2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier took a significant step in Nissan’s “Nissan Next” strategy, aimed at refreshing or redesigning 10 vehicles in a mere 20 months. Aimed as a radically new midsize pickup truck, the Frontier echoed the rugged, blocky styling of the older Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s. Designers at Nissan crafted the truck’s form meticulously, as if shaping it from a solid block of metal.

The Frontier came in nine different exterior colors, including Tactical Green, Deep Pearl Blue, and Boulder Gray Pearl, and offered two interior shades: charcoal and sandstone. Charcoal was available with either cloth or leather, while sandstone came solely with cloth. The test vehicle was in Baja Storm—a tan shade unique to the off-road PRO-4X and 2WD PRO-X trims, paired with exclusive charcoal leather seating.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Frontier stretched a bit more in the nose, but its overall size remained practical for garages and parking spots. It targeted the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, with a specific focus on the latter.

Buyers had the choice of a King Cab or Crew Cab but no regular two-door cab. King Cabs were paired with a 6-foot bed and offered minimal rear space, while Crew Cabs came with a standard 5-foot bed or an optional 6-foot bed on SV trims. Additional utility features included an optional spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, and a three-channel tie-down system.

Inside, the Frontier represented a substantial advancement in Nissan’s midsize pickup segment with Zero Gravity front seats and improved insulation. The center console offered increased storage, and an array of 80 optional accessories catered to different customization needs.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning looked surprisingly conventional despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle. Customers could choose from four trims: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum, all offered in a crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed.

Identifiable through a big LED headlight bar and a faux front grille, the F-150 Lightning offered subtle differences from its gas-powered siblings, including specific badges and trim-specific rear taillight bars.

Inside, the F-150 Lightning maintained its reputation as a versatile family vehicle with spacious legroom of 43.9 inches upfront and 43.6 inches in the rear. Material quality was good, leaning towards durable plastics complemented by nice touchpoints. Ergonomics were nearly perfect, refined over decades of Ford’s F-Series production. The Lariat trim came with a panoramic sunroof, ample under-seat storage, and widespread power outlets, adding to its practical charm. The robust air conditioning and ventilated seats were especially appreciated in warmer regions. The Lightning further distinguished itself with features like the interior work surface, allowing users to create a workspace by folding down the shifter and flipping the center console lid.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a retuned 3.8-liter V6 engine first introduced in 2020. It boasted 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, giving the Frontier the ability for strong acceleration and ample passing power on highways. The truck’s nine-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth and responsive shifting, particularly adept at managing the vehicle's power uphill and optimizing fuel economy on flat terrains.

The Frontier exhibited fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined for RWD models, with the numbers dropping slightly for 4WD counterparts. Despite not being the most fuel-efficient in its class, its hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided a heavy, traditional truck steering feel, which some purists appreciated.

Nissan’s off-road-oriented PRO-4X trim included features like hill-start assist, hill-descent control, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and steel skid plates, positioning it as a strong contender for off-road adventures. For those not requiring 4WD but desiring the off-road styling, the 2WD PRO-X trim offered a visually similar alternative while omitting some of the off-road functionalities.

Conversely, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s appeal lay in its electric powertrain. Equipped with dual motors, it produced 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and an impressive 563 horsepower with the extended range battery—both delivering a jaw-dropping 775 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive system came standard across all trims.

The standard-range battery provided an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range, while the extended-range battery offered 320 miles. Although the Lightning's towing and hauling capabilities reached 10,000 pounds and 2,000 pounds respectively, doing so reduced the driving range considerably. An onboard payload monitoring system and a readjusting range estimator helped manage these factors efficiently.

Charging options included standard 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with DC fast charging enabling a significant charge boost from 15% to 80% in under 45 minutes.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in balancing comfort and capability. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats were a standout, providing a level of comfort unprecedented in the midsize pickup category. Front seat passengers benefited from generous space and a plethora of convenient storage options, eclipsing rivals like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.

The backseat experience, though less spacious, remained functional. The Crew Cab offered reasonable headroom and legroom, while the King Cab’s rear seats were more suited for tools and groceries than adult passengers. Cargo storage beneath the Crew Cab’s rear seat and scattered cupholders added to its practical appeal.

Comfort in the F-150 Lightning was equally notable, especially given its origins as a work truck. While the 5.5-foot bed might not accommodate larger items like a sofa without adjustments, it featured numerous tie-down points for securing loads. The Lightning’s “Mega Power Frunk” offered an innovative storage solution. At 14.1 cubic feet, it was large enough to house substantial gear, including an underfloor storage bin perfect for cooling items with ice.

One unique feature of the Lightning was its capability to function as a backup generator. With a full battery, it could power a home for up to three days. Its onboard power supply and numerous outlets further emphasized its practicality.

For the 2022 Nissan Frontier, technology was an area of marked improvement. An 8-inch touchscreen came standard on lower trims, with a 9-inch display offered on the PRO-4X. The interface, featuring physical knobs and buttons, provided easy access to essential infotainment functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though only by a wired connection. Additional tech perks included an optional wireless phone charger and a high-quality 10-speaker Fender stereo, albeit as part of a costly Premium Package.

The Technology Package brought significant safety upgrades such as blind-spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, while the Convenience Package added features like a spray-in bedliner and heated components.

The F-150 Lightning, on the other hand, flaunted an array of advanced tech features. Even the base trims had a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and navigation. Higher trims like the Lariat and Platinum boasted 15-inch portrait-oriented screens with added functionalities. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker B&O stereo, and in the highest trims, a 15-speaker system were among the tech highlights. Our Lariat tester even included programmed games, providing entertainment while charging.

Though crash-test ratings for the 2022 Nissan Frontier from the NHTSA and IIHS were pending, the truck came equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features. Standard inclusions under Nissan Safety Shield 360 comprised automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent forward collision warning, and trailer sway control. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

The F-150 Lightning similarly came with an extensive suite of safety technologies. Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system, enhancing the truck's safety profile further.