2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier represented a significant step in Nissan’s “Nissan Next” strategy, aiming to deliver 10 refreshed or redesigned vehicles within 20 months. With its blocky, rugged styling reminiscent of the old Nissan Hardbody pickups, the Frontier arrived as a dramatically new midsize truck. Available in nine exterior colors and two interior shades, the Frontier offered a variety of customization options. The truck was slightly longer than its predecessor, fitting well in garages and parking spots. It was available in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the King Cab offering a 6-foot bed and the Crew Cab providing either a 5-foot or optional 6-foot bed. The interior featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats and improved insulation for a quieter ride, along with a new center console for better storage.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport, providing increased rigidity. The styling was conservative, with a snub nose and a classic pickup rear view. The 2021 redesign made the grille blockier and more upright, aligning it more with traditional trucks. The Ridgeline was available with Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages for added visual flair. The interior was basic but well-equipped, featuring leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a moonroof in the Black Edition test vehicle. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission managed this power, offering strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The Frontier had a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined for rear-wheel-drive models, and 17/22/19 for four-wheel-drive models. The hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided a heavier steering feel, which some traditional truck purists might prefer. The PRO-4X trim offered a capable off-road kit, including hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Ridgeline had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and payload capacities ranging from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds, depending on the trim. While these figures were lower than some competitors, the Ridgeline’s naturally aspirated V6 provided sufficient power. The nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system was sluggish. However, the Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, thanks to its unibody platform, fully independent suspension, and torque vectoring AWD. Off-road capability was limited compared to traditional 4WD systems, with a maximum ground clearance of 7.64 inches.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier offered a comfortable and spacious front seat experience, thanks to Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. The Crew Cab provided a manageable amount of headroom and legroom, while the King Cab’s rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab. Overall, the Frontier felt ahead of its competitors in terms of comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, offering a good balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed included a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a slot for the spare tire, an in-bed audio system, and a 115-volt AC outlet. The Dual-Action Tailgate could open down or to the side, and the bed was wide enough to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered additional storage under the rear seats, a pushbutton shifter, and sensibly laid-out controls. The wider stance and lower cowl height made the cabin feel more spacious.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology. It came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen on the S and SV trims, while the PRO-4X featured a 9-inch screen. The interface was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but required a wired connection. Optional features included a wireless phone charger, a Kicker tailgate audio system, and a 10-speaker Fender stereo. The Technology Package added safety features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control, while the Convenience Package included a spray-in bedliner, bed lighting, and heated seats.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was available on all but the base Sport trim, and navigation was available on the RTL-E and Black Edition models. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for vital functions. While the Ridgeline’s infotainment system wasn’t cutting-edge, it was easy to use and functional.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a range of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under Nissan Safety Shield 360. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a driver attention monitor, and intelligent forward collision warning. Optional safety features included traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top “Good” scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a lower “Average” score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. The Ridgeline came standard with the Honda Sensing array of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring was standard on all but the base Sport trim, but a 360-degree camera system was notably absent.