Nissan’s old mid-size Frontier pickup first went on sale nearly 15 years ago (2005-2021). While much of the competition received several mid-cycle refreshes with some models even getting an all-new generation, the Nissan Frontier soldiered on with strong sales. Surprisingly, despite its age, customers flocked to it for its dependability and value package.

But after what seemed like an eternity, Nissan finally decided to overhaul the Frontier for the 2022 model year. The third-generation Nissan Frontier is an all-new truck from the ground up. New styling, a new drivetrain, and a new cabin with updated tech.

There’s just one thing that carries over to the new generation, which is part of the frame. According to Nissan, there was nothing really wrong with the outgoing model’s frame and so they chose to base the new Frontier on the same tough-as-nails platform that buyers these days are after.

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2022 Nissan Frontier Performance And Capability

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is available in 12 different flavors in both single cab and crew cab configurations with different bed lengths (5.0 feet or 6.0 feet) and drivetrain options. In fact, the drivetrain debuted before the truck itself. Nissan unveiled a new engine and gearbox on the outgoing Frontier, and they carry over to this all-new generation.

Nissan has finally discontinued the old 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, and 4.0-liter V-6 engines. In its place, the new Nissan Frontier comes with a new 3.8-liter, V-6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Those are best-in-class horsepower figures. This new V-6 works with a 9-Speed Automatic transmission. The New Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6,270 pounds and the new V-6 is quite frugal with a combined gas mileage of 19 MPG.

You can get the Frontier with either front or all-wheel drive. The PRO-4X variant gets four-wheel drive as standard. Nissan also introduced a PRO-X model this year, which is a two-wheel-drive variant of the PRO-4X.

Coming to the off-road hardware on board, Nissan has equipped the new Frontier with a two-speed transfer case with 4HI and 4LO that further increases its capabilities. Also included are

• An Electronic Rear Differential Locker
• Rear Suspension Stabilizer
• Heavy-duty Bilstein Shocks

The Frontier's front and rear tracks measure 61.8 inches wide apiece. The best approach angle and the worst departure angle are both features of Frontier's off-road model. Amongst off-road-centric trucks, the Frontier PRO-4X at 4,708 is heavier than both the Toyota Tacoma TRD (4,445) and the Ford Ranger Tremor (4,660).

As for the bed, the Frontier gets the Utili-Channel Track System, which is a cargo management system that uses four channels that run the length of the bed and one that runs the width. It aids in the security of the cargo. In addition, four heavy-duty cleats which can slide along those same channels are also included.

Based on the trim you choose, a spray-in bed liner is available along with a 400-watt AC inverter in the bed along with LED lighting. You can further accessorize your bed with a Tonneau cover or bed extender. In fact, you can choose from 80 factory-approved accessories with the new Frontier.

2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Specifications

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Exterior Design

In comparison to the model it replaces, the 2022 Nissan Frontier marks a radical departure in terms of exterior styling. Sharp, distinctive, and in no way resembling the old model. While base models feature a basic plastic grille, models higher up either get a silver or blacked-out iteration, with Nissan's new corporate logo.

The PRO-4X trim, designed for off-road use takes that one step further with even more rugged styling elements. The Pro-X models even get a more aggressive-looking red Nissan Logo, tow hooks in the bumper sportier 17-inch rims, and beefy plastic fenders.

Three underbody skid plates, as well as an aluminum skid plate, are also present at the front. Of course, LED headlights and fog lights along with LED taillights bring the Frontier into the modern era. Additionally, unique decals for the bodywork are also available as an optional extra. The rear has the word 'FRONTIER' embossed into the tailgate itself.

The dimensions of the Nissan Frontier is round about the same as its main competition at 210.2 inches long, 74.7 inches wide, and 72.9 inches tall. At 126 inches, the Nissan Frontier has a relatively short wheelbase. Overall, Nissan has done a brilliant job with the styling of the New Frontier. The New Frontier is butch, brawny and handsome, which is exactly what the current market demands.

Exterior Colors

• Glacier White
• Gun Metallic
• Red Alert
• Deep Blue Pearl
• Super Black
• Boulder Gray Pearl
• Baja Storm Metallic
• Tactical Green Metallic
• Cardinal Red TriCoat

Cardinal Red TriCoat

2022 Nissan Frontier vs Rivals - Exterior Dimensions

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Interior Quality And Technology

The cabin is where the Nissan Frontier sees some significant changes and big improvements. This interior really is a mix of old-school and modern. Starting with the steering wheel, you get an all-new four-spoke, leather-wrapped unit borrowed from the bigger Titan. It has a fair number of buttons, and the gloss black on some trims makes it appear busy.

Behind the steering, you get an analog-digital instrument cluster with a seven-inch screen between the dials. Nothing very noteworthy. The upright dash houses screen sizes ranging from 8.0 to 9.0 inches. The touchscreen infotainment system on the center console supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it’s not the slickest system out there, it is a fairly intuitive system. The top-of-the-line model gets a premium Fender audio system.

