2022 Nissan Frontier Review

Trucks are more popular than ever, recording juggernaut sales year after year. And it’s the same story in the midsize segment, where each respective model is generating solid profits for their respective carmaker. It’s a category that once only included a handful of contenders, but newcomers like the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Maverick in recent years have spawned a serious battle between American and Japanese brands. Nissan figured this was the perfect time to give its Frontier a massive overhaul.

What’s New for 2022?

Old Soul, New Skin

Nissan is blunt about its new Frontier: it changed it only in the areas that matter while keeping its classic formula intact. Apparently, that’s what current Frontier owners wanted. So, while it wears all sheetmetal, giving it a considerably more modern and brawny appearance, the 2022 Frontier still rides on a reworked version of the old platform. It’s also dimensionally nearly identical. Nissan says a midsize truck doesn’t need to be larger than this. We tend to agree.

Is the 2022 Nissan Frontier Worth It?

The 2022 Frontier strikes a solid balance between old-school durability and modern updates. It’s not the most advanced midsize truck, but it delivers where it matters: strong V6 power, proven underpinnings, and improved refinement. For buyers who value simplicity over cutting-edge tech, it remains an easy recommendation.

Towing Capacity: How It Compares

There’s only one drivetrain option, an all-new 3.8-liter V6 that’s good for a class-competitive 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All Frontiers sold in Canada come standard with four-wheel drive, while the US market gets a choice of rear-wheel drive as well. Max towing is rated at 6,490 pounds, but only when the Frontier is equipped with the optional tow package. Max payload is rated at 1,430 pounds.

The Frontier is best suited for buyers who want a straightforward, durable midsize truck with proven mechanicals — not the latest tech or class-leading numbers.

The Frontier’s towing capacity is competitive, though not class-leading. It’s right in the mix — but trucks like the Ranger and Colorado still lead if towing is your top priority. Here’s how it stacks up:

Cab Configurations and Pro-4X Trim

Two cabin configurations are available. Consumers can either opt for a King Cab setup (two-door plus two small suicide doors) or a four-door Crew Cab. Both can be fitted with a 6-foot bed, while the Crew Cab models can be had with a 5-foot configuration. 

The Pro-4X version steps things up compared to the previous-generation truck, being vastly more muscular, notably in the suspension department. It wears Bilstein dampers, a locking rear differential, three skid plates, off-road dedicated tires, and tow hooks. Nissan’s aftermarket division, NISMO, chips in with 4 more 2022 Frontier off-road parts.

Related – Nissan Frontier Vs. Toyota Tacoma: When Options Matter

Driving Impressions

• Engine: 3.8L V6 (direct injection)
• Horsepower: 310 hp
• Torque: 281 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic

On the road, the Frontier feels miles more refined than its predecessor. The architecture proved rock-solid on beaten roads, and the available Bilstein shocks of our Pro-4X tester were impeccably compliant during a light off-roading circuit. Power from the V6 engine is ample, but it all happens at low and midrange RPM, with most of the torque happening down low. The nine-speed gearbox works fine, but we did notice some hesitation when asked to quickly drop to a lower gear.

Interior: Modern, But Still Compact

An entirely reimagined interior also helps this Frontier look and feel considerably more modern inside, with improved material quality, increased storage solutions, and technology suited to today’s reality. There’s an available wireless charging pod for your phone, wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and over-the-air update support.

Strangely, there’s still no telescopic steering. Sitting inside the new Frontier feels both spacious and cramped due to the narrow nature of its body. There’s however a good head and legroom out the rear and overall seat comfort is above average. 

Takeaway

The 2022 Nissan Frontier may not reinvent the midsize truck segment, and we do wish it came with some form of hybrid powertrain. That said, the new Frontier shouldn’t disappoint hardcore Nissan truck buyers who absolutely adore their rigs. Here’s to another 20 years of unchanged Nissan Frontier. If you’re considering a new compact truck, here are all the small pickup models currently on the market.

2022 Nissan Frontier Specs