When it comes to reliability, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is a good choice to buy. While sales weren’t doing so well during the Pandemic, Nissan decided to amp things up a bit to draw more interest in its compact pickup, which it did for the 2022 model year. According to MotorTrend, the new changes are mostly interior and exterior updates, but it’s enough to breathe some new life into the Frontier. 

Nissan Frontier’s updates for the 2022 model

The Nissan Frontier hasn’t seen many updates in the last 15 years or so. There were a few styling adjustments along the way, but not many changes took place. Finally, it’s about to get a much-needed refreshment for its 2022 model year. However, don’t expect the powertrain to be included in the updates as it will remain the same with the 3.8-liter V6 engine introduced for the 2020 model. On its redesigned frame, this grants the Frontier a max payload capacity of 1,610 lbs and a max towing capacity of 6,720 lbs.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier’s exterior gets a new boxier look with square fenders and a more muscular-looking front end. The interior is also seeing much-needed improvements to what was previously an outdated design. The squared details you see on the outside are brought to some of the interior pieces as well. 

Standard features of the redesigned Frontier include a 7-inch gauge cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen display with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. As for options, you can choose a 9-inch infotainment screen, a wireless phone charging device, automatic braking systems for both the front and rear and adaptive cruise control, to name just a few. 

What will Mexico’s Nissan Frontier Pro-4X offer?

The Nissan Frontier is sold globally but usually under the Navarro name instead of the Frontier. However, Mexico’s Pro-4X model is currently marketed under the Frontier name instead, according to MotorTrend. 

The Mexican-built model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, or you can also choose a diesel-powered motor instead. According to Nissan Mexico‘s website, the gas engine produces 166 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel generates 188 hp and 332 lb-ft. 

With the diesel motor, you can tow around 7,700 lbs  (3,500 kg) or 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with the gasoline option. This version comes with four cameras to view all sides of the truck so that you can park or maneuver through tight spaces. Drivers also get blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning features. 

For convenience, the Mexico Pro-4X model offers rain-sensing windshield wipers, smart key technology, folding outside mirrors, and plenty of small compartments to hold your personal items, like sunglasses and maps. Additionally, you can opt for a power-adjustable leather driver and passenger seats. 

What was the influence of the redesign?

If you look at both the U.S. model and the Mexican-built version, you’ll notice similarities. Both have the same boxy design on the body and the front end. When looking at the Pro-4X trim from the US line, you’ll also see the same orange accents on the off-road model of the Mexican-built version. 

On the inside, both models have the same 7-inch driver information screen. When it comes to connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on both models. The same goes for the navigational system and the Nissan Connect program. 

What’s interesting, though, is that MotorTrend thinks the Pro-4X model in Mexico might disappear since Frontier offers a Pro-4X package for the global models of the truck, which will give your pickup most of the same details you find in the Mexican-built version. 

Regardless, the Nissan Frontier is finally bringing some freshness to the model’s outlook, despite other parts refusing to change. However, that’s OK for many fans of this pickup, who have been looking forward to a new design for the Frontier.