1998 Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1998-2000 Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) has a ground clearance of 175 mm (6.9 inches). This moderate ride height provides sufficient clearance to navigate rough terrain, small obstacles, and uneven surfaces, making the vehicle capable of light to moderate off-road adventures. However, it is not designed for extreme off-roading, but the clearance is well-suited for everyday driving over less-than-perfect roads and some off-highway conditions.

The maximum weight (gross vehicle weight) of the 1998-2000 Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) is 2127 kg (4,688 lbs). This value represents the total weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, and fuel. The actual payload capacity depends on the vehicle's curb weight, but the max weight suggests it can carry substantial loads, aligning with its role as a pickup truck designed for both work and recreational use. This capacity supports moderate hauling tasks suitable for many users.

Standard single-car garages typically measure around 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in width and about 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length. Given the Nissan Frontier's length of 4981 mm (4.98 meters or 16.3 feet) and width of 1689 mm (1.69 meters or 5.54 feet), it should fit comfortably inside a standard garage with some room to spare for maneuvering and opening doors. Its moderate height of 1590 mm (1.59 meters or 5.2 feet) also poses no issues for vertical clearance.

The Frontier I King Cab (D22), produced from 1998 to 2000, largely continued the size trend set by the earlier D21 model, maintaining a classic compact pickup footprint. While exact older generation dimensions vary slightly by year and market, the D22 is somewhat longer and wider than its predecessor, offering improved interior space and bed dimensions. This growth enhanced comfort and utility without significantly compromising maneuverability. So, the D22 refined size for better practicality over the earlier Frontier generation.

With a width of 1689 mm (66.5 inches), the Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) remains relatively narrow for a pickup truck, aiding ease of use in urban settings. This moderate width allows for simpler parking maneuvers, better lane compliance in tight streets, and reduces the risk of door dings in crowded parking lots. Such dimensions typically translate to better everyday usability in city conditions without the bulkiness seen in larger trucks, making it a practical option for mixed urban and light off-road use.

The Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) supports various rim and tire sizes including rims 7.0J x 15, 5.0J x 14, and 6.0J x 15, with tire sizes 235/70 R15, 265/70 R15, 195/75 R14, and 215/65 R15. Larger rim and tire combos, such as the 265/70 R15, offer improved ground contact and stability, which benefits handling and off-road traction. Meanwhile, smaller sizes like 195/75 R14 support a softer ride with better cushioning on rough roads. Users can select tire setups based on their priority between comfort, utility, or off-road capability.

The height of 1590 mm (62.6 inches) for the 1998-2000 Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) places it well within the typical range for compact pickups from the late 1990s. Competitors like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger of the time featured similar height profiles, generally ranging from about 1.55 to 1.70 meters. This height ensures a balanced center of gravity for better handling stability while providing sufficient headroom inside the cabin and maintaining practical clearance for loading and off-road challenges.

Internationally, the Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) matched closely with contemporaries such as the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200, all compact pickups popular in varied markets. Its length of nearly 5 meters and moderate width made it competitive, giving adequate cabin and cargo space without being oversized. Its ground clearance of 175 mm also aligned with norms for light to medium off-road use. Overall, the D22 balanced dimensions well against such rivals ensuring versatility, practicality, and global appeal.

The Nissan Frontier I King Cab (D22) offers a compelling blend of manageable exterior dimensions, decent ground clearance, and a payload capacity suitable for everyday work or recreation. Its slightly extended length and width compared to predecessors improved interior and cargo space without sacrificing agility. Multiple rim and tire options allow for customization depending on usage needs. Coupled with Nissan's reputation for reliability, this generation remains a practical, versatile compact pickup truck well-suited for urban driving, light off-roading, and utility tasks.