2021 GMC Canyon vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a second-generation model, had been on the market for several years, having first appeared in 2015 after a brief hiatus. This break seemed to have been beneficial, as the first-generation model was not well-received. The Canyon underwent its first refresh after six years, which was longer than the typical mid-cycle refresh period. The most significant updates included a larger grille and a revised front bumper, aligning its appearance more closely with the full-size GMC Sierra. Despite these changes, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was not a major issue in the midsize pickup segment, where many competitors were also older models. The interior of the Canyon was functional, with a sensible layout for controls, although the quality of materials was not particularly high. The trims available included Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali, each offering various features and options.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Frontier represented a significant redesign as part of Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy. The new Frontier featured a blocky, rugged design reminiscent of the old Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s. The Frontier was available in nine exterior colours and two interior shades, with the PRO-4X trim offering exclusive options. The 2022 model was slightly longer than its predecessor but remained a midsize pickup, competing with models like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. The Frontier offered both King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the King Cab featuring a 6-foot bed and the Crew Cab offering a choice between a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. The interior of the Frontier was a significant improvement, with comfortable Zero Gravity seats and better insulation to reduce noise. The Frontier also offered numerous customization options, with over 80 optional accessories available.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon's base engine struggled with performance, making the V6 a more suitable choice, although it still required aggressive throttle input for lively performance. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, provided off-road capabilities without compromising on-road manners. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 3,493 kilograms (7,700 pounds) with the turbodiesel engine, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 734 kilograms (1,619 pounds).

The 2022 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The Frontier's maximum payload was 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds), and it could tow up to 2,944 kilograms (6,490 pounds). The Frontier's transmission was responsive, shifting down eagerly when climbing hills and optimizing fuel efficiency on level ground. However, its fuel efficiency was not as competitive as some smaller or diesel-powered trucks. The Frontier's hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided a heavier steering feel, which some traditional truck enthusiasts might appreciate. The PRO-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and skid plates, along with a best-in-class approach angle of 32.3 degrees.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab variants. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats in the second row, suitable for children or small items. The Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, but seat adjustment was somewhat awkward. Storage options included a centre console and small trays in the doors, although they were not spacious. The Canyon offered two bed sizes: a short bed measuring 1,567 mm (5-foot-2) and a long bed at 1,880 mm (6-foot-2). The Extended Cab came with a long box, while the Crew Cab offered both options. The Canyon featured GM's CornerStep rear bumper for easy bed access and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote power locking.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in comfort and capability, particularly in the front seats, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity seats. The Frontier offered more convenient storage options than competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Crew Cab provided adequate headroom and legroom for backseat passengers, although it was not as spacious as a full-size pickup. The King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier's Crew Cab featured eight cupholders, with four large enough for one-litre bottles, and additional storage beneath the rear seat. Overall, the Frontier felt more advanced in terms of comfort and space compared to its rivals.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the latest GMC infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system had crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, with physical buttons and dials for easy operation. An optional 8-inch screen with navigation was available on the Elevation and AT4 trims and standard on the Denali, which also included HD radio and a wireless charging pad. The Denali trim featured a 4.2-inch colour driver display for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on the S and SV 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, requiring a wired connection. The PRO-4X trim offered wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Crew Cab models featured four USB ports, and an optional 10-speaker Fender audio system was available as part of a luxury package.

The 2021 GMC Canyon included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for towing.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. These included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent forward collision warning, lane departure warning, trailer sway control, rear-door alert, adaptive cruise control, and an easy-fill tire alert. The Frontier also came with eight airbags and traffic sign recognition on the PRO-4X trim.