North America

US production of the Frontier at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant began in 1997 with a 2-door regular cab and 2-door King Cab. A 4-door version of the D22 was designed and developed during 1997–1998, being first produced in April 1999 and launched in May 1999 in the US as the 2000 Frontier Crew Cab.^[16][17][18] Engines fitted were the petrol (KA24DE) and, for export only, the diesel TD27^[19] (2wd and 4wd) with 5-speed manual transmission. These models were also exported to Central and South America.

A special Desert Runner model was offered in 1999 for the 2000 MY. It was a 2WD King Cab model built on the 4WD frame, which gave it a boost in ride height, larger tires, and a 4- or 5-speed transmission.^[20] For 2001 the Desert Runner got a new look and a supercharged version of the V6 engine.

Facelift

In February 2000 at the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan introduced a facelifted D22 Frontier for 2001, with bolder styling in an effort to make it more appealing to younger buyers in its second generation. The regular cab would be discontinued after the 2001 MY.^[21] Sales and production started in North America, with Crew Cab and King Cab versions and new grille, bumper, headlights, taillights. Other body changes included built in fender flares and tailgates.

The D22s badged as "Frontier" had different grille, tailgate details and interior in contrast to the D22s badged as "Navara".

The D22 was no longer sold in Japan after 2002. Due to incompatible taxation rules and plummeting popularity of pickup trucks in Japan, Nissan discontinued it in their home market with no replacement afterwards, a fate shared by many of its competitors there.

The Egyptian plant exports to the Middle East, and a South African plant to African countries. Mexican production started in 2008: D22 truck Single Cab Chassis and Long Bed (2WD or 4WD, 2.4-litre petrol or diesel), Crew Cab (2WD and petrol) called the D22 Pickup.

In 2009, the D22 was updated with redesigned exterior door handles.

In June 2017, Peugeot announced to produce the Peugeot Pick-Up for Northern African states. It is equipped with a 2.5-litre inline-four turbo-diesel, producing 115 PS (85 kW) and 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft), 5-speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with optional gear reduction. It is a badge engineered version of the Dongfeng Rich, which has a partnership with PSA.^[22] It comes as a Crew Cab (5 passengers) short bed (1.40 m x 1.39 m cargo area) version (5.08 m in length) with a payload of 815 kg. Market introduction started in September 2017.

Engines

Nissan first offered the D22 with a four-cylinder engine, the KA24DE, but added the V6 engine, the VG33E in 1999. In Australia the D22 had the KA24E till 1999, then changed to KA24DE option that year. A 3.0-litre V6 was introduced in June 2000. A supercharged version of the 3.3-litre V6 became available with introduction of the facelifted 2001 models. In February 2003, 4x4 models received a larger 3.3-litre V6 (available only with a 5-speed manual), while 4x2 models continued with the 3.0 (with manual or automatic transmissions). The V6 was dropped in 2005, leaving the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel as the only available engine.^{[clarification needed]}

The first series of D22s had larger (QD32) 3.2-litre normally aspirated diesel engines producing 75 kW. It also had a (NA20S) 2.0-litre petrol SOHC 8 valve engine producing 75 kW.

Safety

The African version of the NP300 received 0 stars for adult occupants and 2 stars for infants from Global NCAP in 2018 (similar to Latin NCAP 2013).^[24]

Gallery

• 2001–2004 Facelift Nissan D22 Frontier extended/king cab
• 2010-2011 Facelift Nissan D22 Navara DX regular cab (Australia). Note: updated exterior door handles from 2009 onwards.
• 2007 Zhengzhou Nissan D22 Pickup Facelift in China
• 2010 Dongfeng/ZNA Rich, based on the pre-facelift D22 Navara

International names

• Big M Frontier (Thailand, 1998–2001)^[7]
• Datsun (Japan)
• Didsun or Datsun (Persian Gulf countries)
• Fiera (Bolivia)
• Frontier (USA, Canada, Philippines, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil and Thailand, 2001–2007)
• Navara (Europe and Australasia)
• NP300 (Mexico, some European markets; in Mexico "Frontier" is a luxury trim of the NP300)
• NP300 Hardbody (South Africa)
• Pick Up (Europe, Central and South America, Africa, Asia)
• Terrano (Chile)
• Skystar (Turkey, facelift Navara)
• Winner (Middle East) (Crew Cab only)

Outside the U.S.

