The 2022 Nissan Frontier Isn’t the Change You’ve Been Waiting for
The 2022 Nissan Frontier is sticking to the script, for better or worse. Nissan hasn’t made many major improvements to the Frontier in years. If you were expecting an exciting new refresh or update for the 2022 model year, you’re out of luck.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier is more of the same
The Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck that rivals popular trucks like the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. The mid-size truck vehicle class hasn’t seen any dynamic changes in recent years, although the Toyota Tacoma has increased in popularity. Consumers are gravitating toward off-road truck models like the Tacoma more than ever, and automakers have taken notice.
As a result of this new industry development, plenty of automakers are introducing off-roading trims for popular truck and SUV models. The 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is a capable off-roader, but the base model Frontier doesn’t have any big updates to show for 2022.
Car and Driver claims that the 2022 Nissan Frontier isn’t any quicker than the 2021 model after a road test. Its steering is also stiff and it is hard to handle off-road. Ultimately, the 2022 Nissan Frontier isn’t the 2022 Toyota Tundra-esque refresh that many Frontier fans have been waiting on. In an age of rapidly evolving nameplates, the Frontier is painfully stagnant. Some of the few changes for 2022 include a deeper, higher truck bed, and an in-bed 120-volt power outlet.
Should you buy a 2022 Nissan Frontier?
The Honda Ridgeline rules the mid-size truck vehicle class. The Ridgeline is a superior daily driver to most competitors. It offers a comfortable ride, decent fuel economy, and enough power to keep drivers happy. The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a more affordable option but that affordability comes with pitfalls.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier starts at $27,840. It uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 310 horsepower. The Frontier gets just 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Nissan Frontier isn’t the quickest truck in its class despite its many horses. It isn’t the most powerful or most affordable either. The truth is, the Frontier is average and due to a lack of any major updates, it has been average for years. The mid-size truck suffers from the same issues that the full-size 2021 Toyota Tundra suffered from. It offers consumers more of the same despite being years into its current generation. For that reason, the Nissan Frontier is a pass for most consumers who will favor the Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma.
How does the 2022 Nissan Frontier compare to other mid-size trucks?
The 2022 Nissan Frontier is slightly more expensive than the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. It is much more affordable than the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline.
The Nissan Frontier’s fuel economy is average for its vehicle class (which is sad). The Jeep Gladiator has better fuel efficiency at 25 miles per gallon combined. The Toyota Tacoma is less powerful but is undoubtedly the favorite for off-road adventuring.
Another challenge the new Frontier faces is competing with the developing subcompact pickup truck market. Models like the Ford Maverick may be more appealing to drivers who live in crowded cities. The Frontier faces stiff competition. Is the new model enough to survive the current market?
