2022 Nissan Frontier Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos

What kind of vehicle is the 2022 Nissan Frontier? What does it compare to?

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck competing in a surging utility truck segment that features fresh takes on the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline to newer models such as the Jeep Gladiator. 

Is the 2022 Nissan Frontier a good truck?

Review continues below

With its ride improvements and cabin updates, the redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier earns a TCC Rating of 5.6 out of 10. The 17-year gap between generations of the Frontier left the new truck a lot of work to do, but it has transformed into a modern mid-size pickup with plenty of standard technology and style to go around. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

What’s new for the 2022 Nissan Frontier?

Redesigned for the first time since the 2005 model year, the 2022 Nissan Frontier sports an overhauled exterior, a new interior, and new suspension components. The third-generation Frontier rides on a revised high-strength steel ladder frame carried over from the outgoing model.

With Nissan calling it the right-sized pickup for the segment, the new Frontier retains many of the dimensions of the outgoing model. The same 126.0-inch wheelbase comes with the same 5-foot bed on crew cab models, and the same 6-foot bed comes with the extended cab with a long wheelbase. It’s pretty much the same width, but it’s 4.5 inches longer in front due to a more pronounced grille and bumper. 

The Frontier’s new styling is brawny in the way all modern trucks seem to be, with bulging fenders and a large front grille that sits below a long, sculpted hood. Pro models feature the most rugged styling, with a pronounced front skid plate, red tow hooks, and vertical air slits. It looks completely transformed versus the more subdued look of the last Frontier.

Nissan introduced a 3.8-liter V-6 in the 2020 Frontier and it continues here. It makes 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, and has a 9-speed automatic transmission churning the rear wheels. This is the only powertrain offered and thankfully it’s a good one, with smooth acceleration and a responsive transmission. Fuel economy ratings stay the same with an EPA-rated 18 mpg city, 24 highway, 20 combined. 

A part-time four-wheel-drive system is optional, and hill descent control comes standard on 4WD models. There’s no manual, no inline-4, and the max towing capacity remains the same at 6,720 pounds with the extended cab and rear-wheel drive. A trailer sway control that automatically applies the brakes comes standard. 

Nissan re-tuned the hydraulic steering rack to make it a half-turn quicker lock to lock. Even though the frame is largely the same, the cab mounts are new and reduce road vibration by 80% to create a quieter, stabler ride, Nissan said. A larger front stabilizer bar and revised rear bar were designed to reduce body roll in turns. These changes work as intended, the Frontier rides so smoothly that at times you’ll forget that you’re in a body-on-frame pickup and the quicker steering is appreciated at low speeds.

The Pro-4X gets 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 and all the interior lighting and accents.

Inside, the Frontier sees a big technology infusion. Four USB ports come standard, as well as an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a standard 7.0-inch vehicle info display separates the tach and speedometer. Options include a surround-view camera system, wi-fi hotspot, Fender audio, heated front seats and steering wheel, and leather seats on Pro models only. There are plenty of Nismo accessories for the off-road enthusiast.    

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and rear door alerts are standard on all Frontiers, but Nissan’s suite of other driver-assist features costs extra. That includes blind-spot monitors, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control. Those features are thankfully available all of the Frontier’s trims, even the S.

How much does the 2022 Nissan Frontier cost?

Pricing has not gone up much from the previous model on the S and Pro grades, though the SV sees a significant jump. The Frontier is offered in extended and crew cab sizes, and in long and short wheelbase versions.

The S trim is the cheapest and only comes with the shorter wheelbase, starting at $29,015 (including destination charges) for a 4×2 extended cab, or $30,515 for a 4×2 crew cab. Jumping up to 4×4 costs an extra $3,200 for extended cab models and $3,000 for crew cab models.

Both of Nissan’s Pro models, the Pro-X and Pro-4X are only offered with crew cabs and one wheelbase option. The 4×2 Pro-X starts at $35,415 and the 4×4 Pro-4X jumps up to $38,415.

Where is the 2022 Nissan Frontier made?

In Canton, Mississippi, alongside the Titan.