With a next-generation vehicle, you might expect some drastic changes on the spec sheet. However, with the 2022 Nissan Frontier, you would be wrong. The powertrain was introduced in 2020, and when you have something that’s worked for you for 14 years, I understand the reluctance to make big changes.
We did notice one interesting thing: While the design is drastically different and most of the dimensions for the next-gen Frontier are remarkably similar, the 2022 Nissan Frontier increases in length. It adds about 5 inches to both long and short wheelbases, which puts it more in line with some of its other competitors in the midsize truck segment. Because the bed length doesn’t change, we’re assuming those extra inches go into interior roominess. We don’t have access to those specs yet.
Another big change you’ll see is to max payload and towing numbers. Towing capacity increases by 100 pounds, and payload gets a nice increase by more than 200 pounds. Because of this, Nissan has also added standard trailer sway control – which the 2021 didn’t have even as an option.
Another big notable is the availability of 18-inch wheels. We had remarked in a previous spy-shot article, that the wheel wells looked big enough to accommodate larger wheels, and voila! Previously, the available wheels were 17-inchers.
Otherwise, as you dig into the specs, you’re going to see a lot of same, same.
The bottom line on the 2022 Nissan Frontier specs
While there aren’t drastic changes, I don’t see that as a bad thing. If you look at our launch article, you’ll see there are a lot of tech advances that propel the Frontier into the roaring ’20s.
With more payload capability and the addition of trailer sway control, Nissan adds benefit for those who want to use this truck for work. And with the addition of better connectivity and cool tech, Frontier is just as well positioned for play.
Frankly, we can’t wait to see the new Frontier in person, because we think Nissan got this one really, really right.
| 2022 Nissan Frontier | 2021 Nissan Frontier | |
|---|---|---|
| Body configurations | King Cab, Crew Cab | King Cab, Crew Cab |
| Drive configuration | Rear-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive |
| Platform | Heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame | Heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame |
| Powertrain | 3.8-liter direct injection V6 | 3.8-liter direct injection V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb/ft | 281 lb/ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Transfer case | High / Low | High / Low |
| Towing capacity | 6,720 pounds – 2WD S, SV | 6,620 pounds 2WD S, 6,640 2WD SV |
| Tow hitch with harness | Optional on SV and PRO-X/PRO-4X grades | Optional on SV and PRO-X/PRO-4X grades |
| Trailer Sway Control | Standard on all grades | n/a |
| Payload | 1,610 pounds – 2WD SV | 1,460 – 2WD S, 1,340 – 4WD S, 1,430 – 2WD SV, 1,360 – 4WD SV |
| Brakes | 4-wheel vented discs, ABS | front: 11.7 x 1.1, 2-piston vented disc; 11.3 x 0.7, single piston vented disc |
| Steering | Engine speed-sensitive power rack and pinion | Engine speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion |
| Suspension – front | Independent double-wishbone with twin-tube shock absorbers (Bilstein on PRO-X, PRO-4X); stabilizer bar | Independent double-wishbone with twin-tube shock absorbers (Bilstein on PRO-X, PRO-4X); stabilizer bar |
| Suspension – rear | Overslung multi-leaf with solid axle (Dana axle – PRO-X, PRO-4X); stabilizer bar | Overslung multi-leaf with solid axle (Dana axle – PRO-X, PRO-4X); stabilizer bar |
| Wheel size | 16-inch steel or 17-inch aluminum-alloy | 16-inch steel std., alloy available; 18-inch alloy available |
| Tire size | 265/70R16, 265/65R17 or 265/70R17 | 265/70R16, 265/75R16 or 265/60R18 |
| Wheelbase | Standard Wheelbase: 126.0 in. | Standard Wheelbase: 125.9 in. |
| Long Wheelbase: 139.8 in. | Long Wheelbase: 139.9 in. | |
| Overall length | Standard Wheelbase: 210.2 in. | Standard Wheelbase: 205.5 in. |
| Long Wheelbase: 224.1 in. | Long Wheelbase: 219.4 in. (Crew Cab) | |
| Overall width | 73.0 in. | 72.8 in. |
| Overall height | 2WD King Cab S: 71.7 in.; 2WD Crew Cab S: 72.0 in. | King Cab S 70.1 in.; King Cab S 69.7 in.; Crew Cab 70.1 in. |
| 4WD King Cab S: 72.1 in.; 4WD Crew Cab S: 72.4 in. | King Cab S 70.1 in.; King Cab S 69.7 in.; Crew Cab 73.9 in. | |
| Bed dimensions | Length: 59.5 in. – SWB Crew Cab S/SV; 58.9 in. – PRO | Length: 59.5 in – SWB Crew Cab |
| 73.3 in. – LWB Crew Cab (Opt. SV) and standard King Cab | 73.3 – LWB Crew Cab, King Cab | |
| Width: 61.4 in. (at C-Channel) | Width: 61.4 in. (at C-Channel) | |
| Depth: 19.4 in | Depth: 18.0 in. | |
| Spray-in bedliner | Optional on SV, PRO-4X | Optional on SV, Standard on Pro-4X |
| Utili-Track™ system | Optional on SV, PRO-4X | Optional on SV, Standard on Pro-4X |
Related posts:
Nismo launches off-road parts, showcases Rebelle Rally Nissan Frontier
3 comments
Zorba
Too expensive, no standard cab, no manual transmission, looks exactly like a Ford, and worst of all: WAAAAY too much “technology”.
Jon
Too expensive? They haven’t even released prices yet. And who wants a standard cab anymore? Manual transmissions are out the window and technology is the future dumbass.
JB
I almost bought a Tacoma TRD PRO 2021. The Toyota dealer markup fee are just crazy $10,000. The Toyota dealer wanted $53,000 for Tacoma TRD PRO. I have decided to just wait for the Nissan Frontier 2022.