2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier represented Nissan’s stride within its “Nissan Next” strategy, aiming to release ten refreshed, redesigned, or all-new vehicles within 20 months. This midsize pickup truck arrived with a robust and angular design reminiscent of the iconic Nissan Hardbody pickups from the '80s and '90s. Lead designer Hiren Patel pointed out that creating the '22 Frontier's look felt like chiseling a block of metal to shape the vehicle's commanding exterior.

The Frontier was available in nine vibrant exterior colors including Tactical Green, Deep Pearl Blue, and Boulder Gray Pearl. Inside, it offered two interior color options: charcoal, which could be had in cloth or leather, and sandstone, only available in cloth. Our test model came in Baja Storm, a distinct tan color, and featured exclusive charcoal leather seats found in the PRO-4X and PRO-X trims.

Although slightly longer, the Frontier maintained a size conducive to fitting in garages and parking spaces. It competed directly with Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. Choices for the Frontier included either a King Cab with a 6-foot bed or a Crew Cab with a standard 5-foot bed and an optional 6-foot bed on SV trims. The Frontier also featured a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, a three-channel tie-down system, and an integrated tailgate spoiler.

The redesigned interior showcased Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, coupled with acoustic laminated windshields for noise reduction. A new center console offered ample storage space, reflecting a modern and utilitarian approach. Customization was a key attraction with over 80 optional accessories such as a sport bar, hood graphics, and removable step rails.

In comparison, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 ushered in new Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims, enhancing the premium Denali and AT4 series. Despite unchanged dimensions, the Sierra appeared broader due to an updated grille, front fascia, and headlight design. The Denali's grille, now chunkier with chrome inserts labeled as “tri-linear,” exuded both luxury and toughness. Denali Ultimate models swapped the chrome for dark-colored “Vader bars” inserts, pushing a striking yet refined aesthetic.

The SLT, AT4, and AT4X trims retained less flashy but equally imposing grille designs, framed with chrome, black, and dark nickel accents. Denali and Denali Ultimate variants received new 22-inch wheel designs, available in either bright-polished chrome or low-gloss black. The Sierra's exterior also included options for standard, double, or crew cab configurations with various bed sizes. Paint options now featured Titanium Rush Metallic, Dynamic Blue Metallic, and Desert Sand Metallic.

Inside, the Sierra felt expansive and redesigned with straight lines replacing the previous rounded dashboard. The AT4X trim, though off-road oriented, offered a luxury cabin with premium leather, Vanta ash wood trims, and a microsuede headliner. The Denali Ultimate further elevated its interior with full-grain leather, open-pore Paldao wood, and microsuede touches, with thematic topographic maps embossed throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier boasted a retuned 3.8-liter V6 engine, initially unveiled in 2020, producing a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This potent powertrain enabled impressive acceleration, efficient passing on highways, and dedicated tow mode optimizing performance under load with the capability of towing up to 6,720 pounds and a payload of 1,610 pounds.

A nine-speed automatic transmission managed the power, providing either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) engagement with distinct 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes. The transmission efficiently adjusted to terrain, enhancing fuel economy with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for RWD models and 17/22 mpg for 4WD versions.

Unlike the electrically steered Toyota Tacoma, the Frontier’s hydraulic rack and pinion system resulted in a heavier steering feel, catering to traditional truck enthusiasts. The off-road focused Frontier PRO-4X came with added hill-start assist, hill-descent control, electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, steel skid plates, and an aluminum front skid plate. A surround-view monitor assisted in off-road maneuvering, complementing a class-leading 32.3-degree approach angle. For those not needing 4WD, the 2WD PRO-X trim retained the rugged look without the off-road gear.

On the other hand, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a diverse powertrain lineup. The base 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder was updated to produce 310 horsepower and an impressive 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for improved shifts and reduced noise. This setup raised the 2WD Sierra’s trailering capacity to 9,600 pounds, and 9,300 pounds for the 4WD.

The 3.0-liter Duromax turbo-diesel saw enhancements for a class-leading 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with maximum towing capacity reaching 13,200 pounds with the Max Trailering Package. The 2WD diesel Sierra could tow 13,000 pounds, a best-in-class figure for light-duty diesel trucks.

