2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, enhancing the already premium Denali and AT4 trims. With eight trim levels, the Sierra offered a robust lineup, including Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate. The Sierra's design updates, such as a wider-looking grille and new split-C headlights, gave it a more aggressive appearance compared to the Silverado. The Denali's grille featured a "tri-linear" theme with thicker chrome inserts, while the Denali Ultimate had dark-coloured "Vader bars." The Sierra's interior saw significant changes, with a redesigned dash and new materials, making the cabin feel more spacious. The AT4X and Denali Ultimate trims offered luxurious interiors with premium leather, wood trim, and unique topographical map details.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier, available in six trims in Canada, retained its well-received exterior redesign inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody. The new Midnight Edition added blacked-out elements to the SV trim, while the Pro-4X featured unique alloy wheels and Lava Red interior accents. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on most trims, along with a power-adjustable driver's seat. The Frontier offered nine exterior colour options, including "Baja Storm" tan and Tactical Green. The interior, redesigned for 2022, continued to impress with its practicality and comfort, featuring Zero Gravity seats and ample storage space. The Pro-4X trim balanced off-road capability with on-road comfort, thanks to its refined suspension and noise reduction measures.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder, a 3.0-litre Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six, a 5.3-litre V8, and a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8. The turbo-four produced 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, with improved gear ratios for smoother shifts. The diesel engine delivered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms for 2WD models. The V8 engines provided 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque for the 5.3-litre and 420 hp and 460 lb-ft for the 6.2-litre. The Sierra's ride was smooth and comfortable, with the Denali Ultimate offering a luxurious experience. The AT4X trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Multimatic DSSV dampers and e-locking differentials.

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 Frontier's 4WD system allowed for shift-on-the-fly capability, with hill-start assist and hill-descent control as standard features. The Pro-4X trim focused on balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort, featuring Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and noise reduction measures. The Frontier's towing capacity reached up to 2,952 kilograms, with a maximum payload of 635 kilograms. Fuel economy ratings were 12.8 L/100 km in the city and 10.2 on the highway for most versions, with the Pro-4X slightly less efficient.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted impressive interior space, with front headroom of 1,093 mm and legroom of 1,131 mm. Rear-seat passengers in the crew cab enjoyed 1,102 mm of legroom. The Sierra's cargo capacity was best-in-class, even with the short bed. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, though the gloveboxes were on the smaller side. The driver-oriented cockpit had a low centreline, with screens and controls positioned lower than expected. The AT4X trim had off-road controls in two different locations, adding to the complexity.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier offered two cab configurations: Crew Cab and King Cab. The Crew Cab provided more interior space, while the King Cab was smaller. The Frontier's cargo bed volume increased, with the 5-foot bed offering 1,135 litres and the 6-foot bed 1,314 litres. The hydraulically assisted tailgate opened slowly and could be closed with one hand. The Pro-4X trim featured skid plates for off-road protection. Inside, Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, and the interior offered ample storage space, including under-seat storage in the second row.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 featured larger display screens, with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen on most trims. The infotainment system included Google built-in, Bluetooth, OnStar, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Denali models had an interactive start-up screen with topographical maps. The infotainment system was fast and responsive, with personalization options and dual modes. Wireless charging was available on higher trims, along with a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier made wireless Apple CarPlay standard on the Pro-4X trim, with wired connections required for other trims and Android Auto users. The Pro trim featured USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and two 120-volt power outlets. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen for most trims, with a 9-inch system on the Pro-4X. A four-speaker audio system was standard, with a 10-speaker Fender premium sound system available. The 7-inch digital gauge cluster was standard, and the Pro-4X offered an off-road gauge cluster and Intelligent Around-View Monitor.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced GM's Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system available on the Denali Ultimate. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving with automatic lane changes and trailering capability. The Sierra featured up to 14 camera views, including a bed view camera, and a GCW Alert for overload detection. GMC Pro Safety included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The Sierra received mostly "Good" crash safety ratings from the IIHS but had a "Marginal" grade in the front-passenger small overlap test and a "Poor" grade for headlights. NHTSA rated 2WD models four out of five stars for crashworthiness.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier came with standard driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Traffic-sign recognition was standard on the Pro-4X. NHTSA gave the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with a five-star side crash test score. The IIHS rated the 2022 model Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention and Acceptable for seat belt reminders.