The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a mostly new midsize pick up truck; one we’ve been waiting for. For, like 14 years.
After 14 years of building what is essentially the same pickup truck, the 2022 Nissan Frontier represents a fresh take. Although the frame is mostly a carryover from the previous generation, the sheet metal and the interior are brand new. The engine and transmission combination was introduced last year. That makes it essentially new as well.
Sporting a 310 hp 3.8 L V6, that makes 281 lbs-feet torque, it’s the most powerful (non-turbo) powertrain available. It comes with a nine-speed automatics transmission, similar to the unit that comes in the bigger Nissan Titan.
… and that’s it.
There are no other powertrain, or transmission combinations available. Unlike the previous generation, which gave you a four-cylinder option, and an option for a manual transmission, there’s one engine and one tranny. Fortunately, it’s a rev-happy powerplant that scoots the Frontier along with gusto. Maximum towing is 6,720 – with the rear-drive King-cab.
You can read about the news about NISMO parts for the Frontier (here).
You can get two different (optional) four-wheel-drive systems. Both are similar, but the one in the Pro4X package gives you an electrically locking rear differential. Speaking of the Pro4X package, the truck featured in this video was pretty much fully loaded, with one major exception: no towing package.
This made Andre sad.
Just like the previous model, there are two cab sizes: a King-cab and Crew-cab. Nissan has two different bed lengths. The King-Cab comes with a six-foot bed. On the other hand, the King-Cab has a six-foot and a five-foot bed option.
I fully admit, over the past 20 years, I felt that Nissan Frontiers were underrated among consumers. They have always been comparable to Toyota Tacomas. This new one will force Toyota to “up” their game, at least with packaging and interior design.
We will see if the powertrain, towing and off-road chops of the 2022 Nissan Frontier are up to the task soon enough.
