2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab Review: Authentic and Pleasant Drive

Since the appearance of the latest generation Nissan Frontier in 2005, a lot has happened in the midsize pickup category. Not only is the range of models larger, but each new addition brings something new, such as turbocharging (Ford Ranger), the unibody concept (Honda Ridgeline) and the convertible option (Jeep Gladiator). The 2022 Nissan Frontier: let's see what it brings in this review.

After the disappearance of several models around 2010, midsize pickups have enjoyed a resurgence of interest after the shift in the last decade. GM quickly realized this by introducing its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon tandem. Since that time, other novelties have been added, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Jeep Gladiator. The already well-known models have offered themselves a redesign in order to regain ground, this is the case of the very recent Nissan Frontier 2022 of the new generation.

In fact, as I was taking the 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X for a review and the provider company was taking away 2022 GMC Canyon, I took this picture of both vehicles side by side, which can provide a nice comparison point. Both of them are mid-size trucks and both of them are the 2022 models.

I must admit that Nissan Frontier's refresh in the model year 2022 was more than due. The Nissan Frontier had remained almost unchanged since 2005. Such a long life cycle would be lethal for a popular vehicle. Other reviewers say for a pickup like this, it's normal. In fact, apparently it took Toyota more than 10 years to refresh its Tacoma.

I got behind the wheel of the 2022 Nissan Frontier in its most off-road-ready and expensive version, the PRO-4X. Our model's price started at $37,240 and reached to $46,965 with all options. The least expensive version is the Frontier S King Cab 4x2 which starts at $27,840 USD.

Here are the main highlights of what the 2022 Frontier offers.

• 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-class2 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 Mode3.
• Standard class-exclusive4 Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, available class-exclusive5 Traffic Sign Recognition, available Nissan Safety Shield® 360 on every trim.

"The all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier embodies everything that is great about midsize trucks, and everything that is great about the new Nissan," said Jared Haslam, vice president, Product and Services Planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada. "It's a truck in every sense of the word, with a true personality unlike any other – a complete package of capability, drivability, comfort, technology and style. The all-new Frontier is a truck you'll feel proud to have in your driveway – and everywhere you go."

The 2022 Frontier King Cab is offered in 4x2 and 4x4 S and SV grades with a 6-foot bed. The 2022 Frontier Crew Cab is offered in 4x2 and 4x4 S and SV (SWB and LWB) grades, as well as PRO-4X (4x4 only) and new-for-2022 PRO-X (4x2 only) grades. All Crew Cab models feature a 5-foot bed except the SV LWB model, which features a 6-foot bed.

Exterior

Like the model it replaces, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is offered in two cab configurations, either King Cab (two doors with reversed doors) or Crew Cab (four doors).

I think the 2022 Nissan Frontier's new much more angular lines, its higher stance and its widened wings increase the appearance of robustness and give the feeling that it is more imposing than in reality, even if, in fact, it is a little more. than the older generation. The rear also benefits from a more modern treatment, and I really appreciated the soft-opening tailgate, which is easier to handle.

2022 Nissan Frontier's Interior

The Frontier's redesign had a huge impact on its interior. The dashboard incorporates a new design and much better quality materials. The build quality is good without being excellent, but the ergonomics of the controls are superb. The Pro-4X version (which is the off-road package) adds pretty orange finishes that help accentuate the utilitarian design of this dashboard.

There are also several innovative storage solutions, such as a huge storage tray located under the dashboard, in addition to a wireless charging tray for the phone (standard). No less than 8 cupholders are available to the occupants, the door pockets are deep, and the storage compartment located above the dashboard is practical.

The Frontier's multimedia interface works well in that it responds quickly to commands, and its functions aren't too complex or hard to find. This system includes a Wi-Fi terminal (upon subscription) and can be updated remotely.

The Frontier's front seats provide good support, and the front seating is much more comfortable than the seating in the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4. The driving position is good. I appreciated the good vision all around, which reinforces the feeling of safety.

Access to the rear seats of the Crew Cab version remains narrow due to the width of the doors. Once on board, the seat is square, but the knee and headroom is generous, even for a tall person. It's also a wider bed than, for example, a Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. In other words, three adults shouldn't feel too stuck. Speaking of that, in the back, it's not as spacious as in the full-size model, that's the price to pay for its more compact size. The crew cab version is unquestionably more practical and spacious, it is better to choose it if you plan to transport passengers often. The fairly high seat also provides very good all-around vision, which they will appreciate.

The new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system brings a breath of fresh air, especially since it is user-friendly and efficient.

Powertrain and Technical Data

• Models: Frontier King Cab S and SV (4x2 and 4x4) Frontier Crew Cab S, SV (4x2 and 4x4), PRO-X (4x2), PRO-4X (4x4).
• Powertrain: 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve Direct Injection V6 rated at 310-horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. 9-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
• Suspension: Independent double wishbone front w/ stabilizer bar, solid axle leaf spring rear w/ available Bilstein ® high-performance gas shocks.
• Fuel Economy: Frontier 4x2 – 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, 20 mpg combined; Frontier 4x4 –17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined.

I think the 3.8 L V6 engine offers a largely satisfactory performance.

Nissan figures the towing capacity at 6,490 pounds or 2,944 kilos provided it is equipped with a towing package. The payload capacity, meanwhile, is displayed at 1,430 pounds or 648 kilos.

Several structural improvements have been made to the architecture of the Frontier, such as a stabilizer bar installed at the rear and the increase in diameter of the front one. Shock absorbers include urethane rebound bumpers and new cab mounts reduce vibration by 80%.

The Pro-4X version goes even further in terms of off-road skills. It includes beefier Bilstein brand shock absorbers, a self-locking rear differential, no less than three skid plates, off-road tires, tow hooks and a few cosmetic changes. Strangely, the approach angle of this version drops a bit, from 32.6 to 32.3 degrees.

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.

Driving the PRO-4X Frontier 2022

After reviewing the Canyon AT4 last week and I immediately felt the softness of the 2022 Nissan Frontier's suspension on the roads and the efforts of the manufacturer to have improved the soundproofing of the passenger compartment thanks to the additional insulation installed in the roof and the floor.

The engine, liked I said, does OK with the acceleration. The V6 feels sturdy and produces plenty of low-end torque.

This truck is equipped with hydraulically assisted steering, which gives it better sensitivity in an off-road context, but which weighs down the steering in urban driving. On the trails, the 2022 Frontier shows great stability, and the softness of its suspension is even more apparent.

I had a lot of fun driving the 2022 Nissan Frontier. It offers the same feeling of power found behind the wheel of large pickup trucks, but its more compact size makes it more agile and easier to maneuver in zone urban, an element that many will appreciate.

Reference: LA Press, Nissan Notor Co., RPM Web.