2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a significant part of Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, which aimed to introduce 10 refreshed or redesigned vehicles within 20 months. This midsize pickup truck arrived with a bold, rugged design reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s. The Frontier was available in nine exterior colours and two interior shades, with the PRO-4X trim offering exclusive options like charcoal leather seating. Slightly longer than its predecessor, the Frontier maintained a manageable size for garages and parking spaces. It was positioned against competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, with options for King Cab or Crew Cab configurations, offering practical features like a spray-in bedliner and LED bed lighting.

Inside, the 2022 Frontier marked a significant advancement for Nissan's midsize pickup segment. The front seats featured Nissan's acclaimed Zero Gravity technology, enhancing comfort, while improved insulation reduced noise levels. The interior boasted a new centre console with ample storage, and Nissan capitalized on customization opportunities with over 80 optional accessories. The Frontier's design and features aimed to set a new standard in comfort and capability for midsize pickups.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline was built on a unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot, offering increased rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose and classic pickup rear view. The Ridgeline's front-end design was updated in 2021 to resemble other trucks more closely. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark exterior with Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels.

Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish. The Black Edition offered features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging. The Ridgeline's interior was practical, with a focus on comfort and functionality, though it lacked standout features compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and ample 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 rack and pinion steering offered a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim featured off-road enhancements like Bilstein shock absorbers and skid plates, making it capable on trails.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Its towing capacity was 2,267 kilograms, with a payload of up to 690 kilograms. While not leading in towing, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody platform and independent suspension. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional 4WD systems.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier offered a comfortable front-seat experience with its Zero Gravity seats, providing a level of luxury uncommon in midsize pickups. The Crew Cab configuration provided adequate headroom and legroom, though the King Cab's rear seats were less suitable for passengers. The Frontier featured ample storage options, including eight cupholders and under-seat storage in the Crew Cab. Overall, the Frontier felt spacious and comfortable, setting a high standard for the segment.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 162.5-centimetre bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed included a lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo handling. Inside, the Ridgeline provided additional storage under the rear seats and practical controls, though it didn't excel in headroom or legroom compared to competitors.

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 interface was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless projection was not supported. The PRO-4X offered wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, with a 10-speaker Fender audio system available as part of a package.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was easy to navigate, with analog controls for vital functions. SiriusXM and navigation were available on higher trims. The Ridgeline's infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features compared to some rivals.

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.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.