2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and upscale truck, particularly in its Denali trim, which was often compared to owning a Mercedes in the truck world. The Sierra AT4 variant, priced at $78,938 Canadian, was designed for off-road enthusiasts, featuring a 5 cm suspension lift, Rancho monotube shocks, and a two-speed Autotrac transfer case. The AT4 CarbonPro Edition added a carbon fibre composite cargo bed and a MultiPro Audio System, enhancing its rugged appeal. Despite its aggressive mud-terrain tires and black-on-black design, the Sierra's interior was criticized for its abundance of black plastic and lack of luxury, especially given its high price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Frontier arrived as a fresh contender in the midsize pickup segment, boasting a design reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody. With nine exterior colours and two interior shades, the Frontier offered customization options, while the PRO-4X trim level provided off-road capabilities. The Frontier's interior was a significant improvement, featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity seats and enhanced insulation for a quieter ride. Although the King Cab's rear seats were cramped, the Crew Cab offered more space and storage options. The Frontier's design and comfort set a new standard in the midsize truck segment, making it a strong competitor against rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, providing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered impressive power and fuel efficiency, averaging 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Sierra's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its AT4 suspension, which handled tough terrain with ease. With a towing capacity of 4,173 kilograms and a payload of 962 kilograms, the Sierra was a capable workhorse.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier featured a retuned 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered strong acceleration and passing power. The Frontier's towing capacity was 2,944 kilograms, with a payload of 635 kilograms. While not class-leading, these figures were competitive. The Frontier's hydraulic steering system provided a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim offered off-road features like Bilstein shocks and skid plates, making it a capable off-roader.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided comfortable seating with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats offered ample space, with heated outboard seats and rear air conditioning vents. The Sierra's CarbonPro Edition added a lightweight cargo bed, increasing payload capacity. However, interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with limited innovative storage solutions.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, thanks to its Zero Gravity seats. The Crew Cab offered decent rear-seat space, while the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier provided ample storage options, including eight cupholders and under-seat storage in the Crew Cab. Overall, the Frontier's interior comfort and storage options were superior to its competitors.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a range of camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sierra's Bose sound system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant technological advancements, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless projection was not supported. The PRO-4X trim included wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the optional Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS.

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, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Frontier also featured adaptive cruise control and eight airbags, providing a strong safety package.