There are two upholstery options available for the cabin. By default, you get black fabric with lava red stitching. Additionally, you have the option of choosing charcoal leather upholstery, but doing so will require you to add the PRO-4X Convenience Package, PRO Premium Package, and Technology Package and will set you back $5,770.

The space on offer with the Frontier is similar to what you’d find on some of its rivals. You get 42.3 inches of legroom, 54.3 inches of hip room, 58.2 inches of shoulder room up front, and, 33.2 inches of legroom and just 33.2 inches of headroom, shoulder room, and hip room 58.7 inches at the rear. Top trims also come with a standard-sized sunroof.

One thing to note is that while you get a fairly commanding position upfront, the rear bench is particularly upright and the rear seat leg room is tight, considering this is a mid-size pickup. However, you will find additional storage under that rear bench. Also, the Frontier’s old-school nature does come through, as you have ergonomic foibles where your front room leg room suffers. This is because the steering wheel only adjusts for rake and not for reach.

2022 Nissan Frontier vs Rivals (Dual Cab) - Interior Dimensions

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2022 Nissan Frontier Price and Availability

2022 Nissan Frontier Price

The 2022 Nissan Frontier in base S King Cab 4x2 configuration carries a sticker price of $28,690. The range-topping Frontier Crew Cab Pro-4X costs $38,120 There is an additional $1,775 destination cost. Optional packages are available for the Frontier PRO-4X: Pro Convenience Package, and Pro Premium Package.

Here’s what these packages include:

PRO-4X Convenience Package - $1,990

• 120V outlet in bed and rear center console
• Heated Front Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Heated Wing Mirrors
• Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection
• Remote Engine Start
• Spray-in Bedliner
• Trailer Hitch with Wiring Harness
• Under Rail LED Lightning
• Wireless Charger

Pro Premium Package - $2,790

• 10-Speaker Fender Premium Audio System
• 17-inch Bead-lock Style Wheels
• Auto-dimming Inside Mirror
• Auto-tilt and Slide Sunroof
• Leather-appointed Front and Rear Seats

Configure your Nissan Frontier here.

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Safety

The new Nissan Frontier makes a giant leap forward in terms of the safety it offers when compared to the previous generation. The standard safety and driver assistance features on the Frontier PRO-4X include:

• Airbags
• Antilock Braking System
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Intelligent Forward Collision Warning

Technology Package - $990

• Blind Spot Warning
• High Beam Assist
• Radar-assisted Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Automatic Braking
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear Sonar System
• Traffic Sign Recognition

Main Competition

As much as trucks today come with more features and luxuries than ever, at their very core they are work vehicles first, more than anything else. The Nissan Frontier takes a long line of established names like the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon. The Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger are certainly its most direct rivals.

With 310 horsepower, the Frontier is the most powerful mid-size truck. It is also the most frugal of the trio with a combined mileage of 19 MPG. Despite the power advantage, the Frontier falls short of its rivals in terms of its hauling abilities.

It can only tow 6,270 pounds while the Tacoma can manage 6400 pounds, while the Ranger beats them both at an impressive 7,500 pounds. The Frontier's maximum payload rating of 1,230 pounds also falls in between the Tacoma's is 1,155 pounds, and the Ranger's is 1,430 pounds. But towing and payload numbers come down to the options you select and if you choose a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Where the Frontier also falls short of its rivals is with its cabin and overall driving experience, which can feel a generation older given that the platform itself is a carry-over. But that is exactly what folks shopping for a tough truck are after anyway.

Despite its age, shifting the old Frontier was never a problem, and on this all-new model that now packs handsome looks, better equipment, and tech, Nissan might just have another winner on their hands. Check out our in-depth driven review of the 2022 Nissan Frontier.

FAQ

Q: Is the Nissan Frontier reliable?

With an average annual repair cost of $470, the Nissan Frontier is one of the most reliable and affordable pickups in the mid-size truck category.

Q: Is a Nissan Titan bigger than a Frontier?

Yes, the Nissan Titan sits a class above the Nissan Frontier both in terms of dimensions as well as capability. The Titan is larger overall and can tow more than the Nissan Frontier.

Q: Which is better a Nissan Frontier or a Toyota Tacoma?

It comes down to personal preferance as both trucks are available in a vast varirty of permutations and combinations. Nissan has vastly improved the Frontier for 2022, offering more power, towing cpabaility and space. This latest Frontier closes the gap to the Toyota Tacoma.

Q: Do Nissan Frontiers last long?

Drive between 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year and you can expect a life span of 7.5 years to a decade from a Nissan Frontier. Look after it and you should easily be able to get 100,000 miles from a Frontier.

Q: How much will the 2022 Frontier cost?

The base 2022 Nissan Frontier starts at $28,690 MSRP. The range topping Pro-4X Crew Cab 4x4 comes in at $38,120.