2022 Nissan Frontier: A Long-Awaited Upgrade Of Its Reliable Midsize Pickup Truck

The Nissan Frontier finally received its much-awaited upgrade with the all-new third-generation 2022 Nissan Frontier. This new model is the modern entry of the Frontier in the fierce market of midsize pickup trucks. It is set to compete with other notable trucks of the same segment, such as Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline. Everything about the new Nissan Frontier is an improvement from its longstanding predecessor.

Its predecessor remained unchanged and stagnant for about 16 years since it had a significant redesign in 2005. The previous generation was able to stand the test of time, outlasting most of its competitors. It is all thanks to its high-reliability ratings and tried and tested formula that satisfies demands and expectations from truck owners and off-roaders. The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a step forward from previous Frontiers as it incorporates innovative technology, modern truck features, and overhauled bodywork.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier looks fully modern with its rugged and well-proportioned exterior. The size of this truck is almost the same as the previous generation, with the wheelbases nearly unchanged. The Frontier remains a midsize pickup truck, ideal for customers looking for a workhorse and family-friendly adventure truck with easy maneuverability. The retained size made it possible for truck parts and accessories from past models to be compatible.

The new model offers two options of body configurations and four trim levels. The first option is the king cab that is only available in the short-wheelbase format of 126-inch with an overall length of 210.2 inches. It is an extended cab with two doors and a 6-foot bed that includes a small rear seat and rear-hinged suicide back doors. The king cab comes with Frontier S and SV trim levels.

The other option is the crew cab that offers both short- and long-wheelbase. The short-wheelbase is similar to king cab, while the long-wheelbase is 139.8-inch and has an overall length of 224.1 inches. The crew cab offers a larger rear seat, convenient rear doors, and a 5- or 6-foot bed. It is available in all trim levels, namely Frontier S, SV, PRO-X, and PRO-4X. Both body configurations carry the updated Nissan logo with lava red accents on the badging and tow hooks.

All trim levels are off-road capable as long as it has the right truck wheels and tires. However, PRO-X and PRO-4X are more rugged trims that offer better off-road configurations and add-ons, which appeal to off-road enthusiasts. The PRO-X is the desert running off-roader, while the PRO-4X is the superior off-roader with enhanced capability over rocky terrain. Both trims come with Bilstein off-road performance shock absorbers, electronic locking differential, underbody skid plates, tow hooks, and 17” aluminum-alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

This Frontier uses an updated version of the F-Alpha platform that shares its underpinnings with other Nissan trucks and SUVs, such as the Titan and Xterra. It drives better than the previous generation since body roll and road vibration has been reduced. It features a chassis that uses fully boxed frame rails with double-wishbone front suspension, a solid axle, leaf-sprung rear, and sway bars for both front and rear. Handling and control improved thanks to this chassis. The ride is smoother compared to other body-on-frame pickup trucks. Like most trucks these days, the 2022 Frontier keeps all of its vulnerable parts above the bottom of the frame rail to secure them from any harm.

The 2022 Frontier continues to use the 3.8-liter V6 engine that Nissan introduced in the 2020 Frontier. This engine can generate 310hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. The part-time 4WD includes a shift-on-the-fly feature with 2-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo settings, allowing you to switch from 2WD to 4WD on the spot, which is helpful for daily driving and off the grid. All 4WD models include standard hill descent control and automatic trailer sway control. However, unlike its predecessor, it currently won’t be having a four-cylinder engine or manual transmission options.

The fuel economy ratings for the 4x2 remain the same with estimated EPA ratings of 18mpg in the city, 24mpg on the highway, and 20mpg combined with 420 miles of range. On the other hand, the figures drop for 4x4 models with 17mpg city, 22mpg highway, and 10mpg combined with around 400 miles of range.

The 2022 Frontier has a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 lbs with proper configurations and towing accessories. It falls short of its competitors like Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon that can pull at least 7,650 lbs. The maximum payload capacity is at 1,610 lbs, which is 150 lbs higher than its predecessor.

The interior also received a massive generational upgrade that made it feel more modern and comfortable. The interior boasts a tranquil cabin with reduced NVH and passenger fatigue to complement the overall smooth ride. The cabin effectively isolates the interior from the outside world. Tire and road noise is almost absent even at highway speed. The same can be said for the PRO-4X trim while off-roading with all-terrain tires installed.

The interior of Frontier is loaded with innovative technology. It offers a 7-inch instrument cluster with Advanced Drive-Assist Display and Intelligent Around View Monitor with moving object detection. It also includes an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen that occupies the dash as an infotainment system. This infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM, AppleCarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. It also comes with standard tech features such as a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hot spot, USB ports (A and C), two 12-volt outlets, and two 110V outlets with 400W capability. It is complete with either a six-speaker or ten-speaker Fender Premium Audio system like the ones they have on the Nissan Titan.

The cabin offers plenty of storage space for everyday items by enlarging door pocket storage and adding more dash and console storage. It also has a 4.0L center console that is double that of most midsize pickup trucks. The rear seats can be flipped up or folded down for additional storage and cargo space.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier improved its safety features. It offers standard rear door alert, intelligent forward collision warning, tire pressure monitoring system with easy-fill tire alert, and eight airbags. An add-on of Nissan Safety Shield 360 is available on all models. It consists of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and class-exclusive rear automatic braking.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier highlights a noticeably quiet and high-quality ride, which is a great contrast from being one of the noisiest and less pleasant to drive daily for the midsize class. It is a fresh take to start the third generation of Frontier. Its highly-anticipated redesign allows this Frontier to regain its position as one of the best-selling midsize pickup trucks.