2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier marked a significant step in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, showcasing a bold redesign that drew inspiration from the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups of the 1980s and 1990s. With its rugged, blocky styling, the 2022 model was a fresh take on the midsize pickup truck, offering a slightly longer body than its predecessor, particularly in the nose. The Frontier was available in a variety of exterior colours, including Tactical Green and Boulder Gray Pearl, and featured two interior shades. The PRO-4X trim level, in particular, stood out with its exclusive Baja Storm paint and charcoal leather seating. The 2022 Frontier was designed to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, offering configurations such as the King Cab and Crew Cab, with bed lengths of 5 or 6 feet. Inside, the Frontier boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity seats and improved insulation for a quieter ride, along with a new centre console for enhanced storage.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier continued to build on the success of its predecessor, maintaining the well-received exterior redesign and interior updates from 2022. The introduction of the Midnight Edition added a sleek, blacked-out aesthetic to the SV trim, while the Pro-4X trim received unique 17-inch alloy wheels and Lava Red interior accents. The 2023 model offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on most trims, along with a six-way power adjustable driver's seat. The nine exterior colour options remained, including the popular Baja Storm tan and Tactical Green. The 2023 Frontier's interior continued to impress with its Zero Gravity seats and ample storage solutions, making it a comfortable and practical choice for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This robust powertrain provided strong acceleration and ample passing power on the highway. The Frontier's nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a standard four-wheel drive system in Canada, offered smooth gear transitions and a tow mode for improved performance under load. The truck's towing capacity reached 2,944 kilograms (6,490 pounds), with a maximum payload of 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds). Despite not leading the class in these metrics, the Frontier remained competitive. Fuel efficiency was rated at 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.6 on the highway. The PRO-4X trim was equipped with off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers, enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier retained the same 3.8-litre V6 engine, continuing to offer 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission, shared with the Nissan Z, provided a balanced driving experience, though it required multiple downshifts for highway acceleration. The shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system allowed for seamless transitions between RWD and 4WD, with hill-start assist and hill-descent control as standard features. The Pro-4X trim focused on balancing off-road prowess with on-road comfort, featuring a refined suspension system and noise reduction measures. The 2023 Frontier's towing capacity increased slightly to 2,952 kilograms (6,510 pounds), with a consistent payload capacity of 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds). Fuel economy improved marginally, with ratings of 12.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.2 on the highway.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier offered a comfortable and spacious interior, particularly in the front seats, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity technology. The Crew Cab configuration provided adequate headroom and legroom for backseat passengers, though the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab. The truck's design and comfort features set it apart from competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier continued to offer two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab and the smaller King Cab. The Crew Cab provided more interior space and was available with a 5-foot or 6-foot bed, while the King Cab came standard with a 6-foot bed. The 2023 model introduced LED under-rail bed lighting and increased cargo bed volume, with the 5-foot bed offering 1,135 litres and the 6-foot bed 1,314 litres. The hydraulically assisted tailgate allowed for easy operation, and the Pro-4X trim featured additional skid plates for off-road protection. Inside, the Zero Gravity seats and ample storage options made the Frontier a practical choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless projection was not supported. The PRO-4X trim included wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, with an optional 10-speaker Fender audio system available.

In 2023, the Nissan Frontier introduced wireless Apple CarPlay on the Pro-4X trim, while other trims required a wired connection. The Pro trim featured two USB-A and two USB-C ports, along with a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was hosted on an 8-inch touchscreen for most trims, with a 9-inch screen on the Pro-4X. The available 10-speaker Fender premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster, keyless entry, and push-button start were standard across the lineup, with the Pro-4X offering an off-road gauge cluster and Nissan's Intelligent Around-View Monitor.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Eight airbags were standard, and the PRO-4X trim included traffic sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were not available, the new model was expected to perform better than its predecessor.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier maintained a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the 2023 model a four-star overall safety rating, with high marks in side crash tests. The IIHS rated the 2022 model as Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention, suggesting similar performance for the 2023 model.