2022 Nissan Frontier — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2022 Nissan Frontier

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $29,976–$37,112
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2022 Nissan Frontier

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$29,976–$37,112

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.8/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.4/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.0/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $29,976–$37,112, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Frontier sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.6/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Nissan Frontier will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good truck should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2022 Nissan Frontier ranks #186 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 64% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,976 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 15%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Frontier Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2019 Nissan Frontier scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.6/10$32,846 Read review →
2025 7.6/10$32,846 Read review →
2024 7.6/10$31,890 Read review →
2023 7.4/10$30,933 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.5/10$29,976
2021 7.2/10$29,019 Read review →
2020 7.2/10$28,063 Read review →
2019 7.2/10$27,106 Read review →
2018 7.2/10$26,149 Read review →
2017 7.1/10$25,193 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$24,236 Read review →
2015 7.1/10$23,279 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Nissan Frontier

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Nissan Frontier (6 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seat belts / Critical fasteners
09/12/2021 · 21V958000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Frontier vehicles. The seat belt bracket mounting bolts on the left-rear seat may have been incorrectly tightened. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
Trailer hitches
22/11/2021 · 21V917000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed trucks. The tow hitch was not installed, compromising the structural integrity of the fuel tank in the event of a rear crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
Power train / Automatic transmission
24/06/2022 · 22V457000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera
21/07/2022 · 22V527000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue, 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan rental vehicles. When the Sirius XM subscription is set to "Not Subscribed," it may cause the infotainment head unit to reboot, resulting in an…
Power train / Automatic transmission
07/09/2022 · 22V671000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.

Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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