2023 RAM 2500 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. The design process, led by Hiren Patel, involved crafting the truck's shape from a solid block of metal, resulting in a robust and modern appearance. Available in nine exterior colours, including the exclusive Baja Storm for the PRO-4X trim, the Frontier offered a choice of interior shades, enhancing its appeal. Despite being slightly longer than its predecessor, the Frontier maintained a manageable size, fitting comfortably in garages and parking spaces. It targeted competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, with a focus on practicality and off-road capability.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel, while sharing similarities with the Power Wagon, distinguished itself with a unique design. It featured an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a blacked-out look, creating an aggressive yet trendy appearance. The Rebel came with a crew-cab configuration and a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed, offering versatility for various needs. The standard 6.4-litre V8 engine provided robust performance, while the optional 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel engine added a powerful alternative. The Rebel's interior, with premium materials and advanced technology, offered a luxurious experience. Despite its size, the Rebel managed to deliver a smooth and refined ride, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a capable and stylish heavy-duty truck.

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, retuned for the heavier 2022 model, provided strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a four-wheel-drive system, offered smooth gear transitions and enhanced performance under load. The Frontier's maximum payload was 635 kilograms, with a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms. While not class-leading, these figures were competitive. The truck's hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided 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, making it a formidable off-road contender.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel featured a standard 6.4-litre V8 engine, producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The optional 6.7-litre Cummins turbodiesel engine offered 370 horsepower and a remarkable 850 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Rebel's maximum towing capacity reached 7,652 kilograms with the V8 engine, while the payload capacity was 1,455 kilograms. The Cummins engine, though more efficient, came at a higher cost. The Rebel's off-road capabilities were enhanced by 20-inch wheels, a locking rear differential, and skid plates, providing a robust foundation for challenging terrains. Despite its size, the Rebel delivered a surprisingly smooth and refined ride, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in comfort and practicality, particularly in the front seats, where Nissan's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort. The truck offered convenient 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, suitable only for small items. The Frontier featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat, enhancing its practicality. Overall, the Frontier set a high standard for comfort and utility in the midsize pickup segment.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort to enter and exit, but once inside, it offered a spacious and comfortable interior. The test vehicle featured premium Natura Plus leather and bucket seats, providing comfort during long drives. The Mega Cab back seat was roomy and equipped with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB charging ports. The Rebel offered ample storage options, with hidden compartments and bins throughout the cabin. The cargo box included features like a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting, enhancing its utility. The available Ram Box storage bins added to the truck's appeal, providing secure storage for various items.

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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The PRO-4X trim added wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The optional 10-speaker Fender audio system delivered excellent sound quality, although it was part of a costly package.

The 2023 RAM 2500 introduced a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, offering customizable display configurations. The truck featured advanced camera systems and trailering technologies, including blind-spot cameras and a digital rearview mirror. The Trailer Reverse Steering Control system simplified trailer maneuvering. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 12-inch touchscreen, provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. While glare was an issue for some displays, the infotainment screen remained clear and visible. The voice-recognition system performed well, handling common queries with ease.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. These included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Eight airbags were standard, and the PRO-4X grade added traffic sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were not available, the new model was expected to perform better than its predecessor.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel came equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems proved effective on open highways, maintaining pace with traffic. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the truck's size and weight provided a sense of security.