2023 Ford Maverick vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a key player in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, showcasing a bold redesign that paid homage to the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups of the 1980s and 1990s. With its rugged, blocky styling, the Frontier was a midsize pickup that stood out in a crowded market. It was available in a variety of colours, including the exclusive Baja Storm for the PRO-4X trim, and offered a choice between King Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Frontier's design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a slightly longer nose that did not compromise its ability to fit into standard garages and parking spaces. Inside, the Frontier boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, providing exceptional comfort, and a host of storage solutions that made it a practical choice for everyday use.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Maverick retained its familiar look from the previous year, with a distinctive blocky front end and headlights that set it apart from other Ford trucks. The Maverick's Tremor package added off-road capabilities and unique styling elements, such as blacked-out logos and Tremor Orange accents. The interior of the Maverick was utilitarian, with a lot of hard plastic, but it offered a surprising amount of space, especially in the front seats. The Maverick's design was practical and functional, with a focus on affordability and versatility, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a compact pickup with off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a robust 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 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 the highway. The Frontier's towing capacity was 2,944 kilograms (6,490 pounds), with a maximum payload of 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds). While not class-leading, these figures were competitive within the midsize truck segment. The Frontier's hydraulic rack and pinion steering system offered a heavier feel, which some traditional truck enthusiasts appreciated. The PRO-4X trim added off-road capabilities with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, on the other hand, was notable for its standard hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid model featured a CVT and front-wheel drive, while the optional 2.0-litre turbo EcoBoost engine offered 250 horsepower and came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Tremor package enhanced the Maverick's off-road capabilities with advanced 4WD, Trail Control, and a lifted suspension. However, the Tremor package reduced towing capacity to 907 kg (2,000 lbs) and payload capacity to 544 kg (1,200 lbs), making it less suitable for heavy-duty hauling compared to the Frontier.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in providing a comfortable and spacious interior, particularly in the front seats, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity technology. The Crew Cab offered decent headroom and legroom for rear passengers, although the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than for passengers. The Frontier's cabin featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seats, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was slightly longer than other Mavericks but maintained the same legroom measurements. The Maverick offered 1,088 millimetres of front legroom and 937 mm in the second row, providing more space than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The interior was utilitarian, with hard plastics, but offered upgrade options for those seeking more comfort. The Maverick's practicality and affordability made it an attractive option for those looking for a compact truck with ample interior space.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in its technology offerings, 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, although they required a wired connection. The PRO-4X trim added wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, enhancing the Frontier's tech appeal.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, positioned as an entry-level truck, offered a basic 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with standard Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Maverick's tech was functional but not particularly impressive, with graphics reminiscent of older computer systems. The Lariat trim added a 6.5-inch driver-information display and additional tech features, including a wireless charging pad and an upgraded sound system, making it a more appealing choice for tech-savvy buyers.

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. The Frontier also featured eight airbags and traffic sign recognition on the PRO-4X trim, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, which included automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns noted in the frontal crash test. The IIHS gave it high marks for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention, but its nighttime pedestrian detection rating was lower.