-4X.
Available Configurations:
King Cab: S, SV – 2WD or 4WD
Crew Cab: S, SV – 2WD or 4WD;
PRO-X (2WD only), PRO-4X (4WD only)
Crew Cab Long Wheelbase: SV 2WD, SV 4WD
Bold New Frontier
First off you have to, or at least we do, appreciate the bold new looks of the Frontier. It looks a lot like a cross between a Toyota Tacoma and RAM 1500, with some modern Nissan lines. Since the Tacoma is the undisputed king of the mid-sized truck category and the RAM continues to have strong sales, this isn’t a bad thing.
The first thing that jumps out about the new truck is the big flat front end, especially the large blacked-out grille. Distinctive headlights pull that front end into the bulging hood and wide muscular fenders. Along with taller bedsides, these new design features make the truck look much more modern, grown-up, and large, even though it remains very similar in overall size.
A Modern Utility Cabin
The new cabin of the 2022 Frontier is likely going to be a place you won’t mind spending lots of time. While it is very utilitarian, it is also a bit sporty and packed with a ton of useful tech.
Low cabin noise and a refined ride was obviously a priority for Nissan. The new Frontier offers front-door acoustic laminated glass, added insulation throughout, and upgraded rear carpet that should all help reduce road noise. The cab utilizes hydraulic mounts that are said to reduce road vibrations by 80-percent. Combine those noise and vibration features with standard Zero Gravity seats and you probably won’t mind spending long road trips in this truck.
Of course tech is at the forefront of a modern vehicle purchase and experience, and the 2022 Frontier delivers across the board. It is packed with class-leading safety features along with a largest-in-class available 9-inch color touchscreen and a largest-in-class 7.0-inch Advanced Driver Assist Display. Combine those big screens with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with available WiFi, and you should always be able to stay connected.
Plenty of USB A and C ports as well as 12V outlets are found throughout the 2022 Frontier’s interior. Available wireless charging and 110V outlets ensure all your personal electronics stay charged.
Nissan also made sure we got lots of storage options in the Frontier. Massive door-pockets, 6.5L up front and 5.7L in back, along with a 4L center console storage space provide ample room to keep things secure inside the truck.
2022 Frontier Off-Road Features
This new truck is ready for adventure. All 4WD Frontier come with Hill Descent Control and can be optioned with a 4-wheel limited-slip system. Urethane jounce bumpers help smooth the ride when the tires encounter big obstacles. An Intelligent Around View Monitor system with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road Mode make maneuvering on trail with confidence a breeze.
Load & Tow
The 2022 Nissan Frontier can carry up to 1,600-pounds, which is in line with its competition. To aid in carrying a variety of loads the truck bed comes with four tie-down points and the optional Utili-track Channel System. Also in the bed is available spray-on bed liner and LED cargo lights. A new dampened tailgate assist system is now standard and makes the tailgate super easy to operate smoothly with little effort.
If you need to tow a trailer the Frontier has you covered on that front as well, with up to 6,720-pounds of towing capacity. It also now comes standard with Trailer Sway Control for the ultimate in towing confidence.
Nissan Frontier PRO-4X & PRO-X
The 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is of course the ultimate off-road model in the new lineup. For 2022 we also get a new trim line, the PRO-X. The Frontier PRO-X has all the sporty aggressive good looks of the PRO-4X, just without 4WD and all the off-road features.
The Frontier PRO-4X and PRO-X both get Bilstein off-road shocks, a Dana rear axle, and 31.6-inch AT tires wrapped around 17-inch painted alloy wheels with Lava Red center caps, Lava Red grille accents, more aggressive fender flares, LED headlights, fog lights, and signature LED Daytime Running Lights. Inside these trucks you get the option of cloth or leather seats with contrast stitching, in Charcoal with Lava Red accents. LED lights are also carried to the inside of the truck.
The Frontier PRO-4X off-road-oriented model also gets a rear e-locker and full skid plates.
Accessorize & Buy
Making our vehicles our own is a huge market, and Nissan plans to make sure that you can create the perfect Frontier for your style and needs. At launch, 85 different Nissan and NISMO parts will be on offer for the 2022 Frontier. Some that have been announced so far include; a sports bar, off-road step rails with removable steps, a NISMO suspension kit, off-road auxiliary lighting, ladder racks, and tents.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but without a smaller engine option, we’d guess pricing to start just shy of $30,000. We’d also guess a fully optioned 2022 Frontier to run very close to $50,000.
You’ll see the 2022 Nissan Frontier on dealer lots this summer. To find your local Nissan dealer click HERE.
