2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a key player in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, marking a significant redesign in the midsize pickup segment. Its rugged, blocky styling paid homage to the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups of the 1980s and 1990s. Designed by Hiren Patel, the Frontier's aesthetic was likened to a solid block of metal machined into shape, offering a robust and modern look. Available in nine exterior colours, including the exclusive Baja Storm for the PRO-4X trim, the Frontier also featured two interior shades. The truck's dimensions were slightly larger than its predecessor, yet it remained practical for everyday use, fitting comfortably in garages and parking spaces. The Frontier was available in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with various bed lengths and optional features like a spray-in bedliner and LED bed lighting. Inside, the Frontier boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, improved insulation, and a new centre console, making it a comfortable and practical choice for drivers.

The 2022 GMC Canyon, introduced in 2015, offered a premium look and feel, particularly in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. This version featured a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, and a host of luxury interior elements, including heated and ventilated leather seats and a Bose audio system. The rugged AT4 off-road version also provided premium features, such as a black chrome grille, LED lighting, and unique wheels, while maintaining a luxurious cabin. The Canyon's material quality exceeded expectations for the class, with the Denali trim offering the most upscale experience. The Canyon's design catered to both luxury and off-road enthusiasts, providing a versatile and stylish option in the midsize pickup segment.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a retuned 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The Frontier's nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a 4WD system, offered smooth gear transitions and enhanced performance under load, thanks to its tow mode. With a maximum payload of 635 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms, the Frontier was competitive in its class. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with estimates of 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.6 on the highway. The Frontier's hydraulic steering system provided a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains, catering to a range of performance needs. Buyers could choose from a 200-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-litre V6, or a 181-hp 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine with 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines boasted a maximum tow rating of 3,175 kilograms with the Trailering package. The Canyon's V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power and smooth shifts. The AT4 trim, equipped with off-road features like 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac tires and an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case, offered a solid and steady ride both on and off the pavement. The Canyon's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like hill-descent control and optional skid plates, making it a worthy competitor in the off-road segment.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in comfort and capability, particularly in the front seats, where Nissan's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort. The Frontier offered convenient storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab provided adequate headroom and legroom for backseat passengers, the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 GMC Canyon was available in extended cab and crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of 6'2" or 5'2". The crew cab offered ample space for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab was less accommodating. The Canyon's seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustments and heating available for the front seats. The AT4's taller ride height provided excellent visibility, and features like a rearview camera and rear park assist made manoeuvring easy. The Canyon's cargo bed, with two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, offered practical storage solutions for various needs.

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 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 offered wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, while the optional Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's technology offerings varied by trim level. The Elevation Standard trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Elevation trim offered an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The AT4 added wireless charging, and the Denali trim included navigation and a high-definition rearview camera. The Canyon's infotainment system was straightforward, with easy smartphone pairing and a Bose audio system that delivered impressive sound quality.

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 lane departure warning. The Frontier also featured eight airbags and traffic sign recognition on the PRO-4X trim.

The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim level. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on higher trims, offered forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. The Canyon received four out of five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it scored poorly in some areas, such as headlights and front crash prevention.