2022 Nissan Frontier Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a rugged mid-size truck that has a bold appearance and a modern cabin. It has a good amount of power, so a driver can be confident taking it through a variety of terrain. Its array of high-tech equipment is definitely something that works in its favor. Overall, it's a solid choice for customers who like its athletic style and are looking for a pickup that's not too expensive.

What's New for 2022?

The Frontier has been redesigned inside and out for the 2022 model year. It's a welcome change, since the truck previously hadn't been significantly upgraded for some time. First, the exterior of the truck has been totally made over. Now, it seems almost futuristic, with muscular features that really stand out. Inside the cabin, comfort has improved due to a change in seat design, there are larger storage compartments, and the standard infotainment package comes with a large touchscreen and smartphone compatibility.

Mechanical enhancements have taken place as well. The new truck handles itself better than it did in years past, thanks to an upgraded suspension, steering system, and powertrain. There's also a new trim. It's the Pro-X, and it sits between the SV and Pro-4X in the lineup.

If customers weren't interested in the Nissan Frontier in the past few years, it would definitely be time to reevaluate that stance. Nissan has done an excellent job in modernizing the Frontier for the 2022 model year.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Nissan Frontier – The Pros

1. Provides Plenty of Power

Under the hood of a 2022 Nissan Frontier, there's a 3.8-liter V6 engine. This engine gives the truck 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. These are impressive numbers, and they're much higher than what some competitors offer. Nissan has matched the V6 to a nine-speed transmission that provides an ideal amount of power at various speeds.

2. Can Be Loaded Down With Cargo

The Frontier lives up to high expectations regarding payload and towing capacities. It has a strong frame with a durable bed, and it has a maximum payload capacity of 1,610 pounds. Construction equipment, dirt bikes, kayaks, and other types of items can easily be accommodated. The dampened assist tailgate is nice to have, as are the available LEDs in the bed and cleats. If anyone needs it, there's an available sliding bed extender to make some more room in the back.

Maximum towing capacity is 6,720 pounds. To make it easier and safer to haul cargo, the truck has Downhill Speed Control and Trailer Sway Control.

3. Pro-4X Is Ready for Off-Roading

For drivers who know that they're going to be getting their trucks muddy, there's the Pro-4X trim. It protects itself with skid plates, and it can keep the driver aware of how things are going with special off-road gauges that track things like pitch and roll. When its shifted into 4LO gear, an intelligent around view monitor can engage. This keeps drivers informed about ruts, rocks, and other obstacles. All-terrain tires, Blistein shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential are other elements that make the Pro-4X suited for tough terrain.

4. Comfortable Seating

This truck benefits from having Zero Gravity seats in its front row. These seats can offer lateral support and have 14 different pressure points. They've been designed to put passengers in a neutral position rather than one in which the body slumps, which puts pressure on the lower back. Support is provided from the hips to the shoulders, encouraging a good posture, providing comfort, and preventing fatigue on long road trips.

5. Actively Protects Passengers

Nissan has given the Frontier a number of driver-assist technologies. Standard on every trim are forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. A rearview monitor is also standard, as is a driver alertness system. With this system, if it seems like the driver is not focused on the road, then a warning would be issued.

There are more driver-assist systems that are available on the lower trims and standard on the higher ones. One is lane departure warning, which would engage when the driver is drifting out of position without having activated the turn signal. The others include blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, rear automatic braking, and automatic high beams. Automatic high beams do a great job of illuminating dark roads, and the other available features work to ensure that drivers won't change lanes or back up when it's not safe.

6. Choose a Configuration

Customers have a lot of choices with the Nissan Frontier. There are four trims, which are the S, SV, Pro-X, and Pro-4X. The S and SV are available with King Cabs or Crew Cabs, and the SV can even have an extended bed. The Pro-X and Pro-4X are exclusively offered with Crew Cabs.

Further, the S and SV can come with either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. The Pro-X has a 4x2 drivetrain, and the Pro-4X has a 4x4 drivetrain.

7. Information At One's Fingertips

The S and SV have eight-inch touchscreens with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. These are components that make vehicles very attractive these days since people expect to be able to stay connected to their networks and entertained when they're traveling.

On the Pro-X and Pro-4X trucks, the touchscreens measure nine inches. They can come with wireless charging, premium Fender audio systems, Wi-Fi hotspots, and navigation.

Besides the touchscreen in the center stack, there's a seven-inch digital display behind the steering wheel. It can update drivers about safety alerts, speed limits, and navigation instructions.

8. Can Have Remote Access

With NissanConnect technology, the Frontier can be accessed by using an app on one's smartphone. People can use their apps to locate their vehicles, remotely start their engines, flash their lights, and lock or unlock the doors. This technology is useful when the truck has been parked in a busy parking lot or when someone wants to get the air conditioner or heater started before they get in.

9. Bold Style

As mentioned earlier, the Frontier has a new look for 2022. Its appearance is really striking, as the fenders look beefed up, the headlights are narrow, and the grille has a geometric design that makes the truck almost seem intimidating. LED signature lighting is available, as are LED Daytime Running lights and LED fog lights. Some trims have red tow hooks and black exterior elements to further enhance their style.

10. The Price Is Right

The starting price of the Frontier is less than $28,000. It's not exactly cheap, but mid-size trucks aren't really known for their affordability. This makes the Nissan Frontier a relatively low-priced truck, especially given all of its technology and capability. Even the top-of-the-line Pro-4X has a starting cost that's under $40,000.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Nissan Frontier – The Cons

1. Back Seat is on the Smaller Side

Leg room isn't generous with this truck. The King Cab only has room for two passengers in the back seat. Those people would have to squeeze in since there is 26.2 inches of second-row leg room. The Crew Cab is a little better, with room for three in the back and 33.2 inches of rear-seat leg room. This still isn't too much space, unfortunately.

2. Packages Can Add Up

There are several options to upgrade each trim. For instance, the S can be set up with extra driver-assist programs, the SV can get a whole group of features including heated front eats and remote start, and the Pro trims could be configured with leather seats, a moonroof, and Fender speakers. Be prepared to pay a price for these things, though, because they could cost an extra few thousand dollars.

3. One Powertrain Option

The 3.8-liter V6 that powers the Frontier is more than satisfactory. However, it would be nice to have the option to get a turbocharged engine. Turbochargers can really give vehicles a huge boost, and there would be some customers out there who may prefer this type of engine. Alternatively, Nissan could have offered a diesel engine for those who like the extra torque that these types of engines can provide.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 Chevy Colorado

Chevrolet's Colorado is similar to the Frontier in size. The Frontier does have a more muscular look, which could help bring it more attention. The Colorado can't match the Frontier in terms of power. Its standard engine only comes with 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, while its V6 makes 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It does offer a diesel option, which brings with it 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

Likewise, the Honda Ridgeline doesn't have as much capability as the Frontier does. It has a decent towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, but this is less than what the Frontier can do. Also, the Ridgeline has 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque; these numbers fall short of the mark that the Frontier sets. In addition, SiriusXM isn't standard across all trims like it is on the Frontier, and the Ridgeline is limited to an eight-inch touchscreen. In comparison, the Frontier's higher trims have nine-inch touchscreens.

Conclusion

Because of all of the features it can be equipped with, the Frontier would be a smart purchase. On top of its reliable engine and advanced technology, it has a cool style that's sure to turn heads. Nissan has given the Frontier a competitive price, too, so this adds to its attractiveness and will help ensure that the new Frontier will be successful.