2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

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 blocky, rugged 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 solid block of metal machined down to its final form. Available in nine exterior colours, including the striking Baja Storm, and featuring interior options like charcoal leather seating, the Frontier offered a blend of modern aesthetics and nostalgic appeal. Its slightly longer body, particularly in the nose, ensured it fit comfortably in garages and parking spots, while its closest competitors remained the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator maintained its rugged charm with minimal changes, introducing a new High Velocity Yellow paint colour and added standard equipment for the Willys model. The Canadian lineup featured six trim levels, with the Mojave trim designed for high-speed desert driving. Equipped with Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential, the Mojave was built for off-road adventures. Despite its higher price point, the Gladiator offered unique features like a removable top, removable doors, and a diesel engine option, setting it apart in the midsize pickup segment. Its design, based on the Wrangler, included a longer wheelbase and frame, giving it a distinctive look that prioritized functionality over proportions.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a retuned 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering class-leading power specs of 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This robust powertrain ensured strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The Frontier's nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a standard 4WD system in Canada, provided smooth gear transitions and improved performance under load. With a maximum payload of 635 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms, the Frontier offered competitive capabilities. However, its fuel efficiency, estimated at 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, was not its strongest suit. The PRO-4X trim added off-road enhancements like an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers, making it a formidable choice for trail enthusiasts.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine options: a standard 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower and an optional 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, while improving fuel economy, had a lower towing capacity. The Gladiator's Command-Trac part-time 4WD system was standard, with upgrades available for more advanced off-road capabilities. The Mojave trim, equipped with Fox shocks, excelled in high-speed desert driving and urban environments, providing a smoother ride compared to the Wrangler. However, the Gladiator's interior noise levels and steering precision were areas of concern, especially on highways and narrow roads. Despite these challenges, the Mojave's suspension enhancements made it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in comfort and convenience, particularly in the front seats, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity technology. The truck offered ample storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab provided adequate headroom and legroom, the King Cab's rear seats were less accommodating. The Frontier's interior featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator required some practice to enter and exit, especially through the narrow rear doors. The manually adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, but frequent readjustments were necessary. The rear seats offered good legroom and air conditioning vents, though taller passengers might find the plastic seatback panels uncomfortable. The Gladiator's cargo box, while lacking depth, included features like a spray-in bedliner and a Trail Rail Management System. With a best-in-class payload capacity of 775 kilograms, the Gladiator was well-suited for hauling gear and equipment.

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. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection, while the PRO-4X offered wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The optional 10-speaker Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality, though it was part of a costly package.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged appearance, offered a range of tech features. The standard 7-inch Uconnect 4 system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. An optional 8.4-inch touchscreen added navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Mojave trim featured Off-Road+ mode and a TrailCam forward-facing camera for off-road adventures. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, and some features required additional packages.

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 adaptive cruise control. Eight airbags and traffic sign recognition on the PRO-4X grade further enhanced safety.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator came with limited standard safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating, but its three-star rollover resistance rating indicated room for improvement. The Advanced Safety Group added forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, but lane-departure warning was not available.