These days, there seems to be an infinite inventory of pickup trucks to buy. With trucks ranging so widely in design, features, and price, how do we know which way to go? With some trucks driven purely for work and others being used as daily commuters, the answer lies with the customer.
What are their needs? What are their wants? What might make a pickup truck so special that it stands out from the pack? How important are things like make and model?
For me, choosing a reliable brand like Nissan with a rich history of quality is a great jump-off point. Nissan has built a fleet of undeniable vehicles during their decades-long run in the automotive industry. So when the Nissan Frontier SV hit the streets, it was bound to leave a lasting impression. Here, I explore what makes the 2022 Nissan Frontier SV the ideal truck for today’s savvy customers.
As a midsize pickup truck, the Nissan Frontier checks many boxes for those who desire to be in that segment. It comes in four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-X, and Pro-4X. I chose the SV as my favorite thanks to its robust performance package, sleek design elements, and innovative technological features. While all four trim levels reflect Nissan’s ability to marry quality components and affordability, the SV trim represents a special blend of upscale features—and still at a great price.
Why Nissan?
As an automotive brand, Nissan has always focused squarely on designing quality vehicles. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see Nissans still on the road 20 or 30 years after they first come off the assembly line. It helps to know you can count on Nissan to build a car that can go the distance when properly maintained. In 1997, Nissan released the first of its Frontier models. When the car instantaneously thrived among competitors like the GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and the Chevy Colorado, Nissan went back to the drawing board to add even more desirable features.
Now in its third generation, the 2022 Nissan Frontier SV comes with unique off-roading capabilities, quality materials, and best-in-class horsepower, just to name a few key components. As with all Nissan models, the Frontier pleases the price-conscious audience that wants to get the most bang for their buck.
What’s New for ‘22?
The 2022 Nissan Frontier SV trim has been revamped for the new year with some fresh design, increased tow capacity, and upgrades throughout the cabin. This current fourth generation of the Frontier has been built exclusively for the North American market, with the four aforementioned trims: S, SV, Pro-X, and Por-4X. The ‘22 features an increased payload capacity of 1,610 lbs and a total towing capacity of 6,720 lbs. Nissan also went in and refined the steering to feel more balanced. The new and improved steering system responds faster to driver commands and feels more intuitive.
Many of this model year’s updates can be found throughout the cabin. Materials have been upgraded or fully switched out for an interior that’s more comfortable and feels more elegant. For example, some of the plastic components of the cabin have been replaced with soft leather or fabric, immediately elevating those parts of the vehicle by making them feel more satisfying. Technology got a boost, too. The ‘22 Frontier SV now includes a digital, color 8” display in the instrument cluster. This infotainment system comes standard with the ability to connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a USB-C port.
The new model also comes with improved safety and driver assistance features that were not included in the previous models. Now you get crisper, better lighting with automatic high beam assist. Emergency braking is now offered in the front and rear, ready to activate whether you are in drive or reverse. These new driver assistance features complement the previously provided safety package that includes available blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, a rear sonar system, and intelligent cruise control.
SV Performance
The 2022 Nissan Frontier SV houses a 3.8-L Direct Injection (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 engine that puts out a best-in-class 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s swift for a midsize pickup truck without causing drivers to bear the burden of a gas-guzzler. The transmission is an automatic nine-speed that feels seamless and handles well. A rear-wheel drive Frontier gets you an EPA estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Moving up to a four-wheel drive powertrain gets you 17 mph city and 22 mpg on the highway.
We can’t talk trucks without talking truck configurations. The SV is available in King Cab, Crew Cab, or Crew Cab Long Bed. We like the Crew Cab Long Bed for its extra storage, allowing you to fit items up to six feet in length. If you do plan on towing, the Crew Cab Long Bed also comes with a Class IV tow hitch receiver with a 7-pin wiring harness and 60/40 folding back seats for your sporting gear, camping equipment, bikes, or more.
Should your adventure take you over rough terrain, the Frontier SV has been designed without any low-hanging parts on the chassis to maximize ground clearance. The front of the truck houses a durable suspension system that glues your tires to concrete, dirt, or mud. In the rear, the overslung rigid leaf spring design helps the truck tackle gravel and other rough terrain.
SV Convenience
We love the SV trim level for its mix of high-end features that make daily driving easier. To help prolong the life of your truck bed, the SV comes with a factory-applied, spray-on bedliner. The bed features a host of helpful features, too. SV trim has a bed-mounted 120-volt power outlet and LED under-rail bed lighting to improve sight when you’re loading or unloading. The Utili-track channel system with four adjustable tie-down cleats helps secure cargo for total peace of mind as you travel.
The SV trim also comes loaded with features that make it feel more upscale. The exterior is nicely complemented by 17” split alloy-aluminum wheels. Enjoy heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors to keep things toasty all year round. A Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control means never having to climb into an uncomfortable cabin.
Speaking of temperature, the dual-zone automatic temperature controls put you and your passengers at ease. Store your accessories in the overhead console with sunglasses storage or the center console that houses a 120-volt AC power outlet. Plus, there are a few touches that have been added purely for luxury, like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
See for Yourself
Nissan really hit their mark on this 2022 Frontier SV. It’s easy to understand why this midsize truck competes so well with other pickups in its class. For all the features you get at this affordable price point, moving up to a higher-level trim like the SV makes perfect sense. The SV trim feels like the best possible mix of safety and driver assistance, high-tech infotainment, and upscale design elements. A hefty yet efficient engine powers your ride smoothly for pure satisfaction.
For the adventurous driver, this truck has the capabilities to take you wherever you want to go, along with all your favorite cargo. Stay safe and entertained thanks to the supreme technology included. The sky’s the limit for the 2022 Nissan Frontier SV.
