2022 Ford Maverick vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a key player in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, marking a significant redesign in the midsize pickup segment. With its blocky, rugged styling reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s, the Frontier presented a bold new look. Designed by Hiren Patel, the truck's shape was crafted to resemble a machined block of metal, offering a robust and sturdy appearance. Available in nine exterior colours, including the exclusive Baja Storm for the PRO-4X trim, the Frontier also featured two interior shades, enhancing its appeal. Despite being slightly longer than its predecessor, the Frontier maintained a manageable size, fitting comfortably in garages and parking spots. It positioned itself as a competitor to the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, with a clear focus on challenging the Tacoma.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick presented a more conventional pickup design, drawing inspiration from larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger. However, its front end deviated from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that set it apart. The Maverick was smaller than the Ford Ranger, with a length of 5,073 millimetres and a height of 1,879 millimetres, making it more compact and easier to manoeuvre. Built on the C2 unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick offered a unique blend of pickup utility and crossover comfort. The interior design, characterized by multicoloured plastic and exposed fasteners, added a playful touch, while the base XL trim featured seats with a distinctive weave pattern. The Maverick's interior stood out for its creativity, proving that entry-level vehicles could still offer style and character.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering class-leading power specs of 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine, retuned for the heavier 2022 model, provided strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a four-wheel-drive system featuring 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes, ensured smooth power delivery. The Frontier's maximum payload was 635 kilograms, with a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms. While not class-leading, these figures were competitive. The hydraulic rack and pinion steering system offered a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim added off-road capabilities with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and skid plates, making it a formidable off-road contender.

The 2022 Ford Maverick offered a standard hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, producing a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine delivered 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered all-wheel drive. The FX4 off-road package added suspension tuning, underbody protection, and off-road drive modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Maverick's unibody platform provided a car-like driving experience, with superior ride quality compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. The hybrid powertrain offered smooth and refined power delivery, while the EcoBoost provided more towing capability and spirited acceleration.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in comfort and capability, particularly in the front seats, where Nissan's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort. The interior offered convenient storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Crew Cab configuration provided adequate headroom and legroom for backseat passengers, although not as spacious as a full-size pickup. The King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier featured eight cupholders, with additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offered more legroom than the larger Toyota Tacoma and slightly more than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The interior boasted numerous storage solutions, including cubbies, a large storage bin, and an open door-card design with clips for large water bottles. The FITS (Ford Integrated Tether System) allowed for customizable storage options, with slots for accessories like extra cupholders and a garbage bin. The 1,382 mm bed offered 680 kilograms of payload capacity, with features like an in-bed power outlet and tailgate tiedowns. The FlexBed system provided versatile storage solutions, allowing customers to create dividers or a false floor with basic tools.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The infotainment system featured physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a wired connection. The PRO-4X trim added wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, while the optional 10-speaker Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An 8-inch touchscreen and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, although the system lacked embedded navigation. The Maverick's infotainment system focused on the basics, with a large slot for phones and available wireless charging. Hybrids included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking, although its practical use in everyday driving was debatable.

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, and more. Eight airbags were standard, with traffic sign recognition available on the PRO-4X grade.

The 2022 Ford Maverick also lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and evasive steering assist.