Nissan hopes the radically restyled 2022 models of its Frontier midsize pickup and Pathfinder three-row family hauling SUV will ignite sales when they go on sale this summer.
Both vehicles feature new safety and driver assist features and rugged looks that are a departure from the current models.
The Frontier has blocky styling reminiscent of the 1980s' “Hardbody” that made Nissan compact pickups a favorite. The 2022 rides on what the automaker calls a revised version of the frame that’s underpinned the Frontier since 2005. A prominent grille and higher hood and bed sides are the most notable visual changes.
The Pathfinder’s styling also recalls the '80s, when SUVs were boxy and based on pickup platforms. Nissan execs say the styling responds to customer requests for a tougher looking exterior. Like the Frontier, the 2022 Pathfinder rides on an update of an existing platform, in this case, the front-wheel-drive based one underpinning the 2021 model.
2022 NISSAN FRONTIER: RETURN OF THE HARDBODY
The Frontier grows about 4.7 inches longer, in addition to getting a dramatic new look.
The extra length is all in the nose, particularly a bold new grille and front bumper. The pickup’s wheelbase and other key dimensions are essentially unchanged, although the hood, front fenders and bed sides are all taller, contributing to a much more substantial appearance than the old model.
The Frontier comes in either rear- or four-wheel drive. A 310-horsepower 3.8L V6 and nine-speed automatic transmission are standard. Fuel economy estimates and prices will be available closer to when sales begin this summer.
Five- and six-foot beds are available, along with two and four-door cabs.
Nissan engineers say hydraulic mounts between the frame and cab reduce vibration in the passenger compartment. Cab size doesn’t change, but the instrument panel, center console and seats are all new.
The center console offers an impressive four liters of storage, and there’s more storage under the rear seat. Four USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Interior options include Fender audio, a 9-inch touch screen and a Wi-Fi hot spot for over the air updates.
Optional 360-degree cameras for parking offer moving object detection and a front view to spot obstacles at low speeds when off-roading in four-wheel low.
The most interesting model may be the new Pro-X, which borrows a blacked-out grille and other off-road touches from the tough-looking 4WD Pro-4X, but comes with rear-wheel drive offering better fuel economy and lower costs for people who want off-road looks more than performance.
The Pro-4X offers an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, skid plates and other functional goodies.
The Frontier competes with the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma.
2022 Nissan Frontier safety and driver assist features:
Automatic high beams Forward collision alert Pedestrian detection Automatic emergency front braking Lane departure alert Blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts Rear automatic braking Drowsy driver alert Adaptive cruise control Traffic sign recognition Birdseye view monitors
2022 NISSAN FRONTIER AT A GLANCE
Four- or rear-wheel drive midsize pickup
Four-door extended and crew cab models available, 5- or 6-foot bed.
Prices: TBA
On sale summer 2021.
Engine: 310-hp 3.8L V6
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy estimate: TBA
Wheelbase: Standard wheelbase 126 inches, LWB 139.8 inches
Length: SWB 210.2 inches, LWB 224.1 inches
Width: 73 inches
Height: 71.7-72.4 inches
Towing capacity: 6,720 pounds
Assembled in Canton, Mississippi
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2022 NISSAN PATHFINDER: TOUGH NEW LOOKS
The 2022 Pathfinder’s profile recalls Nissan’s big Armada, but the midsize SUV remains a family hauler at heart. Seating seven or eight people in three rows, the updated Pathfinder gets a brand-new nine-speed automatic transmission and the ability to tow up to 6,000 pounds.
In addition to seven or eight people, depending on seating configuration, the Pathfinder boasts the ability to carry a 4x8-foot piece of plywood between its rear wheel wells, or four golf bags behind the third row of seats.
Nissan’s optional ProPilot driver assistance system reduces the tedium of long highway drives by managing following distance and reading traffic and lane markings so the driver just needs to keep a light hand on the wheel most of the time. ProPilot is now linked to the Pathfinder’s navigation system to automatically reduce speed for highway junctions, curves and exits.
Other features include 13-speaker Bose audio, 10.8-inch head up display, 9-inch touch screen and three-zone climate control.
The Pathfinder competes with three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.
The 2022 Pathfinder goes on sale this summer. Prices and fuel economy will be announced closer to then.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder safety and driver assist features
ProPilot Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping assist Front and rear automatic emergency braking Pedestrian detection Blind spot and cross traffic alert Automatic high beams Traffic sign recognition
2022 NISSAN PATHFINDER AT A GLANCE
Front- or all-wheel drive three-row SUV
Seats seven or eight
Price: TBA
On sale summer 2021.
Engine: 284-hp 3.5L V6
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy estimate: TBA
Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Length: 197 inches
Width: 77.9 inches
Height: 70 inches
Towing capacity: 6,000 pounds
Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee
