Test drive: The 2022 Nissan Frontier proves an old truck can learn new tricks

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a significant evolution of previous models with a new body on a proven frame. The midsize pickup moves from last to near the front of the class, according to Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu.

The Mississippi-made Frontier's boxy styling is a callback to the Nissan Hardbodies of the 1980s and moves away from the brand's ubiquitous Vmotion grille that's featured on the outgoing model, but the overall look is very contemporary. It's available as a king cab with a six-foot bed for $29,015, or a four-door crew cab that' starts at $30,515 and can be ordered with either a five-foot or six-foot bed. It's not the cheapest truck in the segment, but its standard 310 hp 3.8-liter V6 is the most powerful and good for towing a respectable 6,720 pounds. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg combined for two-wheel-drive models and 19 mpg combined for four-by-fours. The old frame has been beefed up and the suspension re-engineered with jounce bumpers and a rear anti-roll bar to improve the ride and handling, while the body is now attached via hydraulic mounts to further reduce vibrations.