Also, here’s our full 2022 Nissan Frontier review with drive impressions.
New Engine, More Power, But No Manual Transmission
After being sold on our market unchanged for over a decade, the Nissan Frontier compact pickup finally gets a complete model redesign for the year 2022. While it still rides on the same architecture, it houses an all-new 3.8L V6 good for 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an equally new nine-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.5L four-cylinder and six-speed manual transmission are now things of the past. The Frontier retains a hydraulic power steering setup for improved feel and precision during off-roading.
Less Towing Than Before
The towing rating, however, drops from 6,720 to 6,490 pounds. Same story for max payload, it slightly dips from 1,460 to 1,400 pounds.
New Frontier Pro-4X Designed for Off-Roading
Key Pro-4X Specs:
- Engine: V6
- Transmission: Automatic
- Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Off-Road Features: Skid plates, Bilstein shocks, all-terrain tires
- Exterior Design: Unique badging, dark-colored accents, roof rack (possible)
- Interior Features: Supportive seats with Pro-4X branding, advanced infotainment
- Safety Features: Advanced driver-assistance systems
The new Pro-4X includes off-road specific gear like a rear-locking limited-slip differential, Bilstein performance shocks, off-road tires, and skid plates to protect its oil pan and transfer case. While the US market will have a choice of two-wheel or 4-wheel drive configurations, Canada gets standard 4-wheel drive across the lineup. King and crew cab configurations are back, with five or six-foot beds available.
A Redesigned Nissan Frontier Interior
Changes were also applied inside, where the new Frontier gets a much more modern and refined interior. Pro-4X models get unique colour combinations, while the entire lineup receives an all-new infotainment system with 8- and 9-inch screens. The system will incorporate a slew of off-road specific apps as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot and Android / Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Here’s the outgoing 2020 Frontier vs. the redesigned 2022 model to close out.
2022 Nissan Frontier Full Specs
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Body configurations | King Cab, Crew Cab |
| Drive configuration | 4-wheel drive |
| Platform | Heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame |
| Powertrain | 3.8-litre direct injection V6 |
| Horsepower | 310-hp |
| Torque | 281 lb/ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Towing capacity | U.S. – 6,720 pounds/3,408 kilograms – S 4×2 Canada – 6,490 pounds/2,944 kilograms – S 4×4 |
| Payload | 1,400 pounds/635 kilograms – 4WD S |
| Brakes | 4-wheel vented discs, ABS |
| Steering | Engine speed-sensitive power rack and pinion |
| Wheels | 16-inch steel or 17-inch aluminum-alloy |
| Tires | 265/70R16, 265/65R17 or 265/70R17 |
| Wheelbase | Standard Wheelbase (SWB): 126.0 in./3,200 mm Long Wheelbase (LWB): 139.8 in./3,550 mm |
| Overall width | 73.0 in./1,853.5 mm |
| Overall length | Standard Wheelbase (SWB): 210.2 in./5,338.1 mm Long Wheelbase (LWB): 224.1 in./ 5,692.1 |
| Bed dimensions | Length: 58.9 in./1,495.5mm – SWB Crew Cab PRO-4X 73.3 in./1,861.5mm – LWB Crew Cab and standard King Cab 72.6 in./1,845.5mm – King Cab Pro-4X Width: 61.4 in. (at C-Channel) Depth: 19.4 in |
