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The Nissan Frontier has never been the most popular mid-size truck. For nearly 20 years, it went without any major updates, which made it feel extremely dated. But for 2022, that has all changed. Nissan has brought its truck into its third generation, and this is no longer the old-school pickup that you once knew. The interior feels more upscale, the suspension has been revised, and, there is no longer a four-cylinder engine. That’s right, the Nissan Frontier now has one lone engine offered to it. 

What engine does the 2022 Nissan Frontier have?

In the past, the Frontier was a pickup truck that offered two engines, now it just comes with a 3.8-liter V6. But that is not necessarily a bad thing, because it means that now this pickup offers a V6 engine as standard fare. You do not have to pay extra in order to get the benefits of six cylinders. 

A 2022 Nissan Frontier mid-size trucks tears up the desert.
Nissan Frontier | Nissan

The V6 engine of the 2022 Frontier makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-foot of torque. In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma’s V6 engine makes just 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and you have the pay extra for it. That said, the new Tacoma does still offer a six-speed manual transmission, which the new Frontier no longer does. 

Can the 2022 Nissan Frontier tow?

When properly equipped, the new Frontier can tow up to 6,720 lbs. While that may not be as much as some other pickups in the segment, it should be decent enough for most uses. In terms of hauling, Nissan offers a spray-in bed liner for this truck, which will help you to protect your bed. This mid-size truck can also haul up to 1,610 lbs in payload. 

The truck bed also boasts multiple tie-down points, which will increase the overall practicality of this vehicle. Better yet, multiple cab and bed configurations mean that buyers can get the proper amount of truck for their specific needs. 

Is the 2022 Frontier expensive?

Generally speaking, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is an affordable truck. It has a starting cost of $28,690. And that will allow you to purchase a mid-size pickup for under 30 grand. But, that is not the case for every Frontier model. The top-trim PRO-4X starts at $38,120, and that is before options are added. 

Nissan's mid-size truck, the 2022 Frontier drives off-road.
Nissan Frontier | Nissan

The PRO-4X does offer a legitimate amount of off-road features, including a locking differential. In comparison, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has an MSRP of $46,585, which is nearly $10,000 more expensive than its Nissan equivalent. 

This mid-size truck has a standard V6

If you are shopping for a smaller truck, the 2022 Frontier may make for an ideal option. According to The Drive, it is now second only to the 2022 Toyota Tacoma in terms of sales. And that shows just how far this pickup has come. 

A 2022 Nissan Frontier sits on a rocky hill as a mid-size truck.
Nissan Frontier | Nissan

With a standard V6 engine, you can get power without having to pay extra. And that is something that is likely to be appreciated.

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The 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Is Still an Off-Road Pickup