The Navara in Europe came with an updated Euro IV compliant engine on post September 2006 vehicles. It has four trim levels, the S, SE, Outlaw and Aventura. The Aventura trim package is equipped with leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, six-stacker CD/MP3 changer and satellite navigation as standard.

In Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, the D40 Navara has a few differences from the UK versions. There are two engines available, 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine and the V6 petrol. The 2.5 diesel engine Mid Power version (2WD and 4WD base models) produces 106 kW (142 hp) at 4000 rpm and 356 N⋅m (263 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm, High Power version (4WD upgrade models) produces 128 kW (172 hp) at 4000 rpm and 403 N⋅m (297 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm. The V6 produces 198 kW (266 hp) at 5600 rpm of power and 385 N⋅m (284 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm. Both engines come with a standard five-speed automatic, with a six-speed manual available for the diesel. These models do not have leather, climate control or satellite navigation system like their UK versions.

The 2008 model of the Navara was launched on 2 July. Changes included a new style of alloy wheels, Bluetooth as standard, side work lights and indicators on the wing mirrors.

The 2008 Single Cab became available in Thailand 6 March. The 2.5-litre engine reduces the torque output from 356 N⋅m (263 ft⋅lbf) to 294 N⋅m (217 ft⋅lbf) at 2,000 rpm. This model has 15-inch wheels. Power steering is standard. Also available are electric mirrors and central power locking as optional extra. Nissan planned to sell the single cab and began to export worldwide at the same month. Nissan also continues to sell the D22 pickups with minor updates for a lower price (now called as Frontier LCV).

The Nissan Navara Double Cab became available in Malaysia on 5 November 2008. It is available with a 2.5-litre diesel engine producing 128 kW (172 hp) and 403 N⋅m (297 ft⋅lbf), only with a five-speed automatic. A year later the six-speed manual version became available. The D22 series Nissan Frontier remains on sale in Malaysia with a manual transmission.

In November 2008, Nissan Thailand Released the all-new Nissan Navara Calibre with a 144 PS (106 kW) at 4000 rpm 36.3 kg·m (356 N·m; 263 ft·lbf) at 2000 rpm available with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Facelift

For North American Frontiers model year 2009, and European Navaras model year 2010, Nissan updated the shape of some minor components.

The 2010 Nissan Navara facelift introduced a new 3.0-litre V9X V6 turbodiesel engine producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 369 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) at 2,500 rpm and a revised 2.5-litre dCi unit (YD25DDTi High Power) which produces 190 PS (140 kW) and 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) of torque. The 2011 Nissan Navara and Pathfinder facelift V6 develop 170 kW (231 PS) and 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) of torque between 1,700 rpm and 2,500 rpm^{[citation needed]} and the VQ40DE remains the same with the 261 hp (195 kW) at 5600 rpm; 281 lb⋅ft (381 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm.

There are subtle changes to the headlights and bonnet. The V-shaped grille shell is less pronounced and the bumper is rounder and projects 80 mm further forward, but the six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels or optional 18-inch alloy wheels are the biggest change.

Inside the new Navara (top-of-the-line model), Nissan designers have specified softer materials of a better quality for the dash, seats and interior moulds. The centre console and fascia designs have been revised, as have the instrument binnacle layout and door trims. Additional bright/gloss finish surfacing is used throughout the cabin. The six-stack CD audio system or the TV Navigation entertainment console is upgraded with speed-sensing volume, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity for the (six disc CD audio system). Other new or revised features include dual-zone climate control, remote audio/Bluetooth/trip computer controls on the steering wheel, trip computer, external temperature gauge, speed-sensitive variable windscreen wipers and 'follow me home' lighting. The electric mirrors now fold in fully for car washes or parking in narrow spaces.

Importantly, the upgraded Navara (diesel only) gains stability control, which Nissan calls Vehicle Dynamics Control and all petrol V6 and diesel variants gain side-impact and side-curtain airbags to complement the dual front airbags.

