My mom, or someone in my family will tell you that I am somewhat resistant to embracing change. It’s hard. The latest Nissan Frontier is designed for people like me.
With a TCC rating of 5.6 out of 10, the 2022 Nissan Frontier surpasses every straight medium-sized pickup truck competitor on paper for a new design and great dimensions, easy-to-use switches and a powerful V-6 engine. But it lacks rear seats and packaging, a useless optional side step rail, and some features at an expensive-tested price of $ 46,965.
Here’s what I learned about the 2022 Nissan Frontier after spending a week with my family in the cloudy weather of Minnesota.
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Hit: New enough, but still the right size
Trucks continue to grow, but the Frontier was not for this latest generation, which took 17 years to arrive. The latest Frontier is not entirely new, most of what you see, and parts you don’t see have been upgraded or improved. This is the same routine Nissan pulled with the latest Pathfinder and it worked great. With four full doors in its crew cab and a useful enough 59.5-inch standard length bed, the Frontier Pro-4X actually fits into my garage that was built in 1997. This is an achievement that some pickups can achieve because they have become so huge.
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Miss: But the packaging is compromised
The fact that the Frontier isn’t actually new presents some packaging inadequacy inside the cab because the wheelbase hasn’t changed (although the overall length is more than 5 inches). The rear seat is still rated at 33 inches legroom which gives it a tighter, knee-up a short bottom cushion and the back seat straightens. It’s an uncomfortable place for adults, and even my 6- and 8-year-olds have complained about the back seat. However, thanks to the generous header liner of the headroom being scalloped. In 2022 the steering column tilted but the telescope did not. With limited adjustment of the steering wheel I was able to be comfortable, but rarely. Your mileage may vary.
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Hit: Thank you for the knobs and switches
In the age of touch panels and glossy black plastic, Frontier sticks to the basics and keeps things simple. Climate control is operated by large buttons and knobs that can be adjusted while wearing gloves. A button located in the front and center of the dashboard makes it easy to engage the surround-view camera system. The seat heater switches are rockers that provide a satisfying click while engaged. Rockers may be borderline throwbacks and out of a parts bin from 20 years ago, but they work and seat heaters will roast you down and back in less time than it takes to drive a mile.
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Miss: That thing is missing
The 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system seems to be used for better and worse on other new Nissans, but it is not. It doesn’t have wireless Apple CarPlay on the frontier. Nissan spokesman Dan Pass said Car connection The lack of wireless carplay comes down to the development schedule and the feature could come in future model years. Particularly annoying in Minnesota is the lack of defroster in the cab’s rear window, a feature that most Ford Rangers have and which is a unique option for those who do not have it. The cab lights are confusing. There is no way to turn on all the interior lights of the cab at once without opening the door When all the lights in front of the cab are turned on manually, the rear lights do not come on either.
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Hit: Powerful V-6 engine
In the age of turbocharging in the name of power and efficiency, conservatives will appreciate the Frontier’s only engine option: a naturally-aspiring 3.8-liter V-6 with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. It never requires power and combines with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The whole setup, with fewer drones than the V-6 powertrain in the Toyota Tacoma, is much more modern, and seems more suitable for trucks.
2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab
Miss: Don’t choose step rail
My truck was equipped with optional $ 750 step rails. They get in the way. The truck is not high enough to use the step rail, but then there is an awkward moment where you have to get on the truck or use them and go very high. They instantly collect snow and dirt.
For those who want a truck that looks like a truck, with a modern naturally-aspiring V-6 engine on a proven platform with state-of-the-art technology, the 2022 Nissan Frontier hits the sweet spot.
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2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab 4×4
Cost: $ 29,015, with $ 1,175 destination
Price as tested: 46,965
Powertrain: 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6, 9-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 17/22/19 mpg
Hits: Looks like a truck, easy to use control, good size, powerful V-6 engine
Misses: Missing features, uncomfortable rear seats