2022 Nissan Frontier: It’s About Trucking Time!

Ladies and gentlemen: Meet the all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier.

That’s right, this isn’t just another refresh with a new front grille and wheel design. This is the first all-new midsize Nissan truck to come along since the D40 Nissan Frontier was introduced for 2005.

For perspective, the last time Nissan dropped a new truck on the market, Tom Cruise lost his mind and began jumping on Oprah’s couch, Guitar Hero rocked the gaming world, and American Idol was the #1 show in the U.S. (Carrie Underwood took top prize, FYI.)

So, what took so long??

Although Nissan received a lot of heat for leaving the virtually-unchanged D40 Frontier on the market for 16 years, it was actually a pretty smart move. You see, the last Frontier was a simple, wheelbarrow of a thing — meaning there weren’t any fancy features to break or electronics to unscramble. It could do “truck stuff” without so much as breaking a sweat. And it was cheap, which meant many people could actually afford to step up to a brand-new truck. Of course, it never outsold the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma, but it accrued many fans. (And it still made Nissan a lot of money.)

Fast forward nearly two decades, and the automaker faces a tough ask: Launch a modern mid-sizer capable of competing in an exceedingly crowded segment. The new Nissan Frontier needed to stand up not only to the likes of the indomitable Toyota Tacoma and popular Chevy Colorado, but also to a resurrected Ford Ranger and headline-grabbing Jeep Gladiator.

Nissan needed to update without alienating its core buyers: those who just want a simple truck that will last. These people have kept the lights on at Nissan for 16 years, so the new midsizer had to appeal to them, while simultaneously attracting a whole new audience. To that end, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is a very well-thought-out truck that takes a mature approach, without seeming boring.

2022 Nissan Frontier – Details, please!

Nissan started with the fully boxed ladder frame from the old Frontier and added a bunch of bracing for strength and less flex. The automaker also kept the rear leaf spring setup, but redesigned the springs and added special urethane bump stops to smooth out the ride. Larger front and rear stabilizer bars help to reduce body roll, and special hydraulic cab mounts help to isolate the passengers from vibrations and noise. To further reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, the cabin of the new Frontier gets lots of sound insulation, thicker carpets, and laminated acoustic glass in the front doors. The result is a very smooth, calm ride in most environments (which is very unlike its harsh, buzzy predecessor).

Defining the exterior is big, bulging bodywork and a very upright grill. All models get the slick looking split headlights and a damped tailgate. The off-road-centric PRO-X and PRO-4X models get beefy fender flares, an exposed metal skid plate in the front, and LED headlights, fog lights and tail lights. Both versions also see black exterior trim features that include unique red and black badging on the grill and tailgate.

Another interesting engineering tidbit is that the 2022 Nissan Frontier uses hydraulic steering instead of the usual electronic steering systems found in most modern vehicles. This not only provides superior long-term reliability over an electric steering rack, but also gives the driver superior on-center feel when offloading and steering feel when they’re not. Kudos to Nissan for keeping it old school!

Ready to Play

The 2022 Nissan Frontier engine was actually introduced last year in the “old” 2021 model (we assume to gauge customer reaction). It’s an all-new Nissan 3.8L V-6 that features direct injection and dual overhead cams. What it doesn’t feature is a turbo or hybrid system, which is quite unusual in this day and age. However, naturally-aspirated engines provide superior throttle response and durability, so once again we have to applaud Nissan for holding onto some old-school charms.

The V-6, which makes a stout 310-hp and 281 lb-ft of torque on regular grade gas, is the only engine available. It connects to a 9-speed automatic transmission, which is also the only gearbox available. This transmission is made by Nissan’s Jatco transmission division, unlike the Nissan Pathfinder 9-speed which is made by ZF. (That’s also a FWD transmission, whereas this one is obviously for RWD applications.)

The Frontier 4×4 features a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with a special 4-wheel limited-slip traction program, along with a steel front skid plate, Hill start assist and Hill descent control. According to the EPA, the 2022 Nissan Frontier 2WD is rated at 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined, while the 4WD is rated at 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined.

Well-Equipped

In addition to other equipment, the 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO 4x model also gets an electronic locking rear differential, unique Bilstein shock absorbers, a sweet-looking aluminum front skid plate to protect the radiator, and three steel underbody skid plates to protect the oil pan, transfer case, and fuel tank.

When properly equipped, the 2022 Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6,720 lbs. It can also carry 1,600 lbs. (No doubt thanks to those leaf springs) Those might not be the best numbers in the mid-size truck segment, but they’re more than adequate for most buyers. Keep in mind, most mid-size truck owners only use their vehicle’s full capacity on occasion. Commercial buyers (which this truck is aimed at) however, should maybe consider installing an aftermarket transmission cooler and oil cooler if they plan to tow and haul heavy loads on a regular basis.

Pick Your Poison

If you’re interested in a 2022 Nissan Frontier, the automaker has set up more than a few Have-It-Your-Way configurations. All in all, you can choose from 25 different versions, mixing and matching King Cab or Crew Cab, 4×2 or 4×4, and S or SV grades – as well as PRO-4X (4×4 only) and new-for-2022 PRO-X (4×2 only).

The King Cab is essentially an extended cab with rear-opening clamshell doors and folding jump seats. (Great for small children and…non-living items.) By comparison, the larger Crew Cab model features four doors and seating for up to five (in a pinch). King Cab comes standard with a 6-ft bed, while the Crew Cab serves up a 5-footer. You can, however, get a 6-ft bed on the Crew Cab SV long wheelbase, which starts at $37,040.

Speaking of MSRPs…

The 2022 Nissan Frontier base “S” model starts at $27,840 in King Cab form. (Tack on about $2k for the Crew Cab version.) It comes with standard goodies like 16-inch steel wheels (!!!), Zero Gravity seats, a push-button start, and a 7-in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Step up to the “SV” grade, and you’ll find standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6-way power driver’s seat, and a Tow/Haul mode for the transmission. Pricing in that bracket starts at $30,540 for King Cab and $32,140 for Crew Cab.

As for the off-road-ready PRO 4X model, you’ll find all the aforementioned goodies plus unique 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a 9-inch touchscreen display loaded with navigation, NissanConnect services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, all for about $37,240. The all-new PRO X model serves up all the same equipment – minus the 4WD system. Both trims are currently only available in Crew Cab configuration, but rumor has it, 2-door King Cab versions will arrive later this year.

Give Me Options

The 2022 Nissan Frontier will be available with three option packages: Technology, Convenience, and Premium. Highlights include an Around-View camera system with off-road and birds-eye view modes. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 package will be available on all models, and comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic alert.

Other options include a 10 speaker Fender audio system, a sunroof, and radar cruise control.

2022 Nissan Frontier: In a nutshell

While the 2022 Nissan Frontier looks like a big, burly truck in the pictures, it’s actually no bigger than it was before. This means it’s still easy to park, and easy to place on the road or trail. There’s also lots of connectivity options and charge points for all of your newfangled devices.

Despite the snazzier interior and more modern design, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is still a simple work truck that’s ready to get stuff done. So, if you want to step back to a simpler time with an affordable mid-sizer that is still moving forward, the 2022 Frontier might be the wheelbarrow for you!