2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 presented itself with a bold aesthetic overhaul, especially evident in its new Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants. These models built upon the already luxurious Denali and rugged AT4 trims, introducing eight distinct trim levels: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate. Despite no changes in dimensions, the Sierra appeared more imposing, with updated grille designs and new split-C headlights seamlessly integrated into the grille, giving it a cohesive and expansive look.

The Denali's grille transformed from a mesh pattern to a thicker, chrome-heavy “tri-linear” design, evoking a sense of luxury and strength. The Denali Ultimate replaced the chrome with dark-colored "Vader bars" inserts, maintaining a bold presence. Other trims like the SLT, AT4, and AT4X sported various chrome, black, and dark nickel accents, all contributing to a formidable exterior. The Denali trims also received new 22-inch wheel designs, with bright-polished chrome for Denali and low-gloss black for Denali Ultimate. Three new paint options were introduced: Titanium Rush Metallic, Dynamic Blue Metallic, and Desert Sand Metallic.

Inside, the Sierra's cabin underwent significant changes. The redesign gave it a more spacious feel, with a dash featuring long, straight lines. New materials and luxurious touches in the AT4X and Denali Ultimate trims elevated the interior experience. The AT4X boasted premium leather with contrast white piping and red stitching, genuine Vanta ash wood trim, and a microsuede headliner. The Denali Ultimate took luxury further with full-grain leather, open-pore Paldao wood, microsuede trim, and intricate topographical maps of Mount Denali embossed and laser-etched into the wood and leather.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Frontier maintained its rugged charm, inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody. Offered in S, SV, Pro-X, and Pro-4X trims, the Frontier carried over its well-received 2022 design, with minor updates. The new Midnight Edition on the SV trim added a sleek, blacked-out look, while Pro-X and Pro-4X trims featured Lava Red interior accents in stitching, steering-wheel badge, and handle inserts.

The exterior colors included a diverse palette like “Baja Storm” tan, Tactical Green, Blue Pearl, and two shades of red, alongside traditional grayscale options. The Pro trims also featured distinct design touches, ensuring the Frontier stood out in any setting.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered versatile performance with four engine choices and multiple configurations. The base 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found its power boost, producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, marking a significant improvement over the previous year. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with revised gear ratios for smoother shifts. The turbo-diesel 3.0-liter Duromax inline-six engine stood out with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering a maximum trailering rating of 13,200 pounds for 2WD models and 13,000 pounds for 4WD, positioning it as best-in-class for light-duty diesel trucks.

The Sierra also provided two potent V8 options: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 pumping out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, both mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Driving experiences varied by trim, with the Denali Ultimate providing a smooth and luxurious ride, while the AT4X combined comfort with off-road prowess, thanks to Multimatic DSSV dampers and enhanced suspension travel.

In 2023, the Nissan Frontier continued with its well-regarded 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, shared with the larger Nissan Titan and the Nissan Z, was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The Frontier provided RWD as standard, with an optional shift-on-the-fly 4WD system.

Off-road capabilities were highlighted in the Pro-4X trim, featuring Bilstein shocks and various skid plates for added protection. Hill-start assist and hill-descent control were standard, simplifying challenging terrains. The Frontier's towing capacity reached 6,720 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. It achieved an EPA rating of up to 20 mpg combined, though 4WD configurations saw slightly reduced fuel economy.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 excelled in interior space and utility. Front occupants enjoyed about 43 inches of headroom and 44.5 inches of legroom. Rear-seat passengers in the crew cab benefited from 43.4 inches of legroom, while the double cab offered 35.2 inches. Cargo capacity was best-in-class, with practical storage solutions, though glovebox space was limited. Ergonomically, the placement of controls and screens might have been considered too low, potentially distracting for the driver. Nevertheless, features like massaging seats, despite their complex operation, added to the overall comfort during long drives.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier catered to various needs with two cab configurations. The Crew Cab provided substantial interior space with four doors and a 5-foot bed, extendable to 6 feet in the SV trim. The King Cab, although smaller inside, offered a larger 6-foot bed standard. New under-rail bed lighting and increased bed volume (40.1 cubic feet for the 5-foot bed, 46.4 cubic feet for the 6-foot) enhanced utility. The tailgate, featuring hydraulic assist, made handling easier. Inside, storage was ample with significant center console and door pocket space, complemented by Zero Gravity seats for comfort.

For 2022, the GMC Sierra 1500 upgraded its technology with larger display screens. A 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with built-in Google services became standard, offering three years of complimentary service on AT4 and Denali trims. The infotainment system was both responsive and user-friendly, though the similarity between in-car navigation and smartphone-projected maps could cause confusion. Personalization options and dual-mode display added convenience, while wireless device charging was standard.

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Frontier introduced wireless Apple CarPlay on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, while Android Auto required a wired connection. These Pro trims also featured multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, alongside available wireless charging. The Pro trims boasted a 9-inch touchscreen (largest in class), with infotainment options ranging from a four-speaker system on lower trims to a 10-speaker Fender premium sound system. Additionally, the Frontier's digital gauge cluster included an off-road mode for real-time angle monitoring in 4WD.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 integrated GM’s Super Cruise as a standout feature, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Available only on the Denali Ultimate trim, it included automatic lane changing and trailering functions. The Sierra’s standard GMC Pro Safety suite offered forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and several other driver-assistance features. However, the Sierra received mixed safety ratings, including a “Marginal” score in the IIHS front-passenger small overlap test and four stars from the NHTSA for 2WD models.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier emphasized forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, and automatic emergency braking as standard safety features. Advanced options like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control were available. Nissan’s decision to exclude Safety Shield 360 as standard was based on customer input, allowing for customization. The Frontier achieved a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, excelling in the side crash test but falling short in the frontal crash and rollover tests. The IIHS rated its 2022 predecessor well in daylight and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention.