The 2022 Nissan Frontier taps into more than six decades of experience bringing compact and mid-size trucks to Canadian customers. For its latest generation, new exterior styling and interior tech combine with a far-reaching array of improvements and tweaks designed to improve noise levels, ride quality, steering, handling, and response. The standard 310-horsepower V6 engine and 9-speed automatic deliver competitive mileage and power, and towing capacity is rated at up to 6,490 lbs.
Add in Nissan’s ‘zero-gravity’ seats designed to enhance comfort on long drives, up-sized interior storage provisions, and sound-deadening improvements like acoustic laminated glass and redesigned carpeting application, and 2022 brings the Frontier’s best-yet driving experience to market.
Pricing starts at $40,000 CAD, with standard four-wheel drive. Both King Cab and Crew Cab models are offered, and with 4 trim grades available in each of two body styles, there’s plenty of selection. Frontier shoppers can choose the PRO–4X grade, which has been offered for years as a top-capability option for shoppers who work their trucks hard.
Pricing for the Frontier’s top-line Pro-4X models is CAD$45,598 for a King Cab 4×4 model, $47,498 for the Pro-4X Crew Cab 4×4.
But what is the Pro-4X package? What does it cost? What’s included, and what are the main benefits as experienced from the driver’s seat? We’re breaking that down below.
2022 Nissan Frontier Photo by Justin Pritchard
What’s included with the 2022 Nissan Frontier’s Pro-4X package?
Exclusive content starts with the electronic locking rear differential.
Specific to to Pro-4X models, this rear axle can mechanically bind the Frontier’s rear wheels together at the touch of a button, enhancing available traction for handling slippery and challenging situations with less need for mitigation from the traction control system. The resulting performance is well-suited to severe use — drivers get more power to the ground more consistently, push-button access to added bite in off-road settings, and enhanced wintertime traction and handling. Notably, the Frontier’s rear axle minimizes slipping and sliding on snowy surfaces during acceleration, meaning there’s less need to use four-wheel drive to get the Frontier moving on snow and ice.
An electronic locking rear differential is a handy feature that’s popular with off-road enthusiasts, and if you’ll drive your Frontier in heavy winter conditions, you’ll find it adds further peace of mind — especially when used with proper winter tires.
Skid plating beneath helps protect the vital organs of Pro-4X equipped models, reducing the likelihood of damage to vital parts if you happen to run out of ground clearance.
The Bilstein off-road shocks are another benefit exclusive to the Pro-4X. Fitted for increased control, comfort and durability on rough surfaces, these specialized shocks work to give Frontier Pro-4X drivers a ride that’s comfortable, durable, and that inspires confidence even during challenging use. On rough roads and trails, drivers can expect to experience a significantly-enhanced feeling of durability and toughness, as well as precise control over the suspension’s generous travel. The result is a truck whose ride feels very well suited to rough surface use, with shocks easily soaking up the worst abuse from the road or trail beneath, while expertly managing the motion of the Frontier’s body over its wheels. The Frontier Pro-4X’s exclusive suspension turns in a ride that’s expert at moving quickly and comfortably over rough terrain, and performs best when drivers work it hard.
To sum up, the key benefits of the Frontier’s Pro-4X package include the locking rear end for more traction, underbody skid plating for added protection, and a trick suspension that ensures the ride is easy on its occupants and driver — even when they’re not being easy on it.
2022 Nissan Frontier Photo by Justin Pritchard
Lighting upgrades
There is one additional reason to give the Pro-4X some consideration: its lighting system. The 2022 Frontier Pro-4X features application-specific LED headlights, and drivers can expect fantastic after-dark illumination. If you’re coming to a 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X from an older truck with halogen headlamps, you’ll likely find this lighting system to be a serious upgrade.
During my test drive, I was consistently impressed with the performance of the LED headlamps after some eight hours of after-dark highway driving. Specifically, that’s thanks to the clean white lighting colour, even saturation of the forward scenery, and impressive engagement of reflective surfaces far up the road which make it easier to sort out what’s going on far away, and to spot potential wildlife that might be hanging out near or on the roadway.
With LED lighting tech and a tall and commanding driving position, Frontier Pro-4X shoppers will find an after-dark drive they can take plenty of confidence in.
Specialized badging and styling elements help round out the package, and shoppers can add a $2,000 luxury package to select Pro-4x models that includes leather seating, upscale trim, a premium Fender stereo system, self-dimming rearview mirror, and more.
2022 Nissan Frontier Photo by Justin Pritchard
Off-road benefits
Ultimately, the highest return on investment will come to Frontier Pro-4X owners who will regularly use their trucks in rough-road and off-road settings, or those shoppers after a capable off-roader with plenty of capability for them to grow into, as they begin building off-road skills and experiences in pursuit of new adventures.
Key Competitors:
Shoppers after a mid-sized truck with maximum capability have plenty of options to consider. In addition to the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X we’ve covered here, point your attention towards a few of the following models, too.
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor vs Toyota Tacoma SR5 Photo by Elliot Alder
Toyota Tacoma TRD
Toyota’s gleaming reputation and the Tacoma’s loyal following make this mid-sized truck a popular pick. Pricing from $40,350 includes standard four-wheel drive and V6 power, and six sub-models are available in two body styles. Shoppers can add varying levels of additional TRD style and capability by picking from an array of optional TRD packages. Look for available sports-tuned shocks, skid plate protection, Crawl Control, a 7-speaker stereo system, TRD-tuned suspension components, and more.
Ford Ranger Tremor
The new Ranger’s nicely-managed ride and torque-rich EcoBoost engine have won over many shoppers seeking a comfortable, capable, and fuel-efficient pickup, and the Tremor Off-Road Package turns up the dial on capability. A modified suspension with Fox 2.0 reservoir dampers make this machine expert at covering rough ground fast, and off-road running boards, tow hooks, and skid plates are fitted for increased peace of mind. With additional cosmetic upgrades like a unique grille, graphics package and magnetic-painted alloy wheels, it’s packed with kit that experienced and aspiring off-roaders will enjoy on the daily.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 vs Jeep Gladiator Mojave Photo by Clayton Seams
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
For 2022, the recently updated Colorado ZR2 offers freshened looks, added style, and a segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV suspension system as the star of its off-road adventure show. The standard 308-horsepower V6 moves things along, while the DSSV dampers work to expertly control and fine-tune body motions on the road and trail. The Colorado ZR2’s suspension does its best work when drivers work it hard, where they’ll experience tremendous control (and comfort) even in the most challenging situations. The front and rear locking differentials are on standby at the flick of a switch for increased traction when required.
Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is the pickup-truck cousin to the Jeep Wrangler, long held as the world’s foremost off-roader. Its premium interior and available six-speed manual transmission help the Jeep Gladiator readily connect with shoppers after an upscale and rugged experience, and available diesel power slashes fuel bills. The high-capability Gladiator Rubicon adds an array of proven, factory-installed upgrades designed to enhance performance in extreme off-road settings.
Keyword: 2022 Nissan Frontier: PRO-4X package explained