2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 GMC Canyon
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Nissan Frontier is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2022 GMC Canyon scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is the clear winner, offering superior performance, comfort, and technology. If you're in the market for a midsize pickup, the Frontier should be at the top of your list.
Choose the 2022 Nissan Frontier if:
- You prioritize a powerful engine with class-leading horsepower.
- You value advanced technology and user-friendly infotainment systems.
- You seek a comfortable and spacious front cabin with excellent storage options.
Choose the 2022 GMC Canyon if:
- You prefer a premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim.
- You need a variety of powertrain options, including a robust turbodiesel.
- You want a midsize truck with good towing capacity and off-road capabilities.
Overview | |
MSRP$28,690 | MSRP$26,800 |
Average price$28,794 | Average price$33,215 |
Listings1520 | Listings614 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2022 Nissan Frontier Reviews SummaryAs they say, “better late than never.” After 17 years, we can finally call the Nissan Frontier an all-new truck. Mostly. While the 2022 model looks, feels, and drives completely differently from the 2021 model, it still rides on the same platform as that previous-generation truck, albeit an extensively modified version. Old bones or not, it’s nearly impossible to confuse the 2022 model year Frontier with the old truck. Updated styling, an enhanced powertrain, a comfortable cabin, and real off-road capability combine to give it a notable advantage against a set of aging competitors from Ford, General Motors, and Toyota. | |
2022 GMC Canyon Reviews SummaryCompared to full-size models, midsize pickups offer buyers the convenience of a truck at a more budget-friendly price. Sure, you sacrifice a bit in the way of interior space and capability, but for many buyers, the smaller footprint and increased efficiency make these midsize offerings more livable. The GMC Canyon—corporate cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado but with a more premium look and feel—gets a couple of changes for 2022. A new Denali Black Edition equipment package joins the options list, and the High Elevation package has been renamed Elevation Premium. The 2022 GMC Canyon is available in four trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. We drove the off-road-focused AT4 model for this review. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.8L 310 hp V6 | Engine2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower310 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City18 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway24 | MPG Highway25 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.8L 310 hp V6 | Engine Name2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Torque281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower310 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City18 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway24 | MPG Highway25 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length73.3 in | Bed Length74.0 in |
Curb Weight4343 lbs | Curb Weight3950 lbs |
Height71.7 in | Height70.4 in |
Length210.2 in | Length212.4 in |
Width84.1 in | Width83.9 in |
Wheelbase126.0 in | Wheelbase128.3 in |
Maximum Payload1600 lbs | Maximum Payload1430 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity6720 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity7000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Nissan Frontier is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2022 GMC Canyon scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is the clear winner, offering superior performance, comfort, and technology. If you're in the market for a midsize pickup, the Frontier should be at the top of your list.
Choose the 2022 Nissan Frontier if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a powerful engine with class-leading horsepower.
- You value advanced technology and user-friendly infotainment systems.
- You seek a comfortable and spacious front cabin with excellent storage options.
Choose the 2022 GMC Canyon if:
Shop Now- You prefer a premium look and feel, especially in the Denali trim.
- You need a variety of powertrain options, including a robust turbodiesel.
- You want a midsize truck with good towing capacity and off-road capabilities.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,690 | $26,800 |
Average price | $28,794 | $33,215 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.1 |
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 6.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | As they say, “better late than never.” After 17 years, we can finally call the Nissan Frontier an all-new truck. Mostly. While the 2022 model looks, feels, and drives completely differently from the 2021 model, it still rides on the same platform as that previous-generation truck, albeit an extensively modified version. Old bones or not, it’s nearly impossible to confuse the 2022 model year Frontier with the old truck. Updated styling, an enhanced powertrain, a comfortable cabin, and real off-road capability combine to give it a notable advantage against a set of aging competitors from Ford, General Motors, and Toyota. | Compared to full-size models, midsize pickups offer buyers the convenience of a truck at a more budget-friendly price. Sure, you sacrifice a bit in the way of interior space and capability, but for many buyers, the smaller footprint and increased efficiency make these midsize offerings more livable. The GMC Canyon—corporate cousin to the Chevrolet Colorado but with a more premium look and feel—gets a couple of changes for 2022. A new Denali Black Edition equipment package joins the options list, and the High Elevation package has been renamed Elevation Premium. The 2022 GMC Canyon is available in four trim levels: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali. We drove the off-road-focused AT4 model for this review. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.8L 310 hp V6 | 2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm | 200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City | 18 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 24 | 25 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.8L 310 hp V6 | 2.5L 200 hp I4 |
Torque | 281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm | 200 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 18 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 24 | 25 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 73.3 in | 74.0 in |
Curb Weight | 4343 lbs | 3950 lbs |
Height | 71.7 in | 70.4 in |
Length | 210.2 in | 212.4 in |
Width | 84.1 in | 83.9 in |
Wheelbase | 126.0 in | 128.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1600 lbs | 1430 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 6720 lbs | 7000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | |
The 2022 Nissan Frontier marked a significant step in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, which aimed to deliver 10 refreshed, redesigned, or debuting vehicles over 20 months. Following major updates to models like the Kicks and Armada, and full redesigns for the Rogue and Pathfinder, the Frontier arrived as a dramatically new midsize pickup truck. Its blocky, rugged styling paid homage to the old Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s. The design process, led by Hiren Patel, involved machining a solid block of metal to create the truck's shape. The Frontier was available in nine exterior colors and two interior shades, with our test truck featuring a Baja Storm exterior and charcoal leather seating exclusive to the off-road PRO-4X and 2WD PRO-X trims.
