2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, particularly in its Limited trim, exuded a sense of luxury and capability. Its Iconic Silver paint and chrome accents gave it a stately appearance, while the plush leather seats and high-end audio system added to its upscale feel. The truck was designed to handle a variety of tasks, from towing heavy loads to providing a comfortable ride to a high-end restaurant. The power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easier, and the spacious interior offered ample room for passengers and cargo. The F-350 came in multiple trims, with the higher-end models featuring more luxurious interiors. The test model was a crew cab with a single-rear-wheel axle and a standard cargo bed, equipped with a powerful turbodiesel V8 engine and four-wheel drive, making it a formidable presence on the road.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Frontier arrived as a fresh contender in the midsize pickup segment, showcasing a rugged design reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody trucks. The Frontier was available in a variety of colors and offered two interior shades, with the test model featuring a Baja Storm exterior and charcoal leather seating. The Frontier was slightly longer than its predecessor, but still maintained a manageable size for urban environments. It was available in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the latter offering more practical rear seating. The Frontier's design and engineering targeted competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, aiming to provide a balance of style, comfort, and capability. The truck also offered a range of optional accessories, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was powered by a robust 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size and power, the truck managed to achieve an average fuel economy of 15.4 mpg during testing, which improved to 16.5 mpg with highway driving. The F-350's diesel engine provided ample power for towing and hauling, and its 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth performance. The Tremor off-road package enhanced the truck's capabilities with features like a front suspension lift, custom dampers, and all-terrain tires, making it suitable for challenging terrains. However, its size posed challenges in urban environments, requiring careful navigation and parking.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering strong acceleration and efficient power delivery. The Frontier's towing capacity was 6,720 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. While not class-leading, these figures were competitive within the midsize segment. The Frontier's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for rear-wheel-drive models, with slightly lower figures for four-wheel-drive versions. The PRO-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like Bilstein shocks and skid plates, making it a versatile option for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a spacious and comfortable interior, particularly in the crew cab configuration. The Limited trim featured power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, providing a commanding driving position. The truck's interior was well-equipped with storage options, including a large center console and dual glove compartments. Rear-seat comfort was impressive, with ample legroom and heated outboard seats. The cargo bed was accessible with optional steps and featured a configurable BoxLink system for securing loads.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in front-seat comfort, thanks to Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, which provided exceptional support. The truck offered convenient storage solutions, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab provided adequate rear-seat space, the King Cab's rear seats were less practical for passengers. The Frontier's cabin featured multiple cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seats, enhancing its utility for everyday use.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's technology offerings included an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. While functional, the screen size was smaller compared to competitors, impacting the usability of features like the reversing camera and trailer assistance systems. The infotainment system included smartphone integration, a navigation system, and a premium B&O sound system. The truck also offered a range of driver-assistance features, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier made significant strides in technology, offering an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The interface was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access to key functions. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional upgrades like a wireless phone charger and a premium Fender stereo. The Frontier also offered a range of safety features through the Technology Package, enhancing its appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, with its substantial weight and size, was likely to offer good protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. It came equipped with a suite of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features helped mitigate the risks associated with driving such a large vehicle, although the adaptive cruise control system had some limitations in stop-and-go traffic.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it was expected to perform better than its predecessor. The truck came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, providing a comprehensive safety package for drivers.