2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 GMC Canyon

2022 Nissan Frontier
2022 Nissan Frontier
$28,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 GMC Canyon
2022 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Nissan Frontier
$28,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

Overview

MSRP

$28,690

MSRP

$26,800

Average price

$28,794

Average price

$33,215

Listings

1520

Listings

614
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Steering feels heavy
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money

2022 Nissan Frontier Reviews 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.

2022 GMC Canyon Reviews Summary

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.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.8L 310 hp V6

Engine

2.5L 200 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

310 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

200 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG City

18

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

24

MPG Highway

25
2022 Nissan Frontier
2022 Nissan Frontier
$28,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 GMC Canyon
2022 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Nissan Frontier
$28,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 GMC Canyon
$26,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

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 10

Read full review

6.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Steering feels heavy
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money
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
Look and feel
2022 Nissan Frontier
8/10
2022 GMC Canyon
7/10

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.

Performance
2022 Nissan Frontier
7/10
2022 GMC Canyon
8/10

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.

Form and function
2022 Nissan Frontier
9/10
2022 GMC Canyon
8/10

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.

Technology
2022 Nissan Frontier
10/10
2022 GMC Canyon
5/10

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.

Safety
2022 Nissan Frontier
7/10
2022 GMC Canyon
4/10

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.

Cost Effectiveness
2022 Nissan Frontier
9/10
2022 GMC Canyon
6/10
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