2022 Nissan Frontier Walkaround

Overview
The 2022 Nissan Frontier is fashionably late to the modern mid-size-pickup party, but its bold bodywork and adoption of popular technology could make it the new hotness. With a futuristic face and blistered fenders inspired by the original Nissan "Hardbody" compact trucks, the freshly designed Frontier no longer looks like a blast from the past–its predecessor went largely unchanged for 16 years. Likewise, the new generation's interior goes from drab to pretty damn nice thanks to a more stylish layout and additional features. Power is provided by a 310-hp V-6 that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. Off-road enthusiasts will also appreciate the Pro-4X trim that has a beefier suspension, an electronic locking rear differential, and other rugged add-ons.

What's New for 2022?
After waiting for more than a decade and a half, Nissan finally reveals the third-generation Frontier for the 2022 model year. Sure, it still rides on a frame that dates back to the early 2000s, but the suspension has been revised and the rest of the truck is considerably improved.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
S $29,985
SV $31,690
Pro-X $35,390
Pro-4X $38,390

We think the SV trim level has the best mix of standard features and value. Our ideal version starts with the crew cab—the larger of the two available cab sizes—and four-wheel drive. This combination adds $4600 to the bottom line. An 8.0-inch touchscreen (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat are standard, but we'd upgrade our truck with the Convenience and Technology packages. Together they add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automated emergency braking, heated front seats and steering wheel, a trailer hitch, lights in the cargo bed, and a spray-in bedliner.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Frontier inherits Nissan's new naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6, which made its debut on the last-generation 2020 model. The engine generates 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. Our first driving impressions revealed that the Frontier's V-6 provides adequate thrust and smooth operation. We drove the off-road-oriented Pro-4X model that's ready and willing to tackle rugged terrain, even if it's not as capable as the lifted Chevy Colorado ZR2 or the Jeep Gladiator. We also appreciated the Nissan's new quicker and more direct steering and the myriad other chassis enhancements that have helped the truck feel more composed and refined on the go.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Thankfully, the new Frontier delivers an interior design and materials that look like a big improvement over the outdated and plastic-laden cabin that plagued its predecessor. Not only did Nissan add snazzier trim pieces and soft-touch surfaces that were much needed, the company also introduced more contemporary features. The gauge cluster now offsets its analog gauges with a larger 7.0-inch color display. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats are also available. Speaking of seats, the Frontier continues to comfort our backsides with Nissan's supple Zero Gravity thrones. Interior cubby storage includes a bin on top of the dashboard and a place to store items under the back seat. The truck offers two wheelbase lengths that provide a short and long cargo bed, with the former measuring just under 5 feet and the latter extending just over 6 feet.