2022 Nissan Frontier & Pathfinder

There’s big news from Nissan this with a pair of debuts; featuring a largely new Frontier midsize pickup truck, and an all-new generation Pathfinder 3-row SUV. 

We all know that pickup trucks tend to have longer lifecycles than cars and crossovers, but the fact that the current Nissan Frontier has been soldiering on for 15–years here in the U.S. is pretty remarkable. 

Well, that’s about to change. The 2022 Nissan Frontier not only sports a more macho, modern “Hardbody” look; backing it up with best-in-class 310-horsepower from its 3.8-liter V6, a PRO-4X off-road model with Off-Road Assist for the Surround View Camera, and 6,720-lbs. towing capacity with standard Trailer Sway Control.

But street ride has also been softened, despite carrying over basic underpinnings and wheelbase.

The new Frontier includes the largest touchscreen in the segment with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus availability of Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 driving assistance with every trim. 

Jessica Ray: “Good news. The size of the new Frontier really doesn’t change much compared to the last generation. The wheelbase, height, and width remain virtually the same while the overall length sees an additional 5 inches. So the compact feel that Frontier pickups seem to have will likely still be there but with a modern interior and exterior that falls in line with the rest of Nissan’s truck and utility lineup.”

The Nissan Pathfinder has been down many pathways over its 35–years in existence, as both a 3-row crossover and rugged body-on-frame SUV. This 2022 5th-gen. Pathfinder continues down the current 3-row crossover path, but packs a few more SUV tools along for the journey.   

Standard, is a 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a 9-speed transmission; delivering 6,000-lbls of towing capacity.  And a new Drive and Terrain Mode Selector for the all-wheel-drive system sets you up for success in a wide variety of road and off-road conditions. 

All wrapped in some sheet-metal that thankfully says goodbye to the previous gen’s Jellybean generic-ness and hello to rugged truck-like proportions with inspiration taken from the original 2-door. 

Brian Robinson: “As much as I personally may not have liked the current Pathfinder’s transformation from rugged truck-based utility to a large family crossover with a soft side; it was the right call for Nissan as far as sales are concerned.  But at the same time, I think bringing back a much more rugged-look with a little more off-road capability will really send it over the top.”

Look for both the 2022 Nissan Frontier and Nissan Pathfinder to arrive in showrooms this summer. And we’ll have much more info in the meantime, here on MotorWeek.