2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 had undergone a styling update in 2022, which refined its already impressive design for a full-size truck. The wider grille and updated headlights added to its imposing presence, although the changes were more of a lateral move rather than a complete overhaul. The interior, however, marked a significant departure from its predecessor, with a focus on a more car-like cabin experience. The new dashboard featured a large screen, moving away from the simpler layout of the past. While this added complexity might not appeal to those seeking a straightforward work truck, it retained traditional climate controls and a conventional volume dial.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Frontier maintained its well-received exterior redesign inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody, with minimal changes for the new model year. The introduction of the Midnight Edition added a sleek, blacked-out aesthetic to the SV trim, while the Pro-4X trim featured unique 17-inch alloy wheels and Lava Red interior accents. The Frontier's interior, revamped in 2022, continued to offer a comfortable and functional space, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available on most trims. The nine exterior colour options provided a range of choices, from bold hues like "Baja Storm" tan to classic grayscale offerings.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with a boost in power for 2023. Two gas V8 engines were also available: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-litre V8 generating 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The gas four-cylinder engine came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms, and it had a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine as standard, producing 310 hp and 281 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was also used in the now-discontinued Nissan Titan. The Frontier's shift-on-the-fly 4WD system allowed drivers to switch between RWD and 4WD, with hill-start assist and hill-descent control as standard features. The Frontier's towing capacity was up to 2,952 kilograms, with a maximum payload of 635 kilograms. The Pro-4X trim balanced off-road capability with on-road comfort, featuring Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and a quieter cabin.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including a regular cab with a standard-size bed, a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with either a short or standard bed. The crew cab/short-bed setup provided ample cabin space, with generous head and legroom for both rows. The interior featured large storage trays in the doors and a deep centre storage compartment. The MultiPro tailgate offered multiple configurations, including a bed step-up and a fold-out workstation, while bed steps in the rear bumper provided easy access to the cargo area.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab and the King Cab. The Crew Cab offered four full-sized doors and a larger interior space, with a 6-foot bed for most trims and a 5-foot bed for the Pro-4X. The King Cab had two full-sized doors and two rear access doors, with a 6-foot bed standard. The Frontier's cargo bed volume increased with higher walls, offering 1,135 litres for the 5-foot bed and 1,314 litres for the 6-foot bed. The hydraulically assisted tailgate opened slowly and could be closed with one hand, while the Pro-4X trim featured skid plates for off-road protection.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro came with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google-connected apps. The infotainment system included a volume dial and a home button, with trailering status apps available. The Denali Ultimate trim added a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, although the outlet's placement was less convenient due to the large screen.

For the 2023 Nissan Frontier, wireless Apple CarPlay was standard on the Pro-4X trim, while a wired connection was required for other trims and Android Auto users. The Pro trim included USB ports and a wireless charging pad, with two 120-volt power outlets available. Most trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Pro-4X featured a 9-inch system. The Pro-4X also offered a 10-speaker Fender premium sound system, with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster standard across the lineup. The Intelligent Around-View Monitor with off-road mode was available on the Pro-4X.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and GM’s Teen Driver system. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system. The Denali Ultimate trim included a surround-view camera system and parking sensors, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard. The Pro-4X trim added traffic-sign recognition. The NHTSA gave the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with high marks in side crash tests but lower scores in frontal crash and rollover tests. The IIHS rated the 2022 model highly for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention.