2023 GMC Sierra 1500 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. Designed by Hiren Patel, the truck's shape was crafted with precision, akin to machining a solid block of metal. Available in nine exterior colours, including the striking Baja Storm, and two interior shades, the Frontier offered a variety of customization options. The truck's dimensions were slightly larger than its predecessor, yet it maintained a manageable size for urban environments. The Frontier's closest competitors were the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, with the latter being a primary target for Nissan's engineering team.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, following a styling update in 2022, continued to impress with its imposing grille and updated headlights. While the exterior changes were subtle, the interior saw a significant transformation, aligning more with the trend of making truck cabins resemble those of daily driver cars and SUVs. The new dash featured a large screen, moving away from the simpler layout of its predecessor. The Sierra offered a range of trims, from the base Pro to the luxurious Denali Ultimate, each with varying levels of features and technology. The Denali Ultimate trim, in particular, boasted nearly every available feature, including a Kicker sound system, unique interior designs, and advanced technology, making it a standout choice for those seeking luxury in a full-size truck.

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 robust powertrain provided strong acceleration and ample passing power on highways. The Frontier's nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a standard 4WD system in Canada, ensured smooth gear transitions and efficient performance. With a maximum payload of 635 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms, the Frontier was a capable workhorse, though not class-leading. Its fuel efficiency was estimated at 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.6 on the highway. The PRO-4X trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with features like Bilstein shock absorbers and skid plates, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, including a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine provided 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, while two gas V8 engines offered even more power. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms with the diesel engine, and its maximum payload was 1,093 kilograms. The truck's 10-speed automatic transmission ensured optimal performance across all engine options. The Sierra's steering was light, and its brakes provided excellent stopping power. While maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging due to its size, the Sierra excelled in providing a smooth and composed ride, especially in the Denali Ultimate trim.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, which were highly praised for their luxury in the midsize pickup segment. The Frontier offered ample storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab provided decent headroom and legroom, the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, with our test model featuring a crew cab and short bed. This setup provided generous cabin space with ample head and legroom for both rows. The interior boasted large storage trays, multiple cupholders, and a deep centre storage compartment. The MultiPro tailgate added versatility with its multiple configurations, including a bed step-up and fold-out workstation. The Sierra's bed steps in the rear bumper provided easy access to the cargo area, enhancing its practicality for everyday use.

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 projection was not supported. The PRO-4X trim included wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, while the optional 10-speaker Fender audio system offered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base Pro trim, with a more intuitive layout. Higher trims boasted a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated infotainment system included Google-connected apps, though some users found the forced interconnectivity frustrating. The Denali Ultimate trim offered a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display provided critical information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by 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 lane departure warning. Eight airbags were standard, and the PRO-4X trim added traffic sign recognition.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane keep assist. Higher trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. GM's Super Cruise driver assist system allowed for hands-free highway driving, enhancing safety and convenience.