While critics may have overlooked the 2022 Nissan Frontier, truck buyers certainly have not. For the first quarter of 2022, it turns out that the new Frontier is a best seller. Because of this, the Nissan Frontier proves that when it comes to mid-size trucks, sometimes old-school can be good. There could be a few reasons why Nissan’s mid-size option is now second only to the Toyota Tacoma, but we feel this one feature takes the cake. And that is the Frontier’s standard V6 engine.

The Nissan Frontier has a standard V6 engine

Where other manufacturers have ditched the traditional V6 engine or only offer them as an option, the new Nissan Frontier comes standard with a V6 engine. This powertrain was recently developed and it makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-foot of torque. Because of this, the new Frontier has serious utility as a mid-size truck.

In the past, Nissan’s mid-size truck had a standard four-cylinder engine. But now, that has changed and it could be what is leading to the successful sales number of the 2022 Frontier. Especially when compared to other new trucks that are on the market. 

The 3.8-liter V6 engine comes paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Which can be a slight disappointment. Prior generations of the Frontier offered an available six-speed manual transmission for hand-made shifts, but that is no longer the case. 

Is the 2022 Frontier a good truck?

If sales are any indication, the Nissan Frontier is a good truck. It has been gaining traction among buyers, according to MotorTrend, by nearly doubling its Q1 sales for 2022 when compared to the last quarter. This mid-size truck has a starting price of under $30,000, which helps with affordability. And it remains relatively old-school, which is something that Nissan has found success with. 

While other trucks have become more and more complicated, the 2022 Frontier focuses on offering what buyers need and nothing that they don’t. This may be a downside for some, but others seem to appreciate having a simple truck that is easy to use.

Which Nissan Frontier is best?

The Nissan Frontier is available in multiple trim levels, and we feel the SV trim represents the best value. When equipped with the crew cab and four-wheel drive, the Nissan Frontier SV has an MSRP of $35,440. And while that is not as cheap as the base model, it does offer more practicality and can handle winter conditions.

In terms of convenience, the SV package comes with a power driver’s seat as well as dual power outside mirrors. Better yet, to open up your truck’s cabin, there is a manual sliding rear window. And that will help with things like airflow when you have the windows down.

The Frontier pickup truck is finally winning

Despite dealing with an aging platform for many years, the Nissan Frontier is finally in a new generation. And it appears that the wait has paid off for the brand. Now, it is unclear whether or not the Frontier will keep winning. Mid-size trucks are facing new competition from the compact truck market and many buyers prefer full-size trucks as well. 

Needless to say, we will be keeping an eye out on how the 2022 Nissan Frontier continues to perform as the year progresses. It’s hard not to love a truck that embraces simplicity and offers a standard V6 engine.