2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2020 Nissan Frontier

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Frontier
2020 Nissan Frontier
$26,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Frontier
$26,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$35,800

MSRP

$26,790

Average price

$52,850

Average price

$22,891

Listings

571

Listings

262

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

5.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Off-road capability
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money
  • Outdated technology

2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Reviews Summary

Few automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup. Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. Not only is it one of the most expensive trucks on the U.S. market, but it’s also one of the most capable and upscale trucks offered by General Motors.

Trucks are more comfortable than ever and you can thank the Denali for many of those creature comforts becoming commonplace. But the Sierra Denali does not stand alone. Both Ford and Ram offer upscale pickups, and in the past decade or so, they’ve gotten a lot better at it. Ram has done a whole lot of innovating when it comes to trucks as well. Has the Denali has been overtaken by the competition that it helped create?

2020 Nissan Frontier Reviews Summary

Nissan is celebrating the Frontier’s Sweet 16 this year, but this is not a coming-of-age milestone. Rather, it’s a long-overdue retirement party. And the Frontier is going out with a bang thanks to a brand-new engine and transmission that give a preview of what the next-generation Frontier has in store. Just make sure you don’t get into an accident, or you’ll get pretty banged up yourself.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

Engine

3.8L 310 hp V6

Drive Train

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

Horsepower

310 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

MPG City

18

MPG Highway

MPG Highway

24
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Frontier
2020 Nissan Frontier
$26,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
$35,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Frontier
$26,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$35,800
$26,790
Average price
$52,850
$22,891
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.9
4.6
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

5.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Off-road capability
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money
  • Outdated technology
Summary

Few automakers have developed sub-brands with as much recognition as “Denali.” More than just a trim level, it’s a luxury brand with its own identity, somewhat separate from the rest of the GMC “Professional Grade” lineup. Today, GMC offers a Denali trim on every model, from the midsize Canyon pickup to the full-size Yukon SUV. The Denali treatment extends to the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, too. Not only is it one of the most expensive trucks on the U.S. market, but it’s also one of the most capable and upscale trucks offered by General Motors.

Trucks are more comfortable than ever and you can thank the Denali for many of those creature comforts becoming commonplace. But the Sierra Denali does not stand alone. Both Ford and Ram offer upscale pickups, and in the past decade or so, they’ve gotten a lot better at it. Ram has done a whole lot of innovating when it comes to trucks as well. Has the Denali has been overtaken by the competition that it helped create?

Nissan is celebrating the Frontier’s Sweet 16 this year, but this is not a coming-of-age milestone. Rather, it’s a long-overdue retirement party. And the Frontier is going out with a bang thanks to a brand-new engine and transmission that give a preview of what the next-generation Frontier has in store. Just make sure you don’t get into an accident, or you’ll get pretty banged up yourself.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.8L 310 hp V6
Drive Train
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
Horsepower
310 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
18
MPG Highway
24
Look and feel
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
7/10
2020 Nissan Frontier
8/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a testament to function over form, boasting a massive scale that was ready for serious work. Whether in the base trim or the luxurious Denali, the truck featured a massive grille that fed multiple radiators, supporting its hard-working engine. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and chrome wheels, and was available in premium colors like Onyx Black. Despite its flashy appearance, the Denali's cabin was somewhat underwhelming, lacking the soft-touch materials found in competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. The Sierra 2500HD prioritized simplicity and functionality, with consistent controls across all trims, making it a practical choice for those who valued straightforward operation in a truck.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, on the other hand, retained a design reminiscent of its 2005 predecessor, which had aged well over the years. The PRO-4X trim added unique features like a tube-style roof rack, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a spray-in bedliner, enhancing its rugged appeal. Available in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, the Frontier offered various trim levels and packages, including the PRO-4X Crew Cab, which was priced at $38,745. Inside, the Frontier's cabin was a throwback to mid-2000s Nissan design, with hard plastic materials but impressive build quality. Despite its age, the Frontier's character and solid construction were part of its charm, appealing to those who appreciated a truck that drove like a traditional pickup.

Performance
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
9/10
2020 Nissan Frontier
8/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two robust V8 engine options: a 6.6-liter gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission, provided exceptional power and acceleration, making it feel unstoppable. However, the truck's size and weight resulted in a poor turning radius, requiring careful maneuvering in tight spaces. The Sierra 2500HD excelled in towing and hauling capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 18,510 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,979 pounds. Despite its size, the truck achieved an average fuel economy of 16.5 mpg during testing.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Frontier featured a new 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain replaced the previous 4.0-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, offering improved performance and fuel economy. The Frontier's new engine was smooth and refined, providing strong acceleration and responsive shifts. However, the truck's steering was slow and heavy, and its turning radius was wide. The PRO-4X trim included Bilstein off-road shocks, which absorbed rough terrain but allowed road imperfections to be felt in the cabin. Despite its dated driving dynamics, the Frontier's new powertrain was a highlight, offering a blend of traditional truck character and modern performance.

Form and function
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
10/10
2020 Nissan Frontier
5/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. The Denali trim was limited to the crew cab with a choice of bed sizes. The truck featured practical elements like bed corner steps and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate, with the MultiPro tailgate offering six configurations for easy access to the bed. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD provided ample space and storage options, with additional storage under the rear seats in higher trims.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, despite its compact center console, offered ample storage with dual glove compartments and a bin under the center armrest. The PRO-4X trim included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though it lacked the comfort of Nissan's Zero Gravity designs. Rear seat space was limited, with a flat bench and minimal backrest angle, and lacked modern amenities like rear air vents and USB ports. The Frontier's bed featured a spray-in bedliner, bed-rail caps, and a Utili-Track channel system, accommodating a payload of up to 1,020 pounds, though its depth and volume were modest.

Technology
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
9/10
2020 Nissan Frontier
3/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the SLT and Denali offered an 8-inch screen with available navigation. The Denali also included an 8-inch color driver-information screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, providing essential technology without overwhelming complexity.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier's PRO-4X trim featured a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, navigation, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying on Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free for connectivity. The Frontier's technology was minimal, reflecting its age, but offered basic functionality for those who preferred simplicity.

Safety
2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD
8/10
2020 Nissan Frontier
1/10

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's size posed safety challenges, but it was equipped with cameras on all sides and two-tier trailering mirrors to aid maneuverability. Standard safety features included airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it "marginal" in the small overlap frontal-impact test, and its headlights received a "poor" rating. The Frontier's safety features were limited to a reversing camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control, lacking modern driver-assistance technologies.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Frontier scores 5.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the GMC Sierra 2500HD is the recommended choice, offering superior performance, technology, and safety features compared to the Nissan Frontier.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Frontier scores 5.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the GMC Sierra 2500HD is the recommended choice, offering superior performance, technology, and safety features compared to the Nissan Frontier.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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