2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, nearly as tall as the average American woman. Redesigned in 2020, it received further updates in 2021, including new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered a range of options, from the Work Truck to the luxurious High Country. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Z71 Sport Edition added to its appeal. The truck featured high-strength steel beds, 17- to 20-inch wheels, and integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps for easier access. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Silverado's exterior design leaned more towards a toy-like appearance rather than worksite sophistication.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier marked a significant step in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, arriving as a dramatically new midsize pickup truck. With blocky, rugged styling reminiscent of the old Nissan Hardbody, the Frontier was available in nine exterior colors and two interior shades. The truck was slightly longer than its predecessor but remained manageable in size. It targeted competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. The Frontier came in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with bed lengths varying by trim. Optional features included a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, and a three-channel tie-down system. Inside, the Frontier boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, improved insulation, and a new center console for better storage. With over 80 optional accessories, the Frontier catered to customization enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine had a 3,715-pound maximum payload. Towing capacities varied, with the gas engine capable of 14,500 pounds (conventional) and 17,370 pounds (fifth wheel/gooseneck), and the diesel engine able to tow 18,500 pounds. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance. Fuel economy figures were not provided for heavy-duty trucks like the Silverado 2500HD.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier's maximum payload was 1,610 pounds, and it had a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds. The truck offered strong acceleration and passing power, with a tow mode for improved performance under load. Fuel economy for rear-wheel drive models was 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined, while four-wheel drive models returned 17/22/19. The Frontier's hydraulic rack and pinion steering provided a heavier feel compared to competitors. The PRO-4X trim included off-road features like hill-start assist, hill-descent control, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and skid plates. The PRO-X trim offered similar styling without the off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version offered the most rear seat legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, a power-sliding rear window, and a four-way manual driver and front passenger seat. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, a rubberized floor, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trims offered more luxurious features, but competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD provided more upscale interiors.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity seats. The truck offered convenient storage options and felt spacious compared to competitors. The Crew Cab provided adequate headroom and legroom for rear passengers, while the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier featured eight cupholders, with four large enough for 32-ounce bottles, and additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab. Overall, the Frontier's interior comfort and functionality were ahead of the competition.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had issues with station scrolling. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch driver information display, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hot spot, an 8-inch driver information screen, a bed view camera, a Bose audio system, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, rear camera mirror, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology was a highlight, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology. A standard 8-inch touchscreen was available on the S and SV trims, while the PRO-4X featured a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but required a wired connection. Optional features included a wireless phone charger and a Kicker tailgate audio system. Crew Cab models had four USB ports, and the optional 10-speaker Fender stereo was available as part of the Premium Package. The Technology Package added safety features like blind-spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience Package included a spray-in bedliner, bed lighting, a trailer hitch, two 120-volt outlets, and heated mirrors, seats, and steering wheel.

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 with traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package, available on Work Truck and Custom models, added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, steering-wheel audio controls, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, and cruise control. Additional available safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and a following distance indicator.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360 included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a driver attention monitor, intelligent forward collision warning, trailer sway control, rear-door alert, and an easy-fill tire alert. Eight airbags were standard, and optional safety features included traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and rear sonar.