The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a welcome shot across the bow of all competitors in the mid-size truck segment. A much-needed update has modernized the former also-ran and turned it into a much more impressive machine. Even if the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado are better trucks, the Toyota Tacoma may have this space on lock, but now the Frontier has made this a much more entertaining shoot-out.
Nissan uses some older chassis bits under the new skin, but the frame is strong and boxed. The 4-wheel-drive tech is proven and works well. And the 3.6-liter V6 makes a best-in-class 310 horsepower while mated to a fresh 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Even the base S model is nicely equipped, while the top-spec Pro-4X is prepped for off-road adventure.
2022 Nissan Frontier S (starting at $27,840)
The base Frontier is a rugged and capable rig right out of the box. All models come standard with the 310 horsepower engine, which also produces 281 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to offer a payload capacity of 1,610 pounds and up to 6,720 pounds of towing capacity. Trailer sway control comes standard.
Inside the cabin, Nissan has massively upgraded the Frontier. Finally, it’s a much more modern machine, and you’ll get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
The least expensive model is a rear-wheel-drive King Cab model. We’d bay a bit more to jump to the full 4-door experience with the Crew Cab for around $1,300-$1,500 more. The extra space and passenger comfort are definitely worth it.
As is the $3,000 jump to the 4-wheel-drive model, which gets you standard Hill Descent Control in addition to the standard Hill Start Assist delivered on all models. And the 4WD system lets you shift on the fly from 2WD to 4HI. Come to a stop, shift to neutral, and then you can go more aggressive to match the terrain and shift into 4LO. There’s a real-deal transfer case under the skin.
On a 60-month loan at 3% financing, a 2022 Nissan Frontier S, including the $1,150 destination charged, nets a monthly payment of around $521. See the 2022 Nissan Frontier S models for sale
2022 Nissan Frontier S includes:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — Your phone serves up the map and music info that you’re looking for in your truck.
- Zero-Gravity Seats — The front seats are designed to keep you comfortable on the longest journeys.
- 2nd-Row under-seat storage — More than enough room for all your tools and toys.
- Damped tailgate assist — This makes it easier to both open and close the tailgate.
2022 Nissan Frontier SV (starting at $30,540) and SV LWB (starting at $34,040)
The SV trim adds dual-power outside mirrors, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a tow/haul mode. Climb further to the SV LWB version, and you now get a 6-foot bed with a spray-in bed liner and under-rail bed lighting, a trailer hitch, and two 120-volt power outlets.
On the SV trim, the 5-foot bed is the standard option. You get the 6-foot bed when you jump to the SV LWB. Hence the trim name, it’s considered the longer wheelbase model.
The SV and SV LWB are great options, but you’re already so close to the Pro-X and Pro-4X trucks at that point that it’s worth jumping to the top-spec. Especially because Nissan is already slightly undercutting the competition with what it offers at that level.
Using the same 60-month loan calculation as the S, the Frontier SV only increases the monthly payment by about $50, costing $569. The SV LWB comes to $632. See the 2022 Nissan Frontier SV and SV LWB models for sale
2022 Nissan Frontier SV includes:
- 6-Way Power-Adjustable Driver’s seat — The zero-gravity seats are already comfortable, and now you can find the perfect adjustment for them.
- Dual Power Outside Mirrors — Keep those blind spots in check at the flick of a button.
- Spray-In Bed Liner (SV LWB) — Toss whatever you want in the back. You won’t scratch it up.
- Under-Rail Bed Lighting (SV LWB) — When you need to find something back there and it’s dark, these bright lights will shine down and help you out.
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-X (starting at $34,240) and Pro-4X (starting at $37,240)
This is where the magic happens (video below). The Pro-X and Pro-4X are the most rugged and capable versions of the Frontier currently offered. And the price points play wonderfully against the competition.
The Pro-X is a Frontier trim reminiscent of the old Desert Runner model. It’s rear-wheel-drive only, yet features a lot of upgrades found on the more expensive and 4WD-only Pro-4X. The exterior and interior get subtle tweaks. There’s now a 9-inch touchscreen in the center stack, Wi-Fi on board, and a set of Bilstein shocks at each corner.
The king of the hill, however, is the Pro-4X. Like the Pro-X, it’s only offered with the Crew Cab setup. And it gets all the aforementioned bits as the Pro-X. But Nissan then adds in an electronic locking rear differential and skidplate protection underneath. You’ll find three steel skidplates and one aluminum skidplate.
Nissan has built a tough-looking mountain goat of a truck here. The Frontier Pro-4X is excellent off the showroom floor. Add in a better set of tires (over the Hankook Dynapro All Terrains it wears), and it could go anywhere.
It’s priced better than the top-spec Ford Ranger and makes more power. Is much cheaper than a Colorado ZR2, and nearly as comfortable off-road with a better interior. And it blows the doors off the much-lauded Toyota Tacoma, outside of the very pricey TRD Pro model… and even then, this one is better inside and far more comfortable.
On that same 60-month loan term used above, the Frontier Pro-X will have a monthly payment of around $636, while the Pro-4X brings that up to $690. That’s a fair jump over the SV, but it represents way more truck too. See the 2022 Nissan Frontier Nissan Frontier Pro-X and the 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X models for sale
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-X/Pro-4X includes:
- Bilstein shocks — Upgraded bouncy bits at each corner mean a better ride on and off the road.
- 9-inch Touchscreen — The base screen is good, but the larger one is easier to read when you’re underway.
- On-Board WiFi — Keep connected if you’re away working at a remote site.
- Skid-Plate Protection (Pro-4X) — If you’re going off-road, you’re going to want to make sure you protect the underbody of the truck. This does exactly that.
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