The 2022 Nissan Frontier was released to great fanfare. And to many, it seems like the Nissan Frontier that we’ve been waiting for. For nearly 20 years, Nissan’s mid-size truck went without any major changes. So now that this truck is finally in its third generation, it makes sense that it has been selling quite well.

Although the 2022 Frontier is still a new truck, there are already rumors circulating about the 2023 model. The path moving for this vehicle is a bit unclear, will Nissan wait another 20 years before making changes to this pickup, or can we expect regular changes moving forward?

What’s new for the 2023 Frontier?

Because the Frontier just received a major update in 2022, it is unlikely that much will change for the 2023 model. It can be expected that the truck will still use the 3.8-liter V6 engine as standard. This engine has the ability to generate 310 horsepower and 281 pound-foot of torque. And that is fairly impressive, especially considering that other mid-size trucks make you pay extra for the power of six cylinders. 

Unfortunately, the Frontier has ditched its manual transmission, which means that now only a nine-speed automatic transmission is offered. This may be a disappointment to some, but with sales of standard transmissions in decline, it makes sense that Nissan did not see the value in designing a new transmission for the new engine. 

Is the 2022 Nissan Frontier a new truck?

According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Frontier is essentially an all-new truck. But, it does still ride on a frame that dates back to the early 2000s. Because of this, even though the Frontier is newer than models like the Tacoma and Colorado, it still offers a relatively old-school driving experience. 

Another thing that dates the Frontier is its standard V6 engine. While other manufacturers have been exploring the viability of small, turbocharged engines, Nissan went with the tried-and-true method of giving a pickup a potent V6 and calling it a day. This new engine allows the 2022 Frontier to tow up to 6,720 lbs and haul up to 1,610 lbs and payload. Both of which are fairly impressive numbers. 

Does Nissan have an off-road truck?

In form of the Frontier PRO-X and Frontier PRO-4X, the Frontier can come equipped to handle off-road use. The 2022 Frontier PRO-X is a two-wheel-drive pickup, but it does feature things like Bilstein shocks. To get the full off-road experience, you will want to opt for the PRO-4X package.

For Nissan trucks, PRO-4X represents off-road prowess. With this trim level, the Frontier comes with an electronically locking rear differential as well as things like skid plates. Better yet, it is cheaper than the Tacoma TRD Pro. Because of this, Nissan makes off-roading slightly more affordable, but the pickup is still expensive when compared to other Frontier models. 

Whether you choose to go with the 2022 Frontier or wait it out until 2023, you are likely to be impressed by what you find.