The 2022 Nissan Frontier and Everything Consumer Reports Didn’t Like About It
While the Nissan Frontier hasn’t seen many changes or model updates, the 2022 Nissan Frontier has benefitted from a complete redesign. But is the new Nissan Frontier’s redesign have what it takes to impress the team at Consumer Reports? Maybe, but maybe not too. In fact, there are a few things Consumer Reports just didn’t like about this new pickup truck.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier got a brawny makeover
First things first, let’s talk about the Nissan Frontier’s redesign. According to the automaker, the Nissan Frontier has been re-invented for 2022 and “embodies everything that is great about midsize trucks.” Its standard 310-hp 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine boasts best-in-class horsepower ratings. Meanwhile, its 9-speed automatic transmission is “tuned to maximize efficiency and provide strong acceleration.” The truck’s max towing capacity is rated at up to 6,720 pounds too.
Perhaps what’s most appealing about the all-new Nissan Frontier is its redesigned exterior. Inspired by the iconic Nissan Hardbody, the 2022 Frontier is led by a powerful front end featuring a massive grille and a chiseled hood. This year’s model is also offered in nine eye-catching exterior colors: the new Boulder Gray Pearl, Tactical Green Metallic, Baja Storm, Cardinal Red Metallic Tricolor, Deep Blue Pearl, Red Alert, Glacier White, Gun Metallic, and Super Black.
What Consumer Reports didn’t like about the 2022 Nissan Frontier
Now, there’s no denying that the 2022 Nissan Frontier benefitted from the redesign. That being said, Consumer Reports had a few bones to pick with the truck. First, the organization wasn’t a big fan of the new midsize truck’s redesigned hood. It increased 2 inches in height after the redesign and, unfortunately, is high enough to hinder some drivers’ visibility.
Heaving steering was a problem too. While Nissan claims to have tweaked the Nissan Frontier’s steering for the better, Consumer Reports found it’s just too heavy for its liking. “It becomes lighter as speed increases, but piloting the Frontier could become fatiguing, especially while maneuvering at slow speeds through parking lots,” the organization said.
Consumer Reports wasn’t exactly impressed with the 2022 Nissan Frontier’s part-time 4×4 system either. Unlike other new trucks on the market, the driver must manually engage four-wheel drive as needed. In trucks like the Jeep Gladiator, that’s not the case at all. Instead, 4×4 can be left on all the time.
There were a few things the organization did like about the new truck
While Consumer Reports was disappointed with the Frontier’s hood, steering, and part-time 4×4 system, it was a fan of the truck’s new engine. Not only does it generate more horsepower than its rivals but it also makes the Frontier easy and predictable to drive.
Ride quality and responsiveness were a hit for the organization too. In fact, Consumer Reports claims that the Nissan Frontier has been “transformed from one of the worst-riding compact pickups to one of the best.” The organization found that the redesigned Frontier even drives better than the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma.
Is the 2022 Nissan Frontier worth checking out?
When it came to test driving the new Frontier, Consumer Reports did take issue with a few things. However, the Frontier’s horsepower ratings, ride quality, and overall responsiveness did impress the organization. But does that mean the 2022 Nissan Frontier is worth checking out? Well, it’s definitely worth a test drive, at the very least.
RELATED: Close Look: The 2022 Nissan Frontier Has 1 Surprising Strong Point
The post The 2022 Nissan Frontier and Everything Consumer Reports Didn’t Like About It appeared first on MotorBiscuit.
