I plan to test drive the 2022, just for kicks. I don't want to complain about something I've never touched, seen, or driven, but based on all of the specs and features, I'm disappointed, and I feel that a lot of my current pet-peeves are going to crop up in the 2022, considering they really haven't addressed anything but the looks.
I'll mention, again, I tow a lot, but I don't need more than 7,000lb. Any mid-size would do. I also prefer mid-size over full-size because I like having a smaller truck that I can toss around and practically lane-split at red lights. I may be a bit of a tough customer, each truck/brand has its own drawbacks.
Ford: I've never been a fan of the Blue Oval, but I realize that their engines are pretty good and they're the best-selling truck brand for a reason. The Ranger is somewhat on my Radar.
Chevy: I prefer the Chevy brand, but exactly the opposite problem, I'm not really that into their trucks or engines. The Colorado is Lazy design and really not something I would consider.
Ram 1500: I drove a 1500 for a month (outgoing 4th gen). The only thing I HATED about it was that it was too big and I hated the 9 speed (Hunt-n-peck) transmission on a rotary knob. Otherwise, if I was looking for a full size truck, the 5th gen would be at the top of my list. They actually
try to build a better truck. This is a truck I could live out of with every creature comfort you could think of.
Ram Dakota: All that said.....there are rumors of a Ram Dakota coming out soon:
link If it has the same passion as the Ram 1500, this would be the truck to get.
Toyota: The Taco has the absolute worst reputation, particularly because of the engine, transmission, and brakes, yet it's still one of the best ranked trucks and best selling trucks...why? I don't know. They just have a damn good reputation.
Jeep: No. I love that it's true to the Jeep name, but it's really only built for Jeep fans.
Honda: I used to give the Ridgeline a lot of **** for not being a real truck, HOWEVER, it is the highest ranked small truck on the market, and highest in customer satisfaction. The only reasons I wouldn't buy one: It goes in the opposite direction for me: The tow rating wouldn't suit me, the price is too high, and honestly, Honda never seems to care about their entertainment system. To me, the Ridgeline is a game-changer and something most people could consider, but it just doesn't work for me.
Nissan Frontier: As I've mentioned, I've outgrown the D40 from a 'feature' standpoint. It's a good size, it has good capacities, it's a good DD, but it's difficult to work out of, especially when you carry a lot of things like towing accessories, straps, chain, tools, keys, locks, shoes, fire extinguishers, air pump. I now own 3 personal trailers and I have another one for work. It's a lot of keys, accessories, and registration slips to carry with me. The 2022 Frontier just doesn't cut it, anymore.
Nissan Titan: Honestly, I can't say much bad about the Titan. Its sales numbers are in the toilet, but along with the Ram 1500, if I was going full-size, this would also be at the top of my list. Nissan is desperate enough to cut me a deal, It's built on a newer frame, especially the XD, and there are actually a lot of cool features that I wish made it into the Frontier. Honestly, the Titan Warrior is what would probably push me over the edge and say "Fuck anything else, I'm going Full Size."
I agree.....but....
I just want to reiterate, I'm fine with the Frontier's 6720lb tow rating. I wouldn't have been disappointed if they matched some other brands with a 7k rating, but I'm happy with where we stand in overall body size and tow rating.
The 2022 IS getting active sway control, which is a plus, I'm not sure if it's getting a built in brake controller, though. I have to say, though, I have a Prodigy P2 controller, I've definitely exceeded my Frontier's tow capacity more than a few times. The Frontier is a SOLID tow machine. 8-wheel braking, I can stop on a dime, and with 1000s of towing miles, I've never really had a sway issue, except when I once had to reverse-load an old Buick on my trailer, throwing the weight distribution to absolute hell.
It's terrible that Toyota can still get such reviews and sales numbers with such a bad engine/transmission. Again, I think they make up for it in customer base and 'creature features.'
The VQ dates back to the 90s, I had a 1996 Maxima with a 3.0 in it. I had a 3.5L swapped into my 1999 Sentra, and I obviously have my 4.0L. There are dozens of variations of the VQ engine, some good, some bad. For instance, my 3.5 came from a 2002 Maxima, Had a lot of oil blow-by and eventually spun a bearing. The 4.0 is solid, but it's OLD. The 3.8 is definitely a superior and more efficient engine, but it's also unproven.
GDI has a history of carbon build-up. I'm not sure if Nissan has resolved it or they're conveniently playing dumb because in 60,000mi, it won't be their problem to deal with....it's a mystery. Dual injection has been considered a solution, Nissan did not go with dual injection. That doesn't mean that Nissan hasn't solved the problem. They may have gone with sodium-filled valves to keep the valve cooler. They may have done the dual spray, like they did on the Juke and Mazda does on the Skyactiv Engine to reduce intake temps and wash the back of the valve. Also worth noting that Mazda has their injectors aimed at the intake valve and spray when it's open. Here's a demonstration on the Juke Engine:
Anyway, it's TBD, we don't know if Nissan has fixed the carbon problem or not...so far people are happy with the new 310hp 3.8 and the transmission, so they're already ahead of Toyota in this department.
The community over there has some pretty mixed opinions, as well. Nissan has made the DI 5.6 since 2009, but yes, some are showing some bad build-up. On one hand, perhaps the 3.8 has newer solutions built in. On the other hand, I highly recommend DI owners run Intake valve cleaner or seafoam through their intake port, once a year.
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