2022 RAM 1500 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 truck segment. With its rugged, blocky 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 aesthetic was likened to sculpting a solid block of metal, resulting in a robust and modern appearance. Available in nine exterior colours and two interior shades, the Frontier offered a variety of customization options. The truck's dimensions were slightly larger than its predecessor, yet it remained compact enough for easy parking and garage storage. The Frontier targeted competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, offering configurations such as the King Cab and Crew Cab, with bed lengths of 5 or 6 feet. Inside, the Frontier boasted significant improvements, including Nissan's Zero Gravity seats and enhanced insulation for a quieter ride. The truck also featured a new centre console with ample storage and over 80 optional accessories for customization.

The 2022 RAM 1500, available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offered a range of eight trim levels, from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The model introduced the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, enhancing the truck's technological capabilities. The RAM 1500's design retained elements of the "big rig" styling, yet it was clean and contemporary, with chrome accents that complemented the overall look. Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited trim exuded luxury, with features like quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and a premium sound system. The truck's cabin was noted for its quality materials and construction, providing a quiet and comfortable environment. The RAM 1500's design and features positioned it as a luxury truck within the full-size segment, offering a refined driving experience.

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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and ample passing power on highways. The Frontier's towing capacity reached 2,944 kilograms (6,490 pounds), with a maximum payload of 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds). While not class-leading, these figures were competitive. The truck's 4WD system included 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes, along with features like hill start assist and hill descent control. Fuel efficiency estimates were 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.6 on the highway. The Frontier's hydraulic steering system offered a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim provided off-road capabilities with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered several engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the TRX. Our test truck featured the EcoDiesel engine, a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,697 kilograms (12,560 pounds) and a payload of 807 kilograms (1,780 pounds). Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our test achieving 9.5 L/100 km. The RAM 1500's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, akin to an SUV. The truck's interior was quiet, with minimal wind, road, and engine noise. However, the brake pedal's delayed action was noted as a drawback.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, offering a level of luxury uncommon in the midsize segment. The truck provided ample storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab offered reasonable headroom and legroom, the King Cab's rear seats were less accommodating, suitable for storage rather than passengers. The Frontier featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab, positioning it ahead of the competition in terms of comfort and utility.

The 2022 RAM 1500 Limited trim offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a reclining back seat. The truck's cabin provided practical storage solutions, including a versatile centre console and concealed storage bins. The multi-function tailgate allowed for easy loading and unloading, supporting up to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds). The RAM 1500's interior space and comfort features made it a standout in the full-size truck segment, offering a premium experience for drivers and passengers alike.

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 included wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, with four USB ports available in the Crew Cab. The optional 10-speaker Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality, though it was part of a costly package.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster loading times and a broader range of features. Lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims, like our test vehicle, had a 12-inch display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and connected services. The 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Ramcharger wireless charging dock were available, though the latter's performance was inconsistent. Despite some user experience challenges, Uconnect 5 represented an improvement over previous systems.

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 truck also featured adaptive cruise control, trailer sway control, and eight airbags, with traffic sign recognition available on the PRO-4X trim.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on the Big Horn trim. Higher trims included automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and parking assistance. The IIHS awarded the RAM 1500 a Top Safety Pick rating, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact ratings suggested room for improvement.