2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 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. 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 shape was crafted to resemble a machined block of metal, offering a robust aesthetic. 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 longer than its predecessor, yet it maintained a manageable size for urban environments. The Frontier targeted competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, offering configurations such as the King Cab and Crew Cab, with various bed lengths and optional features like a spray-in bedliner and LED bed lighting.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon adopted a more aggressive design, with a front end that exuded a sense of toughness. Sharing dimensions with the redesigned Chevy Colorado, the Canyon featured a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance, providing a commanding presence. The Canyon's lineup included models like the Elevation, AT4, and Denali, each offering different levels of ground clearance and off-road capabilities. The Denali trim stood out with its luxurious interior, featuring laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery, while the AT4X model catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like a front safari bar and winch. The Canyon's design emphasized both style and functionality, appealing to those seeking a blend of ruggedness and refinement.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine, retuned for the heavier 2022 model, provided strong acceleration and ample passing power on highways. The Frontier's powertrain included a nine-speed automatic transmission with a tow mode, offering a maximum payload of 635 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms. While not class-leading, these figures were competitive. The Frontier's 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 and Bilstein shock absorbers, enhancing its trail performance.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, featured a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with the full-size GMC Sierra 1500, was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Canyon was offered exclusively with four-wheel drive, with the AT4X model boasting advanced off-road features like electronic lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Canyon's performance balanced on-road comfort with off-road prowess, with the AT4X model excelling in challenging terrains. While the Canyon's towing capacity reached 3,492 kilograms for most trims, the AT4X's rating was slightly lower, reflecting its off-road focus.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, thanks to its 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 rear-seat space, the King Cab's rear seats were more suited for storage than passengers. The Frontier's interior featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seats, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, available only as a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, offered generous interior space for a midsize truck. It boasted more first-row legroom than most competitors, with second-row legroom surpassed only by the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator. The Canyon introduced the MultiStow tailgate, providing a unique waterproof storage compartment. However, it lacked features like a telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats, which were notable omissions for a premium brand. The Canyon's towing and payload capacities were competitive, though slightly lower than some rivals.

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, featuring physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless connectivity was not supported. The PRO-4X trim offered wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with an optional 10-speaker Fender audio system available in a luxury package.

The 2023 GMC Canyon featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display on higher trims. The infotainment system included Google Built-In functionality, offering a seamless experience for Android users. The Canyon's tech offerings catered to tech-savvy buyers, with features like an Off-Road Performance Display and a surround-view camera system enhancing its off-road capabilities. The system's graphics were visually appealing, and the underbody camera view was particularly useful for off-roading.

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 PRO-4X trim added traffic sign recognition, enhancing its safety credentials.

Similarly, the 2023 GMC Canyon had not received crash-test ratings at the time of publication. It offered a standard Pro Safety Package with features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included additional safety features, such as rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control, with the Denali and AT4X models offering a Safety Alert Seat for added awareness.