The highly anticipated 2022 Nissan Frontier made its way into the hands of the experts at Car and Driver. Where did the 2022 Frontier impress, and where is there still room for improvement? It isn’t the fastest truck on the planet, but are drivers really seeking a fast ride in the Nissan truck?

Car and Driver liked the 2022 Nissan Frontier overall

Once upon a time, Car and Driver was given the opportunity to drive the brand new 2022 Nissan Frontier. The Frontier is well-loved but hasn’t had a revamp in a while. Given the moment that trucks of all sizes are having, it is the perfect time for a new Nissan truck. Mid-size pickups benefit from not needing to be too luxurious but still full of crucial necessary truck technology.

The Nissan Frontier hasn’t had a significant update since 2005. Between now and then, the truck opted for minor updates here and there, keeping the truck mostly the same. However, the 2022 Nissan Frontier doesn’t change the recipe up too much. Nissan knows it had a winner in the Frontier and didn’t mess with the DNA of the truck.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier isn’t changing much

This variant of the Frontier is the first new version in 16 years, and it looks like it. The outside is updated and has clean lines on the truck that looks modern but don’t lose the shape of the original Frontier. The 2022 truck isn’t much bigger than older trucks, which keeps it in the mid-size category where it belongs.

Along with the size staying consistent, the fuel economy sits between 19 mpg and 20 mpg. Not far off from before. With a 3.8L V6 getting 310 hp, the 2022 Frontier isn’t any faster than the outgoing version. The 7.3 seconds 0 to 60 mph time didn’t change either. When weighing the pros and cons, the lack of speed made the list of cons. Car and Driver noted that the steering was a bit heavy, and rough pavement made the drive rocky.

Pro-4X was a bright spot in the testing. “Put to intensive use, the Pro-4X can bomb down fire roads and climb steep, rocky trails with relative ease,” C&D said.

This or that: mid-size truck version

Compared to the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, the 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X comes in $7,000 less than the ZR2. It won’t have all of the power and tech the Colorado carries, but it also doesn’t cost as much. The version Car and Driver tested topped out at $38,415, leaving a little wiggle room. Some buyers might be looking for advanced or full-time all-wheel drive. Nissan noted that such an issue was not raised by customers, who were OK with the part-time option offered on the Frontier.

The 2022 Frontier has a payload capacity of 1,610, and the towing capacity is 6,720 pounds. If buyers are looking to tow heavy trailers or boats regularly, a more full-size truck might be more appropriate. The entry-level trim starts at $29,015 and is less expensive than the 2021 version.

There might be less expensive trucks out here like the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but the Frontier has a history that doesn’t lie.