Check out the differences between the old and new Nissan Frontier
There is a lot going on with this new 2022 Nissan Frontier, not the least of which has to do with the overall design. Nissan’s new design language is on full display with this new Frontier, from the crisp lines to the macho-looking interior. Overall, the theme behind the 2022 Nissan Frontier seems to be “baby Titan.” Oddly enough, this new Frontier pulls off the athletic motif much more convincingly than the Titan.
Nissan took a huge gamble. The Nissan Frontier has been one of their best sellers for years, and it’s usually nipping at the “best selling” Toyota Tacoma’s heels. Rather than build a product that goes toe-to-toe with the Tacoma, Nissan went a different rout. Nissan is (somewhat) mimicking the Ford Ranger’s strategy with offering one drivetrain, two cabs and two bed-lengths.
Unusual choices
Nissan has also opted to unveil the truck to the public after the 2021 Ford Raptor’s debut – which is odd. It seems to be a better idea to be ahead of the buzz. Add to that the fact that Nissan combined the debut of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder with the Frontier – and we’re all scratching our heads. Once again, it’s a bit of a gamble.
Fortunately, the styling and some of the initial numbers of this new Frontier look very promising. As you’ll see in the comparison below, the new powertrain appears to be superior to the old one. While the maximum tow ratings are the same as before, the payload has increased. Nissan is not looking for best-in-class hauling numbers, falling well short of many competitors.
One new offering will be the ProX package. It mimics the look of the Pro 4X, sans 4WD. It is lifted, and has the pre-runner treatment, but there is no hard-core off-road gear like the Pro 4X. We still don’t know a lot of numbers, like mpg, pricing and some measurements. Fortunately, we’re one step closer to getting all of the dirt on this new truck.
Here is the 2022 Nissan Frontier vs. the second-generation Frontier – by the numbers:
| 2022 Nissan Frontier (3rd-gen) | Nissan Frontier (2nd-gen, prior to 2020) | |
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 4.0L V6 |
| Power | 310 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 261 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 281 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto | 5-speed auto / 6-speed manual |
| Length | 210.2 to 224.1 in. | 205.5 to 219.4 in. |
| Width | 73.0 in. | 72.8 in. |
| Height | 71.7-72.4 in. | 70.1-73.9 in. |
| Max. Towing | 6,720 lbs. | 6,720 lbs. |
| Max. Payload | 1,610 lbs. | 1,460 lbs. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.9 to 9.8 in | 8.9 to 10.1 in |
| Approach Ang. | 32.3 deg (P4X) | 32.6 deg |
| Breakover Ang. | 19.6 deg (P4X) | 20.5 deg |
| Departure Ang. | 23.0 deg (P4X) | 23.3 deg |
Quick Summary – New vs Old:
The new 2022 Nissan Frontier has about the same width and height dimensions as before. It’s about 5 inches longer than the previous Frontier. It has a bit more payload when properly configured and the same maximum towing capacity. The new 2022 truck lists slightly worse ground clearance and off-road angles. It has an all-new engine with more horsepower and a new 9-speed automatic transmission.
The current (2nd-generation) Nissan Frontier with the all-new 3.8-liter gas V6 engine and the 9-speed automatic has the following EPA fuel economy estimates. The new 2022 estimates will be announced in the near future.
Frontier 3.8L 2WD: 18/24/20 MPG
Frontier 3.8L 4×4: 17/23/19 MPG
Here is how the current (2nd-generation) 2021 Nissan Frontier fuel economy compares against the top 3 best-selling midsize trucks in the U.S.
Check out this video below and let us know what you think!