Other engine options included a 5.3-liter V8 generating 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 offering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims featured the more powerful V8 as standard, with the Duramax diesel available as an option for the Denali Ultimate.

On the road, the Sierra Denali Ultimate 4WD provided a smooth and quiet ride, benefiting from its 22-inch wheels, 75.4-inch height, and 8-inch ground clearance. Meanwhile, the Sierra AT4X managed off-road terrain proficiently with its Multimatic DSSV dampers and increased suspension travel, complemented by front and rear e-locking differentials. In off-road conditions at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the AT4X demonstrated impressive climbing capabilities and performed well on the challenging Diablo Drop-Off.

The interior of the 2022 Nissan Frontier combined truck functionality with luxury. Front seats featured the highly praised Zero Gravity technology, ensuring comfort uncommon in the midsize segment. Although rear seats in the Crew Cab offered adequate headroom and legroom, space was limited compared to the front. The King Cab’s rear seats were best suited for occasional use or cargo.

The Frontier provided clever storage solutions, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Eight cupholders, including four large enough for 32-ounce bottles, and under-seat storage in the Crew Cab elevated its utility. However, the King Cab’s smaller rear seats reduced its practicality.

Cargo-wise, the Frontier promised competitive payload and towing capacities. The spray-in bedliner and available bed lighting further enhanced its cargo functionality. Payload capacity reached 1,610 pounds, and towing topped out at 6,720 pounds, making it suitable for various tasks, though for heavier loads, the Nissan Titan was recommended.

Conversely, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 emphasized spaciousness and functionality. Front headroom was around 43 inches, with rear headroom averaging 40 inches. Legroom for front occupants stood at 44.5 inches, while double-cab rear passengers enjoyed 35.2 inches, and crew cab rear passengers benefited from 43.4 inches of legroom.

While storage nooks and compartments abounded, glovebox space was limited. The complex dashboard ergonomics, with screens and controls positioned lower, resulted in longer eye travel from the road to the infotainment system. The plethora of buttons and switches contrasted sharply against the industry trend of larger screens and integrated digital controls.

Nevertheless, the Sierra featured helpful touches such as optional massaging seats and hidden compartments. Payload and towing capacities were notably high, with turbo-diesel models highlighting up to 13,200 pounds of towing ability and significant payload figures, making the Sierra a workhorse without compromising on comfort.

Technological upgrades in the 2022 Nissan Frontier were apparent, with a base 8-inch touchscreen on S and SV trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. Both screens had physical knobs and buttons for user-friendly operation. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via wired connections. Optional wireless charging and a noticeable 10-speaker Fender stereo enhanced the infotainment experience, especially within the optional Premium Package, which also offered leather seating and a moonroof.

Three additional packages were available: the Technology Package (including advanced safety features such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control), the Convenience Package, and the Premium Package. Together, these added comprehensive infotainment and driver-assistance features making the Frontier modern and well-equipped.

In comparison, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered notable technological strides with larger screens across the lineup. A 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with integrated Google features came standard. The system’s responsiveness and ease of use were appreciated, though distinguishing between built-in navigation and smartphone-projected maps could be confusing.

Wireless charging was standard, and available upgrades included a 15-inch multicolor head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system. The customizable infotainment system allowed dual-mode viewing, enhancing functionality for navigation and trailering details simultaneously. Overall, the Sierra presented a tech-savvy environment with modern connectivity options.

The safety credentials of the 2022 Nissan Frontier included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under Nissan Safety Shield 360. Features encompassed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a driver attention monitor, forward collision warning, trailer sway control, and rear-door alert. The truck also offered optional adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and rear sonar. Eight airbags further reinforced its safety profile. Formal crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were pending but were expected to outperform past generations' "middling" scores.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced GM’s Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous Level 2 driving system available on the Denali Ultimate. This hands-free system excelled in ease of use and functionality, capable of handling lane changes and offering trailering capability. Standard GMC Pro Safety features included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and IntelliBeam headlights.

The Sierra’s crash-test ratings were mixed; IIHS awarded it mostly “Good” ratings but flagged the front-passenger small overlap test as “Marginal” and noted a “Poor” grade for headlights. NHTSA ratings gave 2WD models four out of five stars, while 4WD ratings were still pending.