Switching from a long-term relationship with a Toyota Tundra to a Nissan might raise eyebrows, but for this owner, the 2022 Frontier SV 2WD LWB has proven to be a worthy successor. Initial hesitations about Nissan’s reliability, especially post-Renault era, were quickly dispelled by the Frontier’s strong reputation for consistent dependability over a decade and a half – a key factor influencing the purchase decision, and a sentiment echoed in many Nissan Frontier Reviews. After six months of ownership, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive, marred only by a minor issue with a manual tailgate latch that sporadically decides to lock itself. The question remains: is this owner satisfied, and would they buy the Frontier again? The answer is a resounding yes.
What exactly makes this truck stand out? Let’s delve into the specifics.
The powertrain is a highlight, frequently praised in Nissan Frontier reviews. It’s described as powerful, remarkably smooth, and always finds the right gear without hesitation. The cabin’s quietness is another pleasant surprise, especially for a truck, creating a comfortable and refined driving environment. Aesthetically, the exterior design hits the mark, embodying a reserved yet rugged appeal, steering clear of the over-the-top, cartoonish styling seen in some competitors. The ride quality is commendable, offering a smooth experience and confident road manners. Inside and out, the Frontier feels solid and well-built, with no hint of cheap or flimsy materials. The cabin fit and finish are particularly noteworthy, characterized by tight gaps and a complete absence of creaks or noises, contributing to an overall sense of quality.
2022 Nissan Frontier SV 2WD LWB parked outdoors, showcasing its rugged and reserved exterior design praised in Nissan Frontier reviews.
The steering, often described as “heavy” by reviewers, is actually appreciated by this owner for lending a solid feel to the truck and enhancing the accuracy of steering inputs. Seat comfort is excellent, making long drives a pleasure. The brakes are exceptionally powerful, a significant upgrade compared to older trucks. Even the carpeting receives a nod for its thick, quality feel, a welcome departure from the thin, felt-like materials common in many modern vehicles.
However, the 2022 Nissan Frontier isn’t without its drawbacks, as noted in various Nissan Frontier reviews. The absence of a bed cleat system on the SV model, with no option to add the OEM system post-purchase, is a significant oversight, especially in a truck at this price point. Maneuvering in tight spaces can be challenging due to the truck’s massive turning circle, particularly noticeable in the long wheelbase model, sometimes requiring five lanes for a U-turn. The electronic gauges lack data marks, diminishing their usability. The placement of some switchgear feels somewhat awkward. A noticeable amount of bare primer in areas like under the hood, inside the fenders, and door jambs gives the truck an unfinished appearance, contrasting with the fully painted engine bay of even budget-friendly cars. Lastly, the standard audio system is underwhelming, delivering a flat and muddy sound, although this is a common complaint with many stock OEM systems.
There are also aspects that fall into a “divided” category. The interior aesthetics, while appropriately rugged and workhorse-like, lean a bit too heavily on the utilitarian side. While luxury isn’t expected, slightly more refined materials would elevate the daily driving experience. Value for money is another mixed bag. While reasonably well-equipped, there’s a lingering feeling that a $40,000 price tag should yield a bit more, potentially contributing to Nissan’s sometimes lower owner satisfaction ratings.
In conclusion, despite a few shortcomings, this owner remains very happy with the 2022 Frontier SV 2WD LWB. The strong positives, especially the fantastic drivetrain and refined driving experience, outweigh the negatives. Would they buy it again? Absolutely. This Frontier is, in fact, the nicest new vehicle they’ve ever owned, a testament to its overall appeal and solid performance, factors consistently highlighted in positive Nissan Frontier reviews.
