Driving Impressions: 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x Crew Cab

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

I have to admit I was fooled. A year ago, I had reviewed the Nissan Titan Pro-4X and thought the pickup now in my driveway was a repeat. Without a reference for scale the newly restyled Frontier, especially in off road trim, looks dramatically different than its 2021 mid-size predecessor and strongly resembles its slightly bigger brother.

The restyled front is conceptually identical to the Titan, no longer screaming old Nissan but rather bold, modern truck. The swage line, previously a stamped depression and distraction, blends gradually into the doors and seems integral to the Frontier's styling. The previously nondescript fenders whose only accents were exaggerated wheel surrounds are now big truck broad and again mimic the Titan's styling. All of this gives the Frontier scale and overlaid with Tactical Metal Green paint and satin black accents -style.

There's a lot to like here. Though there is much hard composite throughout the interior, it's multi-textured and attractive. The seats (Nissan descriptor- Zero Gravity) were comfortable and supportive, the touch screen easily accessible and appropriately large at 9 inches, and front footwells were spacious despite being surrounded with more than ample storage in the doors and console. An approximately ten-inch-wide recess on top of the dashboard was a new and convenient spot for securely holding one's possessions while on the move.

With the front buckets positioned for me (5'10'), I found the rear seating adequate though a relatively upright position combined with much taller front seat occupants might hinder one's comfort on long hauls.

Numerous conveniences thrust the Frontier into the modern era. Extra dampers allow nearly effortless tailgate closure. A step up to the bed is easily activated and replaced. Sunroof, wireless phone charging, extremely sharp surround view monitors and heated steering wheel, seats and outside mirrors are parts of various option packages. As are lighting, liner and power outlets in the pickup bed.

Once underway, negatives were rare: a bit of extra steering effort was required at low speeds on asphalt, and I was often frustrated by my inability to voice command the navigation system. At speed and on rougher surfaces the steering was accurate and consistent. Despite the presence of tires suitable for off road use, I found the interior incredibly quiet. (Nissan increased insulation and carpet thickness and added acoustic laminated front door glass this year.)

Though the basic chassis remains the same, much was done to improve handling (a thicker front complements the rear sway bar) and improve ride (new hydraulic cab mounts). Jumps (a closely spaced series of speed bumps) were handled with aplomb. Despite its tall stance, the Frontier experienced minimal body roll at speed on the curves.

I journeyed to the Kings Mountain National Military Park. It was here that Virginians, Tennesseans, and Carolinians defeated and captured a third of Cornwallis's army and turned the tide of the War of Independence in the South (an arguable point – but one attributed to Thomas Jefferson). The gravel/ dirt roads surrounding the area elicited no cowl shake. With the pickup's light rear and my pedal effort, I could swing the rear out and easily recover. Switching between drives was effortless. Four-wheel drive 'Low' activated the camera! Prudence prevented my taking the unblemished Frontier deeper into the woods leaving optimal testing of off-road manners to others.

This is a capable mid-size truck with a near large size appearance and feel. Towing capacity exceeds 6500 pounds, and 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds were consistently achieved. Pricing compared with other similarly sized and equipped trucks is favorable. Nissan should score a win here.

Driving Impressions: 2021 Titan Crew Cab Pro4X 4X4 | Conceptcarz.com

incl Heated seats, steering wheel outside mirrors, hitch surround view Technology Pkg safety features include lane departure and blind spot 3.8-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 24-valve V6 engine 9 speed automatic

Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD

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