America's automotive landscape changed for the better in 1959 when Nissan introduced the Datsun 220, the first compact pickup truck available in the United States. The Datsun 220 set a precedent for Nissan's future models, paving the way for the first half-ton compact pickup truck in 1969, followed by the first long bed compact pickup in 1975. These models ultimately led to the first-generation Nissan Frontier, introduced in 1998.
Today, the 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-X builds on its remarkable heritage as a utilitarian workhorse replete with cutting-edge technology and a long list of comforts and conveniences. The 2022 model year is especially impressive because it marks the first major redesign of the Frontier since 2005. This prolonged period between generations reflects the truck's enduring versatility and functionality amid the ebb and flow of the fiercely competitive truck segment.
The 2022 model introduces drivers to the third-generation Frontier, putting a modern twist on the brand's best-selling truck. While the PRO-4X adds four-wheel drive capability, not everyone needs four-wheel drive, and the PRO-X comes as a rear-wheel-drive model. This RWD configuration gives the PRO-X a significant advantage, reducing its overall weight, improving handling, and increasing the truck's maximum towing capacity.
But what other advantages does the 2022 Frontier PRO-X offer? That's the million-dollar question that the Newton Nissan South team is excited to answer. So here's a closer look at the Frontier PRO-X and why it's an exceptional road warrior that's easy to maneuver, plenty capable, and engaging to drive.
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The 2022 Frontier introduces an all-new design inspired by Nissan's award-winning Hardbody truck of the 1980s and 1990s. The Hardbody won numerous off-road races and built a stellar reputation for its rugged capability. So it seems fitting that the Hardbody was Nissan's muse for its "right-sized" pickup truck.
Envisioning the Frontier as a modern version of the Hardbody, Nissan set the Frontier up for immediate success by giving it a wider, elevated stance. Its imposing silhouette is enhanced by its chiseled hood and expansive front grille with Lava Red accents that distinguish the PRO-X from other trims. These features are framed by all-new interlocking precision LED headlights that give the truck a machined aesthetic. From the LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and fog lights, Nissan draws the eye upward by completing the look with massive vertical fenders.
The Frontier PRO-X continues its machined, athletic design at its rear, where the taillights seem to clamp to the sides of the body. In addition, the rear fenders are muscular, seamlessly connecting to the bumper and giving the truck an uncompromising and aggressive stance. These details are further enhanced by new body colors like Tactical Green, Boulder Gray, Baja Storm, and Cardinal Red. These new hues expand the Frontier's already impressive exterior color palette of Super Black, Gun Metallic, Glacier White, Red Alert, and Deep Blue Pearl.
Beyond its impressive palette and machined aesthetic, the Frontier PRO-X boasts a remarkable bed design that allows the truck to work with you to make hauling cargo easier. For example, Nissan increased the height of the bed by 1.4 inches to expand the Frontier's bed volume to 40.1 cu.ft. This additional volume is enhanced by Nissan's exclusive Utili-Track system that integrates three cross-section rails into the bed and has four tie-down hooks to add versatility and functionality when hauling cargo and gear of any shape or size.
Long touted as the "right-sized truck," the Frontier continues to impress in 2022 by delivering the power and capability needed to get any job done. However, the Frontier's powertrain isn't new for 2022, as Nissan gave drivers a taste of the truck's next-level capability in 2020. What do we mean?
Nissan introduced the all-new 3.8L direct-injection V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission in 2020. Entirely updated using 93% new and redesigned parts, the V6 engine was mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a wider gear ratio for improved performance. The result was phenomenal in 2020 and is even more so in the 2022 Frontier PRO-X.
The 3.8L V6 engine churns out a best-in-class 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque for exceptional power at any speed. Even more impressive is that this power isn't mutually exclusive with efficiency, with the PRO-X rated for 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. In addition, the RWD PRO-X also uses its drivetrain to its advantage, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 6,470 lbs.
Behind the scenes, the Frontier PRO-X features an array of components designed to improve the truck's handling and performance. For example, the hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear delivers a more engaging experience that actively reduces driver fatigue because of its responsiveness. Additionally, the front and rear suspension are fine tuned to improve ride quality on any terrain, actively reducing vibration and enhancing control with a larger stabilizer bar in the front.
Nissan also improves the Frontier PRO-X's performance when trailering with new standard features like Trailer Sway Control. While the Frontier ensures every ride is comfortable, Trailer Sway Control gives you greater confidence when towing a heavy load. When it detects the trailer swaying, it applies the brakes to ensure you stay safe and in control.
One of the most significant improvements to the Frontier for 2022 is the introduction of new, cutting-edge technology. This technology stretches from connectivity features to safety and driver-assist tools, keeping you informed, connected, and focused when you're behind the wheel. So, what can you expect from the Frontier PRO-X's tech-savvy interior?
The 2022 Frontier PRO-X comes standard with a largest-in-class 9-inch color touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. NissanConnect adds a WiFi hotspot, SiriusXM, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. However, Nissan doesn't stop there and outfits the Frontier PRO-X with an available 10-speaker Fender Premium Audio system that delivers a concert-like listening experience whether you're in the driver's seat or riding in the second row.
The center display is also home to Nissan's available Intelligent Around View Monitor, which gives you a comprehensive view around the truck. Moving from this display to the cockpit, the Frontier PRO-X also features the largest driver display in the segment: a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display. The high-quality screen puts vital information like speed, mileage, navigational cues, and safety alerts within easy view of the driver.
The Frontier PRO-X also relies on an abundance of safety and driver-assist features to optimize your focus and minimize the potential for collision. For example, the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite is standard across the lineup. It outfits the truck with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, which constantly watches in front of the Frontier PRO-X for vehicles and pedestrians and can bring the truck to a controlled stop to prevent a collision. Available safety features include Blind Spot Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and class-exclusive Rear Automatic Braking.
The Frontier PRO-X also comes with Nissan's exclusive Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert. This innovative addition makes filling up the tires easy by honking the horn when the tire is at the correct pressure. In addition to this convenience, you can also outfit the truck with Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Intelligent Cruise Control is one of the most helpful features since it builds on traditional cruise control by adding cameras and radar to monitor the traffic ahead and adjust the Frontier's cruising speed as needed.