The 2022 Frontier was slightly longer than its predecessor, particularly in the nose, but the overall growth was not dramatic. It fit well in garages and parking spots, positioning itself against competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. The Frontier offered King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the King Cab featuring a 6-foot bed and the Crew Cab offering a 5-foot bed or an optional 6-footer on SV trims. 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 front seats, improved insulation, and a new center console with ample storage.
The 2022 GMC Canyon, which debuted in 2015, had a premium look and feel, especially in the luxury-oriented Denali trim. The Denali featured a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, five-inch chrome assist steps, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and a Bose premium audio system. Even the rugged AT4 off-road version came with premium features like a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, unique 17-inch wheels, and premium heated leather front seats with Kalahari accents.
The Canyon's material quality was above expectations for the class, even as you descended the trim levels to the Elevation and base Elevation Standard trims. The AT4's cabin was inviting and luxurious, with off-road bits on the outside giving the truck a bold, capable look. The Canyon's overall design and features made it a strong contender in the midsize pickup segment.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier's powertrain was highlighted by its 3.8-liter V6 engine, which was unwrapped back in 2020. Retuned for the heavier 2022 model, it delivered a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The Frontier's acceleration was strong, with plenty of passing power at highway speeds. It featured a tow mode that remapped shift points for improved performance under load, with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds. The nine-speed automatic transmission managed the power efficiently, shifting down eagerly when climbing hills and climbing back up to maximize fuel economy.
The Frontier's fuel economy was 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined for rear-wheel drive models, while four-wheel-drive models returned 17/22/19. The hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided a heavier feel compared to the Tacoma's electric steering. The PRO-4X trim offered a capable off-road kit, including hill-start assist, hill-descent control, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, steel underbody skid plates, and an aluminum front skid plate. The PRO-4X also featured a surround-view monitor with an off-road mode and a best-in-class approach angle of 32.3 degrees.
The 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains: a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-hp 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 369 pound-feet of torque. The latter two engines had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds with the available Trailering package. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on all trims. The base four-cylinder and diesel engines came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 worked with an eight-speed automatic.
The V6/eight-speed automatic combination provided abundant power, even with the AT4's off-road bits. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel offered robust capabilities for towing and fuel economy. The AT4's 31-inch Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires were noisy at highway speeds but didn't compromise on-road grip. The AT4's off-road equipment included an Autotrac two-speed electronic transfer case, special off-road suspension, auto-locking rear differential, transfer case shield, and hill-descent control. The optional AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition package added a suspension-leveling kit, skid plates, off-road rocker protection, and more.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier combined comfort and capability exceptionally well. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity technology, providing a level of luxury uncommon in the midsize pickup segment. The Frontier offered convenient storage options, surpassing the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Crew Cab provided manageable headroom and legroom for backseat passengers, while the King Cab's rear seats were suitable only for small items. The Crew Cab had eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat.
The 2022 GMC Canyon was available with an extended cab and 6'2" bed or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed. The crew cab felt spacious, even for rear-seat passengers, while the extended cab's back seat was less accommodating. The rear folding bench seat allowed for storage underneath. The Canyon's crossover SUV-like seat height made getting in and out easy. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustment, heat, and a heated steering wheel in our test vehicle. The AT4's taller ride height provided excellent visibility, and the rearview camera and rear park assist made backing up stress-free. The cargo bed featured two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points, with an integrated corner step rear bumper for easy access.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology. A standard 8-inch touchscreen came 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, Kicker tailgate audio system, and a 10-speaker Fender stereo. 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, trailer hitch, and heated mirrors, seats, and steering wheel.
The 2022 GMC Canyon's Elevation Standard trim featured a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. The Elevation trim added an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The AT4 included a wireless smartphone charging pad, while the Denali added navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and driver-assist features. Available tech included Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The AT4's optional GMC infotainment system with navigation included an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and a Bose premium audio system.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a range of standard advanced driver assistance systems under Nissan Safety Shield 360. These 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, with optional features like traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and rear sonar.
The 2022 GMC Canyon's safety features varied by trim level. The base Elevation Standard lacked advanced driver aids but included tire-fill alert and the Teen Driver system. The Driver Alert package, available on the Elevation and AT4 and standard on the Denali, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. However, features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning were not available. The Canyon earned four out of five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with a "Poor" rating for its headlights and front crash prevention.
By: CarGurus + AI
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