It’s been 16-years since Nissan Frontier has had a major upgrade. This new Frontier has more power and a smooth-shifting 9-speed transmission.
Frontier rides so much better than the older model, but Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz are hard to compete with in comfort and technology.
The most challenging things for me were the lack of telescoping steering and difficulty adjusting the driver’s seat. The back seat was also not as comfortable as I would have liked.
The new Frontier is powered by a 3.8-Liter V-6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft torque mated to a superb 9-speed automatic transmission. Frontier delivers 20-mpg city, 24-mpg highway for a combined 20-mpg.
The Frontier has a rugged and distinct design. It has modern, utility-centric interior that includes largest-in-class available 9-inch color touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available Nissan Connect with Wi Fi Hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging.
Safety technology includes class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
Photo: Nissan media
The Pro-X crew cabin features a five foot bed (40.1 cubic feet) of bed volume.
Outside you find a front skid plate, LED Headlights with LED Signature Hi Beams, Fog lights, and body-color door handles. Bed Rail Protectors and over fender flares are also featured in the outside portfolio.
The sliding rear window allows easy access from the cab to the bed. The high-mounted cargo lamp help you do load cargo even though it may be dark, while the dampened locking tailgate permits easy loading in a secure manner.
Frontier has a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 lbs. when properly equipped. Frontier sits on 17-inch painted pro alloy wheels and all-terrain tires. Off Road Shocks and Rear Suspension Stabilizer Tow/Haul Mode switch, and rear view mirror make for a smoother, safer ride, even when towing or hauling.
I would recommend the optional off-road style step rails for an additional $750.
Photo: Nissan media
Several optional packages like the Pro Premium Package that includes such features as Fender Premium Audio with 10-speakers, leather appointed front and rear seats, and auto dimming inside mirrors with Home Link Universal Transceiver, are available. The package also includes automatic tilt and slide sunroof with manual shade ($2,790.).
Frontier is a handsome, dependable midsize truck with a range of body styles, drivetrains and equipment configurations. The Frontier has been six-plus decades in the making, carefully selected to fit customer needs.
The MSRP for the 2022 Frontier starts at $27,840. The MSRP for my trial vehicle was $34,240.
Warranty
Basic Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile.
Powertrain Warranty 5-year/ 60,000-mile.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
