2022 Nissan Frontier Preview
Midsize trucks have been a hot spot of the current passenger vehicle market with the Frontier being a staple pick for the last 15 years. Going on sale this summer, Nissan has completely revised the design of the 2022 Frontier, its “right-sized” truck for both urban and rural environments, with a notably large front grille as well as interlocking headlights, which retaining the maneuverability, capability, and power that it’s known for.
All Frontiers get a 3.8-liter 310-horsepower V-6 standard paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive is optional and is shift-on-the-fly with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes controlled by an electronic part-time transfer case. 4WD-equipped trucks can get an optional 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces. Customers who need off-road oriented hardware can choose the PRO-4X trim level, which brings an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and underbody skid plates.
In the cargo area, Frontiers get a standard dampened tailgate assist along with two standard stop lamp lights. An optional high-utility bed brings a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and a Utili-track Channel System which utilizes three special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed to help secure cargo. The 2022 Frontier has a towing capacity of up to 6,720 pounds and gets standard Trailer Sway Control. A 5-foot bed is standard on all Crew Cab models, with a 6-foot bed optional on Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase models, while 2-door King Cabs get the 6-foot bed.
On the inside, the Frontier gets a largest-in-class 9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The gauge cluster has a large 7-inch driver assist display too. To reduce road noise, the truck has added insulation, improved rear carpet structure, and new front-door acoustic laminated glass, while Zero Gravity seats help provide support on long trips.
Notable options include the Nissan Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road Mode, which lets the driver spot potential obstacles to the truck on trails, minimizing the potential for scrapes and dents and doing away with the need for an outside spotter. Also available are a 9-speaker Fender audio system, 2 110V outlets with 400-watt capability, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 with features such as blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Come this summer, we’re eager to see how the 2022 Frontier compares to its brethren in the midsize pickup market. With the fresh new aggressive design, Nissan has ensured the Frontier can be a practicable option for those needing extra utility for their next new vehicle. With the large influx of novel features, the Frontier should remain a popular choice.
