The 2022 Nissan Frontier is the new third-generation compact pickup truck from the Japanese brand and the first new version since 1998. Made in Canton, Mississippi, it’s all-new from the ground up, with three exceptions: The boxed ladder frame, the 3.8-liter V6 engine, and the 9-speed automatic transmission all carry over from the 2021 model.
A Modern Look at the Hardbody
The Frontier’s design is a contemporary take on Nissan’s original Hardbody and comes from Nissan’s California design studios. It’s grown slightly, adding 4.5 inches in overall length while still retaining its easy-to-garage nature. The bed sidewalls are also taller, but the floor remains the same height as before, for ease of loading.
As for power, Nissan keeps it simple. The Frontier is powered by a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing a best-in-class 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Introduced in the 2021 Frontier, it is right in the ballpark with engine offerings from Toyota and General Motors. This engine mates to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Four Trim Levels
The 2022 Frontier is available in S, SV, PRO-4X, and PRO-X trim levels. King and Crew Cab body styles offer varying degrees of comfort and capacity and include improved hydraulic mounts on the cab for better road isolation. Bed choices include a standard 5-foot bed on all Crew Cabs, with an available 6-foot bed on Crew Cab SV models. All King Cab models are equipped with 6-foot beds. Buyers will be able to choose between 2WD and 4WD powertrains. When it goes on sale in late summer 2021, Nissan says seven optional packages will be available.
The interior includes standard Nissan Zero Gravity seating and an available largest-in-class 9-inch diagonal touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An available Fender Premium 9-speaker Audio System and optional Qi wireless charging are also in the mix.
The base Nissan Frontier S Crew Cab starts at $29,340 with a $1,150 destination fee. Designed for five passengers, the Frontier Crew Cab is powered by the standard 3.8-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission with 2WD powertrain. A 7-inch color touchscreen display audio system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity are standard. Trailer Sway Control is now standard on all models.
Here’s How the Fully Loaded 2022 Nissan Frontier Measures Up
The fully loaded Nissan Frontier PRO-4X includes all the extras for $44,160, including destination fee. It features the same 3.8-liter V6 with 9-speed automatic transmission, shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive, and other desirable features. These include a 9-inch touchscreen display and an available Fender Premium 10-speaker Audio System. Nissan’s new Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road mode dispenses with the need for a spotter when negotiating tough trails. Additional features include a new spray-on bed liner, Utili-Track bed tie-down system, 110-volt bed outlet, auxiliary bed lights, Zero Gravity seating, and more. As equipped, this Nissan has a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds.
The Fully Loaded Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Model Includes:
- Nissan Frontier PRO-4X at $38,390 (includes $1,095 destination fee).
- 8-liter V6 engine producing 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque.
- Nissan PRO-4X suspension with Bilstein Shock Absorbers.
- Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road mode.
- 6,720-pound towing capacity with trailer sway control standard.
- 9-inch touchscreen display with navigation and Fender Premium Audio.
- 5-foot or 6-foot bed with 1,610-pound payload.
- Technology Package at $990: With blind-spot warning; rear cross-traffic alert; rear automatic braking; intelligent cruise control.
- Convenience Package at $1,990: With spray-in bed liner; under-rail bed lighting; heated mirrors, seats, steering wheel; trailer hitch; two 120-volt outlets.
- Premium Package at $2,790: Premium leather; Fender Premium 10-speaker audio system; moonroof.
Here’s a Look at Some of the Included Content:
Nissan 3.8-liter V6 Engine
Now two years in, the Nissan 3.8-liter V6 continues to offer best-in-class horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque against its competition. It makes the Frontier feel like a sport truck, and we expect it will continue to provide power without the growling noises of other engines that are not quite up to the task.
Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Suspension
The 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X includes an off-road-capable suspension comprised of an independent double-wishbone kit with twin-tube Bilstein shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar up front. An overslung multi-leaf suspension with stabilizer bar and Dana high-performance rear axle make up the rear suspension. The Frontier employs an engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion system for improved road feel and steering enhancement.
9-inch Touchscreen with Navigation and Fender Premium Audio
The new Frontier includes a 9-inch touchscreen display, complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Fender Premium 10-speaker audio system. (That’s Fender as in the famed Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars and Twin Reverb amplifier.) Other features include Qi wireless charging, navigation, and more.
Nissan Safety Shield 360
The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite is improved and available on all grade levels for added driver security and convenience. It features high beam assist that dims headlights toward oncoming vehicles, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alerts, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
More Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
Read our full review or build and price your own Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. If you’re ready to take the next step, find the perfect Nissan Frontier model on sale near you.
