By James Raia
Can pickup trucks possibly get any more popular?
Despite business doldrums because of the coronavirus pandemic, pickup truck manufacturers continue to try to outdo each other, including Nissan.
For the first time since 2005, the 2022 Nissan Frontier will be a new design for the mid-size pickup truck.
Offered in S, SV, Pro-4X, and Pro-X, the 2022 Frontier comes with a 310 horsepower, 3.8-liter V6. It will be propelled by a nine-speed automatic transmission in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
With the start of the truck’s third generation, the 2022 Nissan Frontier will have a new exterior and interior and new suspension. The powertrain that debuted in 2020 will remain the same.
New frontier for 2022 Nissan Frontier
While many dimensions will remain the same, the 2022 Nissan Frontier will be 4.5 inches longer than the outgoing model because of its newly designed bumpers and grille. The new grille will feature a rectangular metal weave headlined by a “Frontier” badge.
Pricing and other details haven’t been released, including gas mileage average. The 2021 model averages were 18 miles per gallon in city driving, 24 mpg on the highway.
A part-time four-wheel-drive system is optional, and hill descent control comes standard on four-wheel-drive models. The maximum towing capacity for the 2022 Nissan Frontier remains the same – 6,720 pounds with the extended cab and rear-wheel drive. A trailer sway control that automatically applies the brakes comes standard.
The top-line Pro-4X model features 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.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier will include upgraded front seats, a six-way power driver’s seat, a oversized center console, increased door pocket storage and storage under the rear seats.
Technology standard equipment will feature: two USB ports, 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.
Available options: a surround-view camera system, more USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, Fender audio, heated front seats and steering wheel, and leather seats on Pro models.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier is expected to arrive at dealerships this summer.
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James Raia, a syndicated columnist in Sacramento, California, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter. Sign-ups are available on his website, www.theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@jamesraia.com.
##RVT986b
2016 Frontier I had was wonderful on the road, but horrible in a parking lot or my garage because the turning radius would not allow a 90 deg. turn. Also disapointed in the towing capacity so I traded for an F150. MPG was also disapointing.
I had a Nissan Frontier a few years back.
It is one of the worst trucks to tow a Travel Trailer with!
At the time we had a 22 ft. JAYCO Travel Trailer. Small and fairly light weight!
Our Frontier would struggle to make it up even small inclines and hills on the road.
Long story short, we got rid of it soon after buying the JAYCO and went to an 8 Cylinder Pickup to tow with. NOT A NISSAN either!
Fairly lightweight till you load it up. Not a fair assessment, like half tons trying to pull 5ver, it may not pull or struggle towing but not necessarily mean it’s a “worst” truck, really!