2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was a versatile full-size pickup truck, offering three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, each with a unique appearance. It came with six engine options, paired with various automatic transmissions, and had four-wheel drive available, though rear-wheel drive was standard. Our test model featured a crew cab, short bed, and LTZ trim, equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and several premium packages, bringing its price to $75,838 Canadian. The Silverado boasted a commanding presence with its boxy design, Northsky Blue paint, and chrome accents. However, the interior felt outdated, with glossy plastics and small infotainment screens, lacking the modern sophistication expected in a truck of its calibre.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier marked a significant step in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, arriving as a newly redesigned midsize pickup truck. Its blocky, rugged styling paid homage to the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups of the past. Available in nine exterior colours and two interior shades, our test truck was a PRO-4X trim painted in Baja Storm with charcoal leather seating. The Frontier was slightly longer than its predecessor, fitting comfortably in garages and parking spaces. It offered King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the latter providing more practical rear seating. The Frontier's interior was a leap forward, featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity seats and improved insulation for a quieter ride. With over 80 optional accessories, the Frontier catered to customization enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, with the 6.2-litre Ecotec3 V8 providing maximum towing capability and a satisfying rumble. However, the Duramax turbodiesel engine was a standout choice, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque at lower revs. It delivered impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The Duramax's towing capacity was increased to 4,309 kg, though it fell short of the Silverado's maximum capabilities. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired seamlessly with the engine, and the Z71 Off-Road Package was recommended for improved suspension performance.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It offered strong acceleration and passing power, with a tow mode for improved performance under load. The Frontier's maximum payload was 635 kg, and it could tow up to 2,944 kg. A nine-speed automatic transmission managed the power, with 4WD and various off-road features available. The Frontier's fuel efficiency was estimated at 12.3 L/100 km combined. Its hydraulic steering system provided a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like Bilstein shocks and skid plates.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab offered a spacious interior with wide, supportive front seats featuring power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with heated outboard cushions and ample headroom and legroom. Storage options were plentiful but lacked innovation, and the cargo bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and tie-down hooks.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity seats. It provided convenient storage options and felt spacious compared to competitors. The Crew Cab offered manageable rear-seat space, 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, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's infotainment system featured quick loading times and modern graphics on its 8-inch HD display. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless options available. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons. However, the Bose sound system fell short of expectations, and the Silverado's trailering technologies lagged behind competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant technological advancements, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The interface was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless projection was not supported. The PRO-4X offered wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with a 10-speaker Fender audio system available in a package.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision. Its NHTSA rating was four stars overall, with four-star frontal-impact results. Safety features included forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional upgrades like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. These included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and more. Eight airbags were standard, and the PRO-4X trim offered additional features like traffic sign recognition.