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By Andy Bornhop
Updated August 08, 2023
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Price: The 2022 Nissan Frontier S starts at $28,340 for the King Cab 4×2 and $29,460 for the Crew Cab.
Just about everything is new in the 2022 Nissan Frontier, apart from the fully boxed ladder frame and the 3.8-liter V6/9-speed automatic powertrain, which made its debut last year in the 2021 Frontier.
The Frontier body is all-new, styled in California, and looking like it’s been chiseled from a single block. Nissan wanted the new Frontier to be a modern interpretation of the original Hardbody pickup without being overtly retro. We think the company has succeeded, and although the sides of this compact midsize Nissan pickup are taller for a more muscular appearance, the bed floor – we’re happy to report – is the same height as before for easy loading. What’s more, the handsomely styled Frontier cab has been thoroughly improved with expected modern technologies like standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the new Frontier has the same 126- and 140-inch wheelbases as before, the overall length is up by about 4.5 inches because of the truck’s more prominent nose. No worries, though: Despite this small increase in length, the Frontier still fits with ease in most garages.
King Cab and Crew Cab models are available. A 6-foot bed is standard on the King Cab; a 5-footer comes on the Crew Cab. A 6-foot bed, though, can be ordered on the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV. As before, Frontier 4×2 and 4×4 models are available, the latter equipped with a shift-on-the-fly 2-speed transfer case. Max towing is 6,720 pounds, and Trailer Sway Control is standard.
Other improvements include hydraulic mounts for the cab that offer better road isolation, a locking, fully damped tailgate, and a new rack-and-pinion steering system with a faster ratio.
Competitors for the 2022 Nissan Frontier include the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. None exceed the Frontier’s standard 310 horsepower.
Used 2022 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab pricing starts at $27,193 for the Frontier Crew Cab S Pickup 4D 5 ft, which had a starting MSRP of $34,285 when new. The range-topping 2022 Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X Pickup 4D 5 ft starts at $33,243 today, originally priced from $39,415.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$34,285 | $27,193 | |||
$36,415 | $30,883 | |||
$37,085 | $28,812 | |||
$38,985 | $28,753 | |||
$39,415 | $33,243 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2022 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 (310 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque) has best-in-class power. It mates to a 9-speed automatic transmission that is a massive improvement over the previous 5-speed version.
This powertrain combination makes the Frontier extremely capable. Whether on- or off-road, the Frontier has the gumption to get out of a sticky situation. Climbing up steep terrain in the Pro-4X is easier with the added power.
The Frontier remains a true midsize truck. Its size makes it nicely maneuverable, whether making a hairpin turn off-road or getting into a tight parking spot. As some midsize trucks grow dangerously close to full-size territory, the Frontier remains a smaller work truck.
Thanks to a reworked suspension, the comfort in the ride quality of the Nissan Frontier far surpasses that not only of the previous model, but of some of the Frontier’s fiercest competitors.
Nissan returns to hydraulic steering here, too. This gives the steering-feel good weight and greatly diminishes the driver’s need for constant correction.
Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats make the ride in the cabin pleasant, especially for long trips. They’re also much more adjustable than the previous model’s. One negative, the steering wheel doesn’t have telescoping ability.
Max payload (1,610 pounds) and towing capacities (6,720 pounds) have both increased.
Over 41 new parts have been added to decrease cabin noise from the road, engine, and wind. The effort proves effective, as the ride doesn’t get loud and truck-like, even at speed on the highway.
What’s the gas mileage like in the 2022 Nissan Frontier? Estimates remain competitive among the midsize truck segment. The 4×2 models see 18 city/24 highway with a combined 20 mpg estimate. You take a slight hit with the 4×4 model. Numbers come in at 17 city/22 highway and combined 19 mpg.
Inside the new Frontier, Nissan sought to blend a feeling of protection with versatility and modern functionality. Helping in this effort is a simplified and intuitive center stack capped by a large 9-inch touchscreen offering standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
There’s a ton of onboard storage. Specifically, the center console offers four liters of it, about double what’s found in most pickups. The Frontier doors also have large and handy pockets, and there’s even extra storage under the back seat.
Nissan also uses much more sound insulation in the new Frontier, which is made even more tranquil by thicker carpet, laminated acoustic side glass in the front doors, and new hydraulic cab mounts that reduce vibration by some 80 percent.
Also on duty are Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. A good blend of softness and lateral support, they are designed to reduce long-trip driving fatigue.
Available interior colors include Charcoal and Sandstone. The Frontier Pro-4X and similar new Pro-X model (a 2WD model with the look of the Pro 4-X) get a Charcoal and Lava Red interior.
Inspired by the original Nissan Hardbody pickup of the 1980s, the new 2022 Frontier has an aggressive, modern look with a bolder front end, prominent grille, and a chiseled hood. The high bodysides are intentional, to provide a sense of thickness and strength.
Prominent Frontier lettering appears on the grille and tailgate, while wide-set tires help to give this Nissan’s new pickup a planted stance. The black grille of the Pro-4X model looks especially sharp, and the rear of the new Frontier has a machined, structural look.
Available exterior colors on the 2022 Nissan Frontier include Tactical Green Metallic, inspired by backcountry gear, and Boulder Grey Pearl, which accentuates the handsome new shape. Other available colors on this Mississippi-built Nissan include: Glacier White, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Red Alert, Cardinal Red Metallic TriCoat, Deep Blue Pearl, and Baja Storm.
