The 2022 Nissan Frontier is almost entirely new, except where it doesn’t need to be. An almost-complete rebuild has taken what was the most dated model in the midsize pickup class, and turned it into the most powerful, and arguably, the best looking.
Tall and chiseled, the new body is inspired by the classic Nissan Hardbody Desert Runner of the 1980s. A front bumper contoured close to the bone shows off the truck’s standard skid plate. That, combined with the high fenders, pull the eyes toward the big tires, giving the Frontier the look of a highly-functional machine. A trend toward massive grilles on today’s trucks has clearly influenced the design, but it’s executed tastefully here.
Related: Our full review of the 2022 Frontier
Inside, the update is even more extreme. Nissan’s “zero-gravity” seats, which we’ve found comfortable in other vehicles, are standard now. An eight-inch screen (or available nine-inch model) sits centered in the dash, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB A and C ports are standard, with optional wireless phone charging available. On the top-of-the-line Pro4X trim, orange-colored door inserts match the orange accent color beneath the badges – a particularly attractive detail.
The ride promises to be quieter. Nissan has increased the use of sound dampening material throughout, including laminated door window glass.
Drivetrain changes
While the look is entirely new inside and out, the mechanical parts aren’t…but that’s largely a good thing. The 3.8-liter V6 under the hood made its debut on last year’s model. At 310 horsepower, it is the most powerful standard engine in its class (though the maximum tow rating of 6,720 pounds is among the lowest, thanks to increased curb weight). The payload is a bit low, as well, at 1,610 pounds.
The transmission is all-new – a 9-speed automatic also found on its larger Titan cousin. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but four-wheel drive is available at every trim level.
Another thing that hasn’t changed is the truck’s box frame. Though Nissan has altered it here and there over the years, it remains essentially the same design introduced on the 2005 Frontier. Nissan says new hydraulic suspension mounts should eliminate vibration and make the on-road ride smoother than before, while the proven flexible ladder frame should give it strong off-road performance. In principle, that seems likely to be true – but building on a 16-year-old chassis is a gamble, and we look forward to some drive time to find out if its age shows.
Frontier comes in four trim levels: S, SV, PRO-X, and the range-topping PRO-4X shown in this first set of photos. Pricing is not yet available, though the 2021 Frontier starts at $27,090.
