Despite business doldrums because of the coronavirus pandemic, manufacturers of pickup trucks continue to try to outdo each other, including Nissan.
For the first time since 2005, the 2022 Nissan Frontier will be a new design for the mid-size pickup truck.
Offered in S, SV, Pro-4X, and Pro-X, the 2022 Frontier will come with a 310 horsepower, 3.8-liter V6. It will be propelled by a nine-speed automatic transmission in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive.
With the start of the truck’s third generation, the 2022 Nissan Frontier will have a new exterior and interior and new suspension. The powertrain that debuted in 2020 will remain the same.
The new Frontier will be 4.5 inches longer than the outgoing model because of its newly designed bumpers and grille. The new grille will feature a rectangular metal weave headlined by a “Frontier” badge.
Pickup trucks manufacturers vie for market shares
Pricing and other details, including gas mileage averages, haven’t been released The 2021 model averages were 18 miles per gallon in city driving, 24 mpg on the highway.
A part-time four-wheel-drive system is optional. Hill descent control comes standard on four-wheel-drive models. The maximum towing capacity remains the same, 6,720 pounds with the extended cab and rear-wheel drive. A trailer sway control that automatically applies the brakes comes standard.
The top-line Pro-4X model features a Dana rear axle, electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shocks and three skid plates covering the front, transfer case and fuel tank.
The Pro-X in rear-wheel drive only gets the Bilsteins and the design elements of the 4X, such as 32-inch Hankook all-terrain tires wrapped on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The two models also share the same interior lighting and accents.
The Frontier will also include upgraded front seats, a six-way power driver’s seat, an oversized center console, increased door pocket storage and storage under the rear seats.
Technology standard equipment will feature two USB ports, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a standard 7.0-inch vehicle info display that separates the tach and speedometer.
Available options: a surround-view camera system, more USB ports, wi-fi hotspot, Fender audio, heated front seats and steering wheel and leather seats on Pro models.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier is expected to arrive at dealerships nationwide this summer.
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Article Last Updated: February 18, 2021.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
