2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Overview | |
MSRP$26,790 | MSRP$29,300 |
Listings65 | Listings1238 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews5.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2020 Nissan Frontier Reviews SummaryNissan is celebrating the Frontier’s Sweet 16 this year, but this is not a coming-of-age milestone. Rather, it’s a long-overdue retirement party. And the Frontier is going out with a bang thanks to a brand-new engine and transmission that give a preview of what the next-generation Frontier has in store. Just make sure you don’t get into an accident, or you’ll get pretty banged up yourself. | |
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews SummaryBrand loyalty runs rampant among truck owners, explaining how the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has retained its status as the second most popular vehicle in America despite the arguable need for improvement. Well, that, and big, juicy rebates to keep ‘em moving off dealership lots. This is a fundamentally sound truck, but it needs greater attention to the details. Perhaps that will happen with a rumored makeover for the 2022 model year. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.8L 310 hp V6 | Engine4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity3 |
Horsepower310 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City18 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway24 | MPG Highway21 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.8L 310 hp V6 | Engine Name4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower310 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City18 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway24 | MPG Highway21 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity3 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length73.3 in | Bed Length98.2 in |
Curb Weight4180 lbs | Curb Weight4520 lbs |
Height70.1 in | Height75.6 in |
Length205.5 in | Length229.5 in |
Width72.8 in | Width81.1 in |
Wheelbase125.9 in | Wheelbase139.6 in |
Maximum Payload1460 lbs | Maximum Payload2250 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity6620 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity10000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity7900 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,790 | $29,300 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 5.0 out of 10Read full review | 5.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Nissan is celebrating the Frontier’s Sweet 16 this year, but this is not a coming-of-age milestone. Rather, it’s a long-overdue retirement party. And the Frontier is going out with a bang thanks to a brand-new engine and transmission that give a preview of what the next-generation Frontier has in store. Just make sure you don’t get into an accident, or you’ll get pretty banged up yourself. | Brand loyalty runs rampant among truck owners, explaining how the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has retained its status as the second most popular vehicle in America despite the arguable need for improvement. Well, that, and big, juicy rebates to keep ‘em moving off dealership lots. This is a fundamentally sound truck, but it needs greater attention to the details. Perhaps that will happen with a rumored makeover for the 2022 model year. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.8L 310 hp V6 | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 3 |
Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
MPG City | 18 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 24 | 21 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.8L 310 hp V6 | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque | 281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | |
Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm | |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 18 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 24 | 21 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 3 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 73.3 in | 98.2 in |
Curb Weight | 4180 lbs | 4520 lbs |
Height | 70.1 in | 75.6 in |
Length | 205.5 in | 229.5 in |
Width | 72.8 in | 81.1 in |
Wheelbase | 125.9 in | 139.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 1460 lbs | 2250 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 2 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 6620 lbs | 10000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7900 lbs | |
Look and feel
CarGurus experts have rated the 2020 Nissan Frontier at 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 6 out of 10 for look and feel, indicating a preference for the Frontier in this category. The 2020 Nissan Frontier, especially in its PRO-4X trim, boasts a design that has aged gracefully, offering a nostalgic yet rugged aesthetic with its tube-style roof rack, unique alloy wheels, and knobby tires, all complemented by a solidly constructed interior despite its dated appearance. On the other hand, the Silverado, despite its attractive exterior and commanding stance, falls short in interior quality and design, which feels outdated and lacks sophistication.
Performance
Performance ratings from CarGurus show the 2020 Nissan Frontier scoring 8 out of 10, slightly edging out the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 7 out of 10. The Frontier's new 3.8-liter V6 engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offers a commendable blend of power, smoothness, and fuel efficiency. Although its driving dynamics reveal its age, the PRO-4X trim's off-road capability adds to its charm. The Silverado's engine lineup includes a notably efficient and powerful Duramax turbodiesel option, but its overall driving experience and towing capacity, while competent, do not significantly surpass the competition.
Form and function
In the realm of practicality and utility, the 2020 Nissan Frontier and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cater to different demands with their distinct form and function attributes. The Frontier, with its dual glove compartments and other storage solutions, offers a decent amount of interior storage despite its somewhat dated cabin design. It shines in its PRO-4X trim, equipped to tackle hauling needs with a spray-in bedliner, bed-rail caps, and a Utili-Track channel system, supporting up to 1,020 pounds of payload in its 18-inch deep and 27.1 cubic feet volume bed. However, it's the towing capacity that truly distinguishes these models; the Frontier maintains a competitive edge with a maximum tow rating of 6,720 pounds, showcasing its capability despite its midsize classification.
Conversely, the Silverado 1500, with its expansive and comfortable interior, offers an abundance of space for both passengers and cargo. It features dual dashboard glove compartments and wide, supportive front seats, emphasizing comfort and convenience. The rear seat is notably spacious, accommodating three adults comfortably, and comes with built-in storage areas. Regarding cargo, Chevrolet claims the Silverado has the deepest and roomiest bed in its class, excluding the GMC Sierra. Its innovative Multi-Flex tailgate, offering six different configurations, and a remote power tailgate enhance its utility. The Silverado's payload and towing capabilities outstrip the Frontier, boasting a payload capacity of up to 2,280 pounds and a top towing rating of 13,300 pounds with specific configurations, making it the superior choice for heavy-duty tasks.
This comparison highlights the Frontier's appeal to those valuing a rugged, reliable, and straightforward truck with decent hauling capabilities. In contrast, the Silverado 1500 caters to users requiring expansive cargo space, superior towing power, and a luxurious cabin experience, affirming its status in the full-size pickup truck segment.
Technology
Technology ratings reveal a significant gap, with the 2020 Nissan Frontier scored at 3 out of 10 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 6 out of 10. The Frontier's technology offerings are limited, with a basic infotainment system that lacks modern connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Silverado, while not leading the segment, offers a more contemporary infotainment system with quicker response times, modern graphics, and a range of connectivity options, though it still trails behind its main competitors in terms of infotainment display size and sound system quality.
Safety
Safety is a crucial concern for both models, with the 2020 Nissan Frontier scoring a mere 1 out of 10 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 achieving a 3 out of 10. The Frontier's lackluster safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, combined with minimal driver-assistance features, make it a less desirable choice for safety-conscious buyers. The Silverado fares slightly better with additional safety features and somewhat improved crash-test scores, but still does not meet the standards set by other vehicles in its class.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Nissan Frontier is 5 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 5.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Silverado 1500 edges out the Frontier by a slight margin, suggesting that it may be the more well-rounded choice for buyers, despite its higher cost.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Frontier if:
- You value a truck with a rugged, nostalgic design and solid construction.
- Off-road capability, particularly with the PRO-4X trim, is a priority.
- You prefer a simpler, more straightforward technology and safety feature set.
65 results
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Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:
- Interior space and comfort are top priorities.
- You seek a truck with a more modern infotainment system and better connectivity.
- Advanced safety features and a marginally better safety rating are important to you.
1238 results
See all
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Nissan Frontier is 5 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 5.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Silverado 1500 edges out the Frontier by a slight margin, suggesting that it may be the more well-rounded choice for buyers, despite its higher cost.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Frontier if:
Shop Now- You value a truck with a rugged, nostalgic design and solid construction.
- Off-road capability, particularly with the PRO-4X trim, is a priority.
- You prefer a simpler, more straightforward technology and safety feature set.
65 results
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:
Shop Now- Interior space and comfort are top priorities.
- You seek a truck with a more modern infotainment system and better connectivity.
- Advanced safety features and a marginally better safety rating are important to you.
1238 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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