Nissan has unveiled the all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier midsized truck, set to go on sale in the U.S. this summer.
The all-new Frontier design combines aggressive, modern style with elements inspired by the iconic Nissan Hardbody, a truck that burnished its rough and rugged reputation winning off-road races in the 1980s and 1990s, the automaker said.
Building on a proven chassis and frame, the engineering team refined and tuned the powertrain, steering and suspension with a focus on the demands of U.S. truck owners.
The 310-horsepower 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine, which was all-new for 2020 with 93% new or redesigned parts, comes standard. Torque is rated at 281 lb-ft.
Matched to the engine is a 9-speed automatic transmission, which has an expanded lockup area, a new high-response electro-hydraulic system, long input shaft and a 99% wider gear range (versus the previous Frontier 5-speed design).
Nissan also retuned Frontier’s hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear for 2022. Steering gear ratio has been increased by 16%.
The Frontier’s front and rear suspensions offer improved handling both on- and off-road. New hydraulic cab mounts reduce road vibration by 80%, while new urethane jounce bumpers provide improved damping for a smoother ride. In addition to a larger front stabilizer bar, a rear stabilizer bar reduces body roll and increases traction. Standard 4-wheel ABS disc brakes provide stopping power.
Frontier 4WD models feature a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case. Frontier 4WD models are available with a 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces. Hill Start Assist is standard on all models, and Hill Descent Control is standard on all 4WD models.
The PRO-4X model adds an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and underbody skid plates.
Bed utility continues to be a strength for the Frontier, Nissan said, with an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and Utili-track Channel System. The Utili-Track™ system provides cargo hauling flexibility through use of three special “C” cross-section rails mounted in the bed. In addition, four fixed bed tie-down hooks help secure objects in the bed.
A dampened tailgate assist, new for 2022, is standard on all models. Inside the bed, two standard stop lamp lights are mounted on the back of the cab and two new LED cargo bed lights are available.
The Frontier’s towing capacity is rated at up to 6,720 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped). New for 2022 is standard Trailer Sway Control, which detects sway and automatically applies the brakes to eliminate it for a more confident towing experience.
Designers gave the all-new interior of the 2022 Frontier a feeling of protection and versatility with modern functionality, Nissan said.
A 9-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all models. A standard, 7.0-inch Advanced Driver Assist Display offers configurable information directly in front of the driver.
New trim, finishers and meter accents are inspired by adventure gear.
Addressing common customer needs, the Frontier provides 4.0 liters of center console storage, as well as 5.7 liters of rear-door-pocket storage and 6.5 liters of front-door-pocket storage. Storage is also provided at the top of the instrument panel.
Added insulation, improved rear carpet structure and new front-door acoustic laminated glass all reduce interior road noise. Standard Zero Gravity seats provide initial softness with lateral support to help reduce long-range driving fatigue.
The pickup truck is also equipped with a long list of advanced technology and safety features.
Wireless smartphone charging and NissanConnect with WiFi Hotspot is available on PRO-4X/PRO-X models. Standard on all models are two front USB ports (one Type-A, one Type-C), two front 12V outlets and Siri Eyes Free. Two 110V outlets with 400-watt capability – one in the rear, one in the bed – are available on SV and PRO-X/PRO-4X models, allowing users to easily power a wide variety of indoor and outdoor accessories. Fender Premium Audio with nine speakers is available on SV and PRO-X/PRO-4X grades.
The 2022 Frontier is the first application of Nissan Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road Mode. Around View Monitor creates a birds’ eye view by stitching together views from four cameras mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
The new Off-Road Mode available on the Frontier PRO-4X functions while the vehicle is moving forward at slow speeds and the 4WD system is in 4LO, ideal for negotiating tight trails without having an external spotter to avoid potential body scrapes or dents.
Available safety technology starts with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert are standard. Additional available features include Intelligent Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Driver Alertness. Rear Door Alert is standard on all models. The all-new Frontier features eight standard airbags.
A range of models and features
The 2022 Frontier King Cab is offered in 2WD and 4WD S and SV grades. The 2022 Frontier Crew Cab is available in 2WD and 4WD S, SV SWB (standard bed) and SV LWB (long bed), along with the Crew Cab PRO-4X (4WD only) and new-for-2022 PRO-X (2WD only). The PRO-X grade provides the same rugged design touches as PRO-4X but does not include certain 4WD-related content (electronic locking differential, underbody skid plates). Seven option packages will be available.
A 5-foot bed is standard on all Crew Cab models, with a 6-foot bed optional on Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase models. A 6-foot bed is also standard on all King Cab models.
Available exterior colors include Glacier White, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Red Alert, Cardinal Red Metallic TriCoat, Deep Blue Pearl, Baja Storm, Tactical Green Metallic and Boulder Grey Pearl. Interior color options include Charcoal, Sandstone and the PRO-4X/PRO-X’s Charcoal with Lava Red.
More than 85 Nissan and NISMO accessories are approved for the 2022 Frontier, including sports bar, off-road step rails with removable steps, NISMO suspension kit, off-road auxiliary lighting, ladder racks and tents. More accessories are in development, and additional details will be available closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.