Nissan updated the Frontier for the 2020 model year with a new 3.8-litre V6 and a nine-speed automatic, with the manual transmission being discontinued. The 6-speed manual is available in Canada only on the Pro-4X model. The engine replaces both the outgoing 4.0L V6 and the 2.5L I4, and produces 310 hp (231 kW), although torque remains the same.^[31] The lineup has also been revised: the Frontier King Cab model will offer both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations on the S and SV models; the Crew Cab model, meanwhile, extends rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive to the SV short bed and SV long bed trims, while the Pro-4X gets four-wheel drive exclusively. Power windows and locks are now standard on all trim levels.^[32]

Safety

The D40 Navara has undergone Euro NCAP crash testing along with the Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max, and received one star with a strikeout; however, after retesting with upgraded computer software it went from the lowest in the group to the highest (overall) with 3 stars. Among the problems discovered during the test was delayed airbag deployment and insufficient seatbelt restraint, which were solved with the software upgrade.

Awards and recognition

• 2021 Nissan Frontier is an Edmunds.com 2021 Top-Rated Midsize Truck.^[35]
• 2011 Nissan Frontier received the highest rating for Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Front, Side, and Roof Strength Evaluations.
• 2011 Nissan Frontier was an Edmunds.com 2011 Top Recommended Compact Truck.^[36]
• 2010 Nissan Frontier received the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Highest Side-impact Safety Rating (5 stars).^[37]
• 2010 Nissan Frontier Received J.D. Power and Associates Highest Ranked Midsize Pickup in Initial Quality Award.^[38]

Safety

The Latin American 2022 Frontier has disc brakes on all wheels.^[48]

2020 facelift

On 5 November 2020, Nissan unveiled the facelifted D23 Navara along with the introduction of the Pro-4X trim level. The engines remain the same, but active safety equipment has been added. The facelifted model goes on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2021.^[50]

The pre-facelift model stays produced in Barcelona plant for European markets until December 16, 2021.^[51] The reasons are declining sales of the Navara in the region and the fact the plant has been shut down.^[52]

In March 2022, Nissan started producing the facelifted Frontier in Argentina.^[53] As of 2022, 34% of its parts are locally made and 65% of its production (including the Renault Alaskan) is exported.^[54]

• 2022 Nissan Navara (facelift; Chile)
• 2021 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X (facelift; Colombia)
• 2021 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X (facelift; Colombia)
• Interior

Nissan Navara EnGuard Concept

The EnGuard concept is a modified D23 Navara pitched directly towards emergency rescue organisations.^[55] Unveiled at the 2016 Hannover Motor Show, the concept is notable for being the first prototype with a Nissan designed and developed portable battery pack.^[56] Other features that cater for rescue organisations include an onboard DJI Phantom 4 drone, an increased ride height, strobe lights and a fully adjustable suspension system.^[56][55]

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

On 25 October 2016, Mercedes-Benz revealed 2 concept pickup trucks previewing the upcoming joint-built pickup to be called "X-Class". The X-Class is based on the platform of the D23 Navara and is built in Barcelona, Spain with planned production in Córdoba, Argentina, however, the latter was cancelled due to a disagreement between Nissan and Mercedes-Benz regarding production costs as well as that country's economic situation.^[57][58] Production of the X-Class was discontinued in 2020 due to poor sales.

Renault Alaskan

Renault revealed the production version of the Alaskan Pickup Concept which will be based on the current Navara platform. The Alaskan was shown alongside other Renault Models at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October.

From October 2016, the Alaskan is sold in Colombia.^[59] The pick-up was sold throughout Europe in 2017.^[60]

Production commences in Santa Isabel, Argentina from October 2020.^[61]

Dongfeng Rich 6

In October 2018, the Dongfeng Rich 6 was launched as a more premium pickup option under the Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. brand and produced by Zhengzhou Nissan alongside the Chinese market Navara. The Dongfeng Rich 6 features a redesigned front end resulting in an extra 35 mm of length with the rest of the vehicle body being shared directly with the Navara.^[62]