2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 GMC Canyon, introduced in 2015, boasted a premium aesthetic, especially in its Denali trim. This version featured a distinctive chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and chrome assist steps. Inside, it offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a Bose audio system. The AT4 off-road variant also maintained a luxurious feel with premium leather seats and a black chrome grille, while the base trims like Elevation and Elevation Standard had more standard materials. Overall, the Canyon's material quality exceeded expectations for its class.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier, available in six trims in Canada, retained its well-received 2022 redesign, inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody. The Midnight Edition added blacked-out elements, while the Pro-4X featured unique wheels and Lava Red interior accents. Heated seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat were available on most trims. The Frontier offered nine exterior colours, including "Baja Storm" tan and Tactical Green. The interior updates and exterior styling were well-received, maintaining the Frontier's appeal.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines could tow up to 3,175 kg with the Trailering package. The V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines used a 6-speed automatic. The Canyon AT4 4WD, with its V6, provided ample power and smooth shifting. Off-road, the AT4 excelled with its specialized equipment, including Duratrac tires and an electronic transfer case. The Canyon's ride and handling were solid, both on and off the road.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD system allowed for shift-on-the-fly capability. Hill-start assist and hill-descent control were standard, enhancing off-road performance. The Pro-4X trim balanced off-road capability with on-road comfort, thanks to its Bilstein shock absorbers and noise reduction measures. The Frontier's towing capacity reached 2,952 kg, with a payload of 635 kg. Fuel economy was rated at 12.8 L/100 km city and 10.2 highway for most versions.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered an extended cab with a 6'2" bed or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab provided ample space for rear passengers, while the extended cab was less spacious. The Canyon's seat height made entry and exit easy, and the seats were comfortable and supportive. The cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, with an integrated corner step rear bumper for easy access.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier came in Crew Cab and King Cab configurations. The Crew Cab offered more interior space and a 6-foot bed, while the Pro-4X had a 5-foot bed. The King Cab had a 6-foot bed standard. The Frontier's cargo bed volume increased with higher walls, offering 1,135 litres for the 5-foot bed and 1,314 litres for the 6-foot bed. The tailgate was hydraulically assisted, and the Pro-4X trim included skid plates for off-road protection. Inside, Zero Gravity seats and ample storage space enhanced comfort and functionality.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings were modest, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the Elevation Standard trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The AT4 added a wireless charging pad, while the Denali included navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. All models came with a free trial of SiriusXM, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The Bose audio system in the AT4 provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured wireless Apple CarPlay on the Pro-4X trim, with wired connections for other trims. The Pro-4X had a 9-inch infotainment system, while other trims had an 8-inch screen. The Pro-4X also included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. The available 10-speaker Fender audio system delivered impressive sound. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster, keyless entry, and push-button start were standard, with the Pro-4X offering an off-road gauge cluster and Intelligent Around-View Monitor.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim. The base model lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. The Canyon received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and mixed ratings from IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Pro-4X added traffic-sign recognition. The Frontier received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with high marks for side crash protection. IIHS ratings for the 2022 model indicated strong crash prevention capabilities.