2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 presented a fresh face after a complete redesign in 2019, maintaining its new look into 2020 with little change. The savvy evolution from its predecessor drew admiration for its straight lines and crisp angles, evoking a timeless stoicism. Internally, the layout of the 2020 model resembled the old 2018 version, although the dash seemed flatter, adding a peculiar jukebox appearance. Despite this, all controls were well-placed, which mattered the most.

Available in six trims—Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and AT4—the Base model came equipped with a V6 engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, and basic connectivity options like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a USB port. Moving up the trims added features such as a WiFi hotspot and remote keyless entry. The Elevation trim stood out with body-color bumpers and black grille accents, while the AT4 catered to off-road enthusiasts with all-terrain tires and red tow hooks. Inside, black leather seats with brown accents added to the rugged yet upscale feel. The Denali continued its reign in luxury with features like exterior chrome accents and a head-up display.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Frontier appeared like a time capsule from 2005, with its design standing the test of time. Particularly in the PRO-4X trim, the Frontier’s tube-style roof rack, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, and knobby tires gave it a distinctive look. Offered in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, the Frontier provided choices between base S, mid-grade SV, and PRO-4X trims, with the more utility-focused models featuring standard spray-in bedliners.

Entering the Frontier’s cabin was like stepping into the mid-2000s, with hard plastic materials but a remarkably solid construction. The PRO-4X added leather upholstery but retained a simple, practical interior design.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a plethora of engine options, starting with a 4.3-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. This base engine was joined by a high-feature 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. A notable addition was the Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, capable of 277 hp and an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. The V8 options included a 5.3-liter (355 hp and 383 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp and 460 lb-ft). All engines were paired with an automatic transmission, with the AT4 trim we tested featuring a 10-speed transmission with a column shifter and a robust 4WD system.

The AT4, with its 6.2-liter V8, showcased powerful acceleration and a classic V8 power surge, easily towing up to 12,100 pounds. However, the rough ride over non-smooth surfaces was a trade-off for its off-road prowess.

In comparison, the 2020 Nissan Frontier introduced a new 3.8-liter V6 engine, replacing the old 4.0-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. This new powerplant boasted 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier’s new engine provided a smoother and more refined driving experience, while acceleration remained strong. Fuel economy for the combined cycle improved slightly, with our tests averaging 19.3 mpg.

Despite the refined powertrain, the Frontier’s driving dynamics, including slow and heavy steering and a wide turning radius, felt ancient by modern standards. Off-road shocks provided smooth driving over rugged terrain but allowed bumps to make their way into the cabin.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered versatility with configurations ranging from a single cab with a long bed to a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with either a standard or short bed. Our crew cab test model featured a carbon-fiber bed and MultiPro tailgate. The carbon-fiber bed reduced weight for better fuel efficiency, and the MultiPro tailgate acted as both a bed extender and a set of steps. The Sierra's cabin was replete with storage spaces and rear seats that folded up for added interior cargo space.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier’s cabin, particularly in the PRO-4X trim, provided practical storage solutions, including dual glove compartments. The eight-way power-adjustable driver seat gave a high and supportive driving position, although it did lose some comfort during long trips. The tight rear seat space was common for midsize pickups, and the lack of rear AC vents or USB ports showed its age.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Frontier’s bed was equipped with a spray-in bedliner and a Utili-Track system, although it offered only 27.1 cubic feet of volume. The Frontier’s payload stood at 1,020 pounds with a max towing capacity of 6,720 pounds, compared to the Sierra’s greater flexibility and higher towing capabilities.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500's infotainment system was simple, featuring clear graphics, large icons, and sensible menus. Tactile controls for the radio and climate were straightforward, offering a pleasant user experience. The AT4 trim added advanced features like a head-up display, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, however, sported a much smaller 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which included navigation and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. Despite lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it did support Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free voice assistance.

Safety was a strong suit for the GMC Sierra 1500, equipped with a reversing camera, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and a host of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The innovative rear camera mirror further enhanced safety by providing a clear view behind the truck.

The Nissan Frontier, in contrast, lagged considerably in safety. The NHTSA rated it four stars overall but only three stars for frontal-impact protection and two stars for the front passenger. The IIHS ratings were not much better, with marginal results for frontal-impact tests and poor headlights. The Frontier lacked modern driver-assistance technologies, with only a reversing camera as its noteworthy safety feature.