2022 Nissan Frontier

　　

2022 Nissan Frontier Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Nissan's Frontier finally — finally! — gets a full redesign for 2022. The previous-generation truck debuted all the way back for the 2005 model year. By 2021, the Frontier was way behind other midsize trucks in regards to technology, comfort, and towing and hauling performance. Thankfully, this year's much-improved 2022 Frontier has greater appeal.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Nissan Frontier S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for Frontier S

　　Frontier S

　　S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $28,690 MSRPS 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $29,990 MSRPS 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $31,890 MSRPS 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $32,990 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $31,390 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $32,790 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $34,590 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $34,690 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $35,790 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $37,690 MSRPPRO-X 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $35,120 MSRPPRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $38,120 MSRP

　　vs

　　$219/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　On the outside, the Frontier gets more upright styling for a more rugged look. There's less change under the sheetmetal, as the new Frontier shares a lot of mechanical bits with the previous model, including the 310-horsepower V6 that Nissan introduced a few years ago. The interior gets a major renovation, however. The cabin and center button layout look much more deserving of a modern midsize truck, for instance, and Nissan has added many new technology and advanced driver aid features.

　　Overall, the 2022 Frontier is a competitive pick among rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's take on the Frontier's improvements and where it still comes up a little short.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Frontier drive? The Frontier isn't the quickest midsize truck. Our Frontier Pro-4X test truck accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is an average time for the class. But the engine really shines in day-to-day driving. There's ample midrange grunt and the transmission doles out smooth shifts even under full-throttle acceleration. The Frontier's brakes are similarly effortless. They're easy to operate in city traffic as well as powerful enough to stop the truck promptly when you need it.

　　Confident handling is another bright spot for the Frontier. The truck feels planted around turns, even with the Pro-4X's off-road-oriented tires. But the very heavy steering is a head-scratcher. It requires a considerable amount of effort to maneuver the Nissan through a parking lot or over a trail at low speeds.

　　The Frontier Pro-4X includes beefy skid plates, off-road oriented tires and special shock absorbers. It also features an impressive 9.8 inches of ground clearance and an electronically locking rear differential for added traction. While it lacks the more extreme off-road software and hardware of the Tacoma TRD Pro and Gladiator Rubicon, the Frontier can take on its fair share of rugged terrain.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Frontier? The highlight here is the Frontier's comfortable ride quality. Big dips and bumps are simply shrugged off at high speeds, and the Frontier remains similarly composed around town. Other aspects of the Frontier aren't as polished. The front seat's padding is a bit too firm and flat, and a lack of seat adjustments means you might find it hard to settle into an optimal seating position.

　　The climate control system is relatively straightforward to operate and is able to maintain a comfortable temperature on a hot day. But we were disappointed that our Frontier didn't have air vents for rear passengers. We also noticed an excessive amount of wind noise on the highway.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below