This week I’ve got for you the all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier, where everything except the frame is brand new. It’s been a long time coming, but as you’ll see, it will be worth the wait.
Exterior
The truck looks great with front fenders that are built into the new LED headlights. There is a large grill borrowed from the Titan with tow hooks down low, I love the bulging hood, 17” wheels and meaty tires, the functional running boards, and the bed-mounted roll bars.
Powertrain
Under the hood you’ll find a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 that is putting out 310-horses and 281-pound feet of torque. It is mated to a strong-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.
My tester is the Pro-4X, which means it is 4-wheel drive with serious off-road capability. It has Bilstein shocks, shift-on-the-fly, and skid plates under the truck in the front and rear.
Interior
Moving to the interior, this is a huge improvement over previous years. NASA-designed zero gravity leather seats are super comfortable, heated, and the driver gets power controls.
As you sit, there are colorful analog gauges and a driver info center that works from the steering wheel.
High center dash is a large 9” infotainment screen that handles the terrific Fender sound system, navigation, Bluetooth, voice recognition, Sirius XM, Apple Car Play, and Android auto. It will also give you real-time sports scores, traffic, weather, fuel prices, and how the stock market is doing.
The center console is well done and has a couple of grab handles, cup holders, a wireless charger, the gear shifter, and USB and USB-C ports.
To the right of the steering wheel is the pushbutton start and 4-wheel drive selector, to the left are buttons for various things including tow mode.
The back seat is roomy, has more USB and USB-C ports, an outlet for a 110 plug-in, and there is a fold down armrest with cup holders. The back seat folds up and has a nice storage area underneath.
Utility
This is a 5-foot bed, has a spray-in bedliner, and Nissan’s terrific Utili-Track cargo management system with 4 adjustable tie-downs, and another 110-power outlet in the bed.
Equipment
This is the top-of-the-line version and is heavily equipped with a power moon roof, heated mirrors, a trailer hitch, keyless entry, remote start, and the full leather seats.
Safety
On the safety side, you get lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, rearview camera, rear parking sensors with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.
Ride and Drive
The Frontier Pro-4X is a beast off the road, yet a very good daily driver. The off-road tires make for a bit of road noise, but it is tolerable. The ride good and acceleration is terrific from the V6.
Two things I noted were the steering feels a little heavy in city driving, but would be good off-road. I also think the turning radius could be shorter, but all in all, it is an enjoyable mid-sized truck.
Fuel economy is rated at 17 city and 22 highway, not bad for a 4700-pound, 4-wheel drive truck that will tow over 6,700 pounds.
Verdict
Total MSRP as you see it is $46,070 which hits me as a little high and getting too close to full-sized trucks, but it does have everything you can put on one.
- What I liked most: All the improvements made for 2022.
- What I would change: Tighten the turning radius.
- MSRP: Base price $37,249. As equipped $46,070 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 17 city/22highway/19 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 10,200 miles.
- Weight: 4,709 Pounds/GVWR 6,270 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-Sized.
- Length-Width-Height: 210.2” long/74.7” wide/72.9” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons with filler on the driver’s side.
- Official Color: Deep Blue Pearl.
- Towing Capacity: 6,720 pounds.
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2022 Frontier in a few words: Such a great improvement for the Frontier, they now have a contender in the mid-sized truck segment.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Canton, MS.
- Manufacturer's website: Nissan