PRO-4X MODEL
The Pro-4X isn’t a feature, we know, but this off-road-focused Frontier is loaded with many features we appreciate. These include an electronic limited-slip rear differential and Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, plus underbody skidplates and a black grille with Lava Red accents. The new Frontier Pro-X gets the look of the Pro-4X and Bilstein shocks, but it’s only 2-wheel drive (2WD).
UTILI-TRACK CHANNEL SYSTEM
An available high-utility bed for the new 2022 Nissan Frontier includes the Utili-track Channel System. Three bed-mounted rails that are C-shaped in cross-section make it easy to secure cargo, aided by four fixed tie-down hooks.
All 2022 Nissan Frontiers are equipped with a direct-injected 3.8-liter V6 and a 9-speed automatic transmission. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard fare on this midsize Nissan pickup includes two front USB ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) and a pair of 12-volt outlets.
Hill-start assist comes standard on all models, along with a forward-collision warning system, Trailer Sway Control, and a damped locking tailgate. Models with 4-wheel drive (4WD) get Hill Descent Control, which allows the Frontier to go down steep hills safely while managing its brakes autonomously. Other standard hardware includes Easy Fill Tire Alert, a handy system that toots the horn when you’re inflating the tires, and they’ve reached the recommended pressure.
The Frontier has plenty of options. The Pro-X, Pro-4X, and SV models are available with two 400-watt outlets – one in the rear, one in the bed – that can power a variety of indoor and outdoor accessories.
The new 2022 Nissan Frontier also is available with Wi-Fi, wireless smartphone charging, and an Around-View monitor that stitches together views from four cameras to provide the driver with a handy bird’s eye view of the environment surrounding the vehicle. This helps to prevent dings in tight parking lots. And if you order the Frontier Pro-4X, it comes with a special Off-Road Mode that helps the truck keep moving while tackling a tough trail in low range without the aid of a spotter.
Nissan’s safety suite, called Safety Shield 360, also is available on the new Frontier. It includes automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. If you want adaptive cruise control on your new Frontier, it can be ordered as well, just like Traffic Sign Recognition and a driver alertness monitor.
Option packages consist of:
A: The $990 Tech package (available on all trims) includes Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance features.
B: The Convenience package (SV, Pro only) includes a trailer hitch, spray-in bedliner, and heated mirrors, seats, and steering wheel for $1,990.
C: A Premium package (SV, Pro only) ($2,790) adds leather seats, a premium Fender audio system, and a moonroof.
ProPilot Assist, which in other Nissans provides some steering control on the highway, isn’t available on the Frontier because it doesn’t have an electrically assisted steering rack.
Nissan says more than 85 accessories (many from NISMO) have been approved for use on the 2022 Frontier.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier comes with one engine: an aluminum-block 3.8-liter V6 that sends 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
In peak horsepower, this Nissan engine compares favorably to smaller V6s employed by General Motors and Toyota.
3.8-liter V6
310 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
281lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (2WD), 17/22 mpg (4WD)
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We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
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Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
EPA Total Interior | 101.1 cu.ft. | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fuel Capacity | 21.1 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 39.9 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 42.4 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 8.9 inches | ||
Overall Length | 210.2 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 58.3 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 6370 lbs. | ||
Turning Diameter | 43.3 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 126.0 inches | ||
Truck Bed Volume | 27 cu.ft. | ||
Bed Length | 5.00 feet | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 6012 lbs. | ||
Payload Capacity | 1340 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 72.8 inches |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
---|---|---|---|
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
City | 17 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 22 mpg | ||
Combined | 19 mpg |
Drivetrain | 4WD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
9 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Descent Control | Available | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 310 @ 6400 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 281 @ 4400 rpm | ||
Engine | V6, 3.8 Liter |
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
Forward-collision warning
This standard system on all 2022 Nissan Frontiers uses radar to scan the road ahead. If it senses a potential collision, it will sound an alert for the driver to begin braking.
Nissan Safety Shield 360
Automatic emergency braking is available on the new Frontier as part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 safety suite. Besides that, Safety Shield 360 includes a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.
Rear Door Alert
With this standard safety technology, the 2022 Nissan Frontier will beep its horn as a way of reminding you to check the back seat for a child, pet, or a package whenever you leave the vehicle. The system can be shut off if desired.
Used 2022 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab | Used 2022 Chevrolet Colorado | Used 2022 Nissan Frontier | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $27,693 | $27,613 | $29,253 | |
KBB.com Rating | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | |
Fuel Economy | City 17/Hwy 22/Comb 19 MPG | City 19/Hwy 25/Comb 22 MPG | City 17/Hwy 22/Comb 19 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | N/A | N/A | |
Safety Rating | N/A | 4.0 | N/A | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
Horsepower | 310 @ 6400 RPM | 200 @ 6300 RPM | 310 @ 6400 RPM | |
Engine | V6, 3.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, VVT, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.8 Liter | |
Drivetrain | 4WD | 2WD | 4WD |
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The best 2022 Frontier pickup for towing is the rear-drive S King Cab version, capable of pulling 6,720 pounds. The range-topping Pro-4X Crew Cab can still handle 6,270 pounds.
The S version of the 2022 Frontier midsize pickup with the King Cab starts at $28,340. The Pro-4X Crew Cab tops the lineup at $37,770.
The 2022 Frontier is a competitive player in the midsize pickup world, but not one of the top choices.