2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering a variety of trim levels with distinct design identities. The Titan's exterior featured different grille finishes across its trims, from dark grilles on the base models to satin chrome on the Platinum Reserve. The Pro-4X model stood out with its black grille and lava-red accents, including tow hooks. The truck's lighting was significantly upgraded, with new headlights providing 120% more light output than the 2019 model, and LED fog lights enhancing visibility. The Titan's bed was equipped with four LED light sources, a Utili-track Bed Channel System, and a spray-in bedliner, making it practical for hauling. The interior saw a modern upgrade with a large infotainment screen and piano-black trim, though the steering wheel design felt dated.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier arrived as a dramatically new midsize pickup, reflecting a rugged, blocky design reminiscent of the old Nissan Hardbody pickups. Available in nine exterior colors, the Frontier offered two interior shades and featured Nissan's Zero Gravity seats for comfort. The truck was slightly longer than its predecessor, fitting well in garages and parking spots. The Frontier was available in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the King Cab offering limited rear seat space. The Crew Cab provided more room, though not as spacious as a full-size pickup. The Frontier's interior boasted convenient storage options and eight cupholders, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, making it the best-in-class standard powertrain. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Titan offered smooth shifts and strong acceleration. It lacked engine start/stop functionality, resulting in an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined for both RWD and 4WD models. The Titan's steering was traditional, with a bit of play, and its ride quality was average for the class. The truck could haul up to 1,680 pounds and tow up to 9,310 pounds, with trailer sway control as standard. The Pro-4X trim featured off-road equipment like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, with a tow mode for improved performance under load. The Frontier's maximum payload was 1,610 pounds, with a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds. Fuel economy was slightly better than the Titan, with RWD models achieving 20 mpg combined. The Frontier's hydraulic steering system offered a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim included off-road features like Bilstein shocks and skid plates, with a best-in-class approach angle of 32.3 degrees.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered seating for five or six, with Zero Gravity seats providing comfort for long journeys. Heated and cooled front seats were available, though petite drivers might struggle to find a comfortable position. The Titan's interior provided ample storage space, with a large center console and smartphone holders. Optional features included a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window. The Titan's thoughtful layout included easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, with Zero Gravity seats offering luxury uncommon in the midsize segment. The Crew Cab provided adequate headroom and legroom, though the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier's interior featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat. The truck felt spacious and ahead of its competitors in terms of comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The interface was responsive, though graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display was standard, and the NissanConnect system offered concierge services. An optional Fender Premium Audio System provided premium sound with up to 12 speakers.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant technological advancements, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The interface was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless projection was not supported. The Frontier offered a wireless phone charger and an optional Kicker tailgate audio system. The Premium Package included a 10-speaker Fender stereo, leather, and a moonroof.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features included forward-collision warning, parking sensors, and an Around View Monitor. The Titan boasted a five-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, the best in its class.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and trailer sway control. Eight airbags were standard, and optional features included traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. The Frontier's crash-test ratings were not yet available, but improvements were expected over the previous generation.