2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

In 2022, the Nissan Frontier represented a significant leap forward as part of Nissan’s ambitious “Nissan Next” strategy, aiming to refresh and redesign an array of vehicles. The Frontier emerged as a dramatically new midsize pickup truck, adorned with blocky, rugged styling reminiscent of the nostalgic Nissan Hardbody from the 1980s and 1990s. Under the guidance of lead designer Hiren Patel, the process involved sculpting a solid block of metal into the Frontier’s robust form. The new Frontier boasted a selection of nine exterior colors, including unique shades like Tactical Green, Deep Pearl Blue, and Boulder Gray Pearl, alongside two interior color options: charcoal and sandstone. Our test model was finished in Baja Storm, a distinctive tan shade, complemented by exclusive charcoal leather seating in the PRO-4X and 2WD PRO-X trims.

While the 2022 Frontier grew slightly longer than its predecessor, particularly in the nose, it retained a manageable size that fit comfortably in garages and parking spaces. It nestled neatly between compact pickups like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz and larger midsize pickups like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. Nissan’s primary competitors were the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, with the Tacoma identified as its main target. The Frontier offered an optional King Cab or Crew Cab configuration, with a 6-foot bed standard with the King Cab and both a 5-foot and optional 6-foot bed available with the Crew Cab.

The 2022 Frontier further enhanced its utility with optional features like a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, and a three-channel tie-down system. The tailgate incorporated an aerodynamic spoiler, while the interior featured Nissan’s comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, better insulation for reduced noise, and a new center console with ample storage.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss showcased a rugged aesthetic with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, sculpted hood, and popular blacked-out look. Our Radiant Red Trail Boss model exhibited a balanced stance and expressive detailing that struck the right chord without going overboard.

The base Work Truck (WT) trim and Trail Boss interiors were predominantly gray and felt somewhat cheap, with plastic surfaces lacking in color contrast and luxury feel. At least the Trail Boss had a purposeful front skid plate missing in the WT. Higher trims like the LT, Z71, and ZR2 offered body color paint accents and better interior finishes.

The drivetrain options varied, with 2WD available on the WT and LT trims, and 4WD was optional and standard on Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims. Trail Boss models received several upgrades, including a 2-inch suspension lift, advanced trailering packages, and a spray-on bedliner, which, along with various packages, brought up the MSRP to $42,150, including destination charges.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier's performance was highlighted by its robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivered in 2020 but retuned for the 2022 model. This performance beast churned out 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, setting a class-leading benchmark in horsepower. The Frontier’s acceleration was strong, and the vehicle included a tow mode for enhanced performance under load. With a payload capacity of 1,610 pounds and a towing capacity reaching 6,720 pounds, it delivered competent performance, though not class-leading.

The power was funneled through a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) with 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes. The transmission displayed eager responsiveness, shifting down for climbs and maximizing fuel economy during level or downhill drives. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Frontier achieved 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined for RWD models, with slightly lower figures for 4WD variants.

For steering, Nissan opted for a hydraulic rack and pinion system, offering a heavier feel compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma. This choice provided a traditional truck-like driving experience but could make maneuvering in urban settings more challenging. The PRO-4X trim level catered to off-road enthusiasts, equipped with hill-start assist, hill-descent control, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, various skid plates, and an impressive 32.3-degree approach angle.

In comparison, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine across all trims. The WT and LT trims generated 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Trail Boss and Z71 trims ramped these figures up to 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier ZR2 models matched the horsepower but boosted torque to 430 pound-feet. This engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the Trail Boss and higher trims also offering a sophisticated Autotrac 4WD system with Auto modes and a two-speed transfer case.

The Trail Boss model came with a 2-inch suspension lift providing 9.5 inches of ground clearance and wider front tracks for enhanced stability. The ZR2 trim elevated this further with a 3-inch lift and exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers for superior off-road prowess.

Chevrolet also included up to five selectable driving modes, such as Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja, with the latter exclusive to the ZR2. Our off-roading experience with the Trail Boss demonstrated its rugged capability as we navigated rocky terrain with minimal slip. However, the stiff ride was noted, particularly over deep ruts despite the truck's ample ground clearance.

On paved roads, the Colorado excelled with a quiet cabin and a robust suspension system adept at handling rough surfaces without compromising ride comfort. However, fuel economy remained less competitive, with real-world testing yielding 17 mpg, short of the EPA's 19 mpg estimate.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in combining comfort and capability, with the front seats offering exceptional comfort thanks to Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. This level of comfort outpaced rivals in the midsize truck segment. Storage solutions were ample, with multiple compartments and large cupholders making the cab user-friendly.

The backseat comfort in the Crew Cab was manageable but not spacious, suitable for medium-height passengers but not ideal for long-distance adult seating, and the King Cab's rear jump seats were more suitable for cargo than passengers. Overall, the Crew Cab provided a good balance between utility and passenger comfort.

In terms of cargo, the Frontier featured an optional spray-in bedliner, bed lighting, and multiple tie-down options for practical use.

On the other hand, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered comfortable seating for four adults, with a fifth seat suitable for children. The Trail Boss’s cloth upholstery was practical but attracted pet hair. The Convenience Package II added an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, ensuring good ergonomics for various driver sizes, though the seats could be tight for wider individuals.

The rear seats provided reasonable comfort for six-footers, with some legroom constraints mitigated by padded front seatbacks. The Trail Boss had ample air conditioning performance and basic but functional climate control. The interior lacked soft-touch surfaces, restricted to armrests and seats, and storage options were less versatile compared to the Frontier, though it did include useful trays and compartments.

The Colorado’s cargo bed was 41.9 cubic feet, measuring just over five feet in length (61.7 inches). The Convenience Package II added an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate with StowFlex storage and mid-position tailgate functionality for carrying longer items, supporting up to 500 pounds.

Nissan made significant technological upgrades to the 2022 Frontier. The base S and SV trims came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, while the PRO-4X featured a 9-inch screen, both providing clear, high-resolution displays. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs for volume, tuning, and convenient buttons for essential functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but required wired connections. The optional wireless phone charger, Kicker tailgate audio system, and a 10-speaker Fender stereo (available through the Premium Package) further enhanced the tech offerings.

The Technology Package added numerous advanced safety features, while the Convenience Package incorporated bed utilities and heated components.

Conversely, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado delivered impressive tech features across all trims, starting with an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology. This integration brought Google Assistant voice recognition, Google Maps navigation, and app access via Google Play. The Colorado supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and offered options like wireless charging.

A network of high-definition cameras facilitated trailer towing and provided comprehensive external views, crucial for off-roading and tight maneuvering. The larger digital instrumentation in the ZR2 added to the refined tech experience, featuring a streamlined and easy-to-navigate interface.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, forward collision warning, trailer sway control, rear-door alert, and easy-fill tire alerts. Optional features like traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and rear sonar further bolstered safety.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado came with a robust list of safety features. Standard Chevy Safety Assist included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. OnStar services added another layer of emergency support and crash notification. Optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors were available but our test model lacked these upgrades.

The Chevrolet’s forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, creating potential distractions and necessitating adjustment of the gap settings.