Nissan finally updates the Frontier for 2022 but is it a letdown?

[Sticky]

The Nissan Frontier last received a major update in the USA in 2004. That same basic truck is still for sale through the 2021 model year but will be replaced with a 'new' Frontier for the 2022 model year which is what you see here.

It looks fresh, right? The exterior and interior are clearly new and look pretty good. Under the skin? Well, it's the same frame.

The VRQ38DD 3.8 liter direct injected naturally aspirated V6 carries over. It makes 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque sent to a 9-speed automatic. Why didn't Nissan plug in the VR30DDTT and blow everyone away? Ford remains the only automaker in the segment with a turbo truck and that four-cylinder Ecoboost makes more torque.

It also offers better mileage and better towing capacity. Nissan at 6720 pounds is one of the weakest in the class. Really, this is just more of the same from Nissan with a fresh face.

So, the same wheelbase, same frame, same motor, same transmission, same tow capacity, and, well, it sure feels like the same truck.

The truck segment feels more energized than ever before with turbo motors, huge outputs, high end suspension systems, etc., and Nissan really is not feeding any of that new energy in.

Safe and cheap. That is how they are playing it.

[richpike]

I’d love to see more turbo’d midsize trucks as well. But it does look good. If they keep the value and off-road capability (which Nissan has typically done well at, especially value), it will likely sell well.

Definitely looking forward to the next-gen Ranger though!

-Rich

[Sticky]

Definitely looking forward to the next-gen Ranger though!

It's expected to have the 2.7 liter Ecoboost. If so, forget the Frontier even exists.