2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Nissan Frontier’s design had aged gracefully, resembling a well-preserved 2005 model. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its tube-style roof rack, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, knobby white-lettered tires, standard spray-in bedliner, and cool bedside graphics. Available in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, the Frontier offered various trims and packages, including the Value Truck Package, Midnight Edition Package, and Special Edition Package. The interior, reminiscent of mid-2000s Nissan designs, featured hard plastic materials but was solidly built, free from squeaks and rattles.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, redesigned for 2020 with further enhancements in 2021. It offered a wide variety of body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, including special editions like the Carhartt Special Edition. The Silverado 2500HD came with new camera technology and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The truck’s exterior, especially in certain paint colors, had a bold, almost toy-like appearance. Integrated BedSteps and large CornerSteps provided access to the high bed, though it was challenging for shorter individuals.

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 engine replaced the old 4.0-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. The new powertrain offered smooth and refined performance, with strong acceleration and quick, clean shifts. The Frontier’s maximum tow rating was 6,720 pounds, and it achieved an average of 19.3 mpg in combined driving. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the turning radius was wide. The PRO-4X trim’s Bilstein off-road shocks provided a mixed ride quality, absorbing trail ruts but transmitting road surface irregularities into the cabin.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a choice between a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel came with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. The diesel engine was particularly well-suited for towing, with a maximum trailering capacity of 18,500 pounds. The Silverado 2500HD’s payload capacity varied depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, with the gas engine offering up to 3,979 pounds. The truck’s fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but it performed well on highways and during extended road trips.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier’s interior offered ample storage, including dual glove compartments and a bin under the center armrest. The PRO-4X trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, though it lacked Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, making long drives less comfortable. Rear seat space was tight, with a flat bench seat and limited backrest angle. The bed, equipped with a spray-in bedliner and Utili-Track channel system, had a payload capacity of 1,020 pounds and a total volume of 27.1 cubic feet.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with more headroom than most SUVs. The Crew Cab version offered generous rear seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window with defogger. Higher trims added bucket seats, a full center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, and single-zone climate control were standard, with more luxurious features available on upper trims.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier’s technology was basic, with a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, navigation, voice recognition, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Siri Eyes Free was available for iPhone users. The limited technology was both refreshing and outdated.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system had some usability issues, particularly when scrolling through radio stations. Additional standard features included a 12-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features ranged from a 120-volt power outlet and WiFi hotspot to a Bose audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet’s camera technology was a highlight, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier had poor crash-test scores, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but only three stars for the driver and two stars for the front passenger in frontal impacts. The IIHS rated it "marginal" in the small overlap frontal-impact test, and the headlights received a "poor" rating. Safety features were limited to a reversing camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other features. Additional available safety technologies included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, and OnStar services.