We test-drove and reviewed the 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and think Nissan has done a great job, improving the truck from its previous model year, delivering a modern and durable midsize truck buyers can use.
Follow us today...
First, let's take a quick look at the main highlights of the 2022 Nissan Frontier pickup truck.
- All-new powerful, rugged and distinct design..
- Best-in-class1 310 horsepower, proven shift-on-the-fly 4WD
- "Right-sized" pickup for a workweek in the city or a weekend off-road.
- Modern, utility-centric interior includes largest-in-class available 9-inch color touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, available Wi-Fi Hotspot and wireless smartphone charging.
- First-ever Nissan to feature Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road Mode.
- Standard class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, available class-exclusive Traffic Sign Recognition, available Nissan Safety Shield® 360 on every trim.
This new and third generation of the Nissan Frontier, completely redesigned, presents an imposing and an aggressive design in the 2022 model. Of course, the level of equipment that I saw is one of the most striking in the line, the PRO-4X.
The 2022 model, in addition to its Frontier S and SV versions, the truck sees the return of the Pro-4X model. The Pro-4X comes with a long list of off-road accessories, including Bilstein shocks, a Dana rear axle, and off-road tires.
The Exterior of the 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
Once you look at the new 2022 Nissan Frontier, you are struck bye the front of the truck. The grill is very impressive.
Also it has a much larger hood than the previous model and the one that gives it a much more mature look. The 2022 Frontier's fenders are bigger and more muscular, offering a feeling of great durability.
This Frontier PRO-4X that I drove for a week comes with all-wheel drive. It includes LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights and lava red grille accents, things that are also included in the Frontier PRO-2X (two-wheel drive only).
The 2022 PRO-4X's sides have high shoulders, but not at all out of tune. With the aggressiveness of his forehead, on the contrary, it presents an adequate harmony.
The rear part with a short bed is very well achieved thanks to the fenders, which by the way are also muscular and combine perfectly with the rear bumper, achieving a perfect and stylish finish for this great 2022 Nissan Frontier.
The Engine
2022 Nissan Frontier's engine is a 3.8-liter direct injection V6, which offers 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This engine works in conjunction with a 9-speed automatic transmission that was designed to maximize efficiency and offer strong acceleration. I felt that this transmission offers much faster shift response throughout the entire gear range, compared to the 2021 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X.
This four-wheel drive model features an on-the-fly shifting system that includes 2WD / 4HI / 4LO modes that are operated through an electronically controlled transfer case.
Unlike the other trim levels, the Frontier PRO-4X includes an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, and underbody skid plates.
The Interior Space of the 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
Inside the car we have seats covered in fine leather, a multifunction steering wheel with different buttons, a large full color touch screen in the center of the dashboard, among other details. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard (upgradeable to a 9-inch unit), as is a 7-inch driver information display flanked by analog gauges. On models with the largest touchscreen, you can even add a surround view camera with an off-road mode for navigating rough mountain trails.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X has a great interior space and its seats are very comfortable, both those of the driver and passenger, as well as those of the second row of seats.
The interior is loaded with new technologies and security systems, including wireless smartphone charger, NissanConnect system with Wi-FI Hotspot, Siti Eyes Free, several USB ports, including a USB-C, front 12V outlets and on this PRO-4X two power outlets. Also, it includes 110V with a capacity of 400 watts, one for the second row of seats and the other in the bed. Its audio system is a Fender Premium that works with 10 speakers.
2022 Nissan Frontier's Safety
In terms of safety systems, it includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist and exclusive rear automatic braking in his class.
Also class-exclusive, comes standard with the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. As additional available features, the Frontier offers intelligent cruise control, traffic sign recognition and intelligent driver alert. The tailgate alert is standard on all models.
Buyers who want maximum space can opt for a long wheelbase version of the SV trim, which combines the crew cab with the 6-foot bed. The Pro-X and Pro-4X models are only offered in the Crew Cab / Short Bed configuration.
Maximum towing capacity remains the same as the previous model, at 6,720 pounds when properly equipped. The maximum payload, meanwhile, increases to 1,610 pounds.
Trailer sway control is now standard, but an integrated trailer brake controller is not available.
All 4WD versions will come with Hill Descent Control and a new rear stabilizer bar joins a larger front bar for improved handling.
The frame of the truck itself is a continuation of that of the previous Frontier, but Nissan says it has been improved every year since it debuted in 2004 and has been further improved for 2022.
On The Highway
The Frontier's 3.8-liter V6 engine brings extra power that is noticeable right out of the box. There's a lot of bump, whether you're taking off from a light or hitting the road.
The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly during typical driving. Even during full throttle, things are still pretty polished.
The brakes engage smoothly and slow the truck easily in everyday driving. But in panic stop situations, the front end dips and the pedal goes smooth.
The Frontier's steering is loose and sloppy, with plenty of free play at the wheel. Accuracy is more of an idea than a reality. But it is still easy to maneuver.
Overall it is a flexible truck. The bumpy tires create a constant bump, and the chassis has the cab in a constant state of roll and weave. But the sharpest potholes and other impacts on the road are well resolved.
The Frontier is compact and stable when it turns. It stays fairly controlled and despite its height, it doesn't feel too heavy. However, the rest of the driving experience remains somewhat lackluster.
I found a powertrain that is not only strong and capable, but also smooth and nice, something that differs greatly from the previous model.
The medium truck segment has undergone many changes in recent years. The Toyota Tacoma remains the best in sales and resale value, the Honda Ridgeline has a smooth ride quality and many safety features, while both the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are comfortable and can be ordered with a diesel engine.
The Ranger offers the best towing capacity, while the Gladiator is true to its name in off-road situations.
The main reason to consider the Frontier is if you are simply looking for a mid-size work truck with no frills or much else.
Price: From US $ 27,885 to US $ 39,585
Fuel economy : 18 mpg city 24 mpg highway
From these images you can see how attractive this new generation of this midsize truck is, and especially this PRO-4X prepared for adventure on any type of terrain.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: Geek's Room, PurosAutos.
Follow us today...