2022 Nissan Frontier Turns to the Future With a Nod to the Past
Nissan today unveiled the all-new 2022 Frontier along with the equally new 2022 Pathfinder. The former draws inspiration from midsize pickups sold in the 1980s while turning to the future in many ways.
The rounded shapes of the outgoing Frontier are replaced by a more angular and rugged-looking silhouette that’s reminiscent of classic trucks and in keeping with a current trend across the auto industry.
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New Body and Cabin
While the TITAN-like rear end is not revolutionary, the entire front fascia has been significantly transformed. The geometric-pattern grille looks radically different, contributing to a more aggressive and industrial appearance. Meanwhile, squared-up headlights with a cool LED signature sit under a raised hood with a flatter profile.
Similar boxy styling can be found inside the 2022 Nissan Frontier. There is more storage than before, and Nissan claims fit and finish is improved, which is great news as the old Frontier was definitely not known for its refinement.
A clear sign of modern times, a nine-inch touchscreen makes its way into the truck, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility obviously included.
Nissan’s acclaimed “Zero Gravity” seats are another welcome addition that will increase comfort substantially. Combined with improved noise insulation, the cabin of the 2022 Frontier will make long trips much more pleasant.
Upgraded Chassis
Nissan says the chassis of the new Frontier is based on the old one, with extra reinforcements to maximize rigidity. The shocks and steering have been revised, too, the latter returning to a hydraulic setup.
Under the hood, the lone engine choice is a 3.8-litre V6 that serves up a class-leading 310 horsepower along with 281 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission, the Frontier can now tow up to 6,490 pounds (2,944 kilograms). Trailer sway control comes standard, which is great for safety.
The cargo bed has a maximum payload rating of 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms). It’s available in two different sizes—five feet or six feet—and features a spray-on bedliner as standard. There are also multiple rails and anchoring points to secure cargo and offer increased versatility.
Unlike in the U.S., all 2022 Nissan Frontiers sold in Canada will have 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. One exception: a King Cab 4x2 model will be available for fleets.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 is part of the mix, as well. This series of advanced safety and driver assistance features includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking and high beam assist.
The 2022 Frontier also comes standard with hill start assist and hill descent assist.
Off-road Capability
With more and more trucks being designed for off-road driving, Nissan could not afford to sit still. In Canada, we’ll have a Frontier Pro-4X available exclusively with the King Cab.
This tough, adventurous model adds Bilstein shocks that are tuned for off-road driving, an electronic locking differential and underbody skid plates.
The new 2022 Nissan Frontier will go on sale this summer at a price that has yet to be announced. It appears that three different trim levels will be offered, but that could change between now and the launch.