2023 Ford Maverick vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as part of the company's ambitious “Nissan Next” strategy, marking a significant transformation in the midsize pickup truck market. Echoing the signature ruggedness of the classic Nissan Hardbody from the 1980s and 1990s, the Frontier sported blocky, robust styling. Lead designer Hiren Patel likened the design process to sculpting a solid block of metal into a formidable truck shape.

The 2022 Frontier offered buyers nine exterior colors, including standout hues like Tactical Green, Deep Pearl Blue, and Boulder Gray Pearl. Additionally, the truck’s elegant interiors came in charcoal and sandstone shades, with our test model featuring the PRO-4X trim's exclusive charcoal leather seating in the distinctive Baja Storm tan color.

The Frontier's slightly elongated frame, particularly noticeable in the nose, belied its relative compactness, ensuring it fit seamlessly into standard garages and parking spots. Positioned between compact trucks like the Ford Maverick and larger midsize pickups like the Jeep Gladiator, the Frontier closely competed with models like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. Nissan's engineers openly targeted the Tacoma during the Frontier's development.

Offered in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, the Frontier avoided the traditional two-door cab, consistent with its second-generation predecessor. The King Cab provided a 6-foot bed but limited rear seat space, while the Crew Cab featured a 5-foot bed with an optional 6-footer on SV trims. Optional add-ons included a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, and a three-channel tie-down system, with an integrated tailgate spoiler to enhance aerodynamics.

Internally, the 2022 Frontier set a new benchmark in midsize pickup comfort. Nissan's Zero Gravity seats offered unmatched luxury, complemented by insulation improvements and an acoustic laminated windshield to minimize noise. A revamped center console provided ample storage, and Nissan capitalized on the customization trend with over 80 optional accessories, such as sport bars, hood graphics, and off-road step rails.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Maverick maintained its fresh design from the previous year, featuring a blocky front end and signature Ford truck styling. The standout Tremor package introduced off-road prowess, with unique blacked-out logos, headlights, and taillights, and a distinctive Avalanche Gray color. The Tremor package also included tow hooks in the eye-catching “Tremor Orange,” updated fender vents, and a grille with orange accents. The $1,495 Tremor Appearance Package added a Carbonized Gray roof and mirrors, black side graphics, and special 17-inch wheels with an orange accent.

Base Maverick models featured 17-inch Sparkle Silver steel wheels, with the XLT and Lariat trims offering more refined wheel designs. Inside, the Maverick’s crew cab embraced a utilitarian design with abundant hard plastic surfaces. However, the heathered Black Onyx seats added a touch of sophistication, despite concerns about their long-term appeal. The blue-tinted plastic panels also lent a surprisingly high-end aesthetic.

Under the hood, the 2022 Nissan Frontier boasted a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine, previously introduced in 2020 but retuned for the heavier 2022 model. This engine delivered a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Frontier excelled in acceleration and passing power, with a tow mode optimizing performance under load. The Frontier's maximum payload was 1,610 pounds, with a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds, making it a strong contender, though not the leader in its class.

The Frontier's traditional hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided a heavier feel compared to competitors using electric systems, such as the Toyota Tacoma. This characteristic might appeal to traditionalists but could make city driving more challenging.

Equipped with PRO-4X trim for off-road enthusiasts, the Frontier featured hill-start assist, hill-descent control, Bilstein shock absorbers, and an electronic locking rear differential. It also came with steel underbody skid plates, an aluminum front skid plate, and a best-in-class 32.3-degree approach angle, ensuring excellent off-road performance.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Maverick made headlines with its hybrid powertrain, a first for standard full-hybrid pickup trucks. The hybrid system comprised a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine offered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the choice to upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD).

The new Tremor off-road package for XLT and Lariat trims featured Ford’s “Advanced 4WD” system, capable of directing rear-axle torque to individual wheels. This package included unique springs and shocks, steel skid plates, a heavy-duty transmission cooler, and a 1-inch lift, providing 9.4 inches of ground clearance. However, note that the Tremor package reduced towing capacity to 2,000 pounds and payload to 1,200 pounds. In comparison, the FX4 Off-Road Package retained the EcoBoost engine's full 4,000-pound towing capacity and higher payload capability.

Inside the 2022 Nissan Frontier, drivers experienced unparalleled comfort, courtesy of Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. This level of luxury was uncommon in the midsize pickup segment. The Frontier excelled in providing convenient storage solutions, surpassing rivals like the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma in spaciousness and comfort.

However, rear-seat accommodations differed between configurations. The Crew Cab offered adequate headroom and legroom, though it wasn’t spacious enough for extended comfort on long journeys. Meanwhile, the King Cab’s rear seats were cramped, suitable for short trips or additional cargo rather than passengers. The cabin featured eight strategically placed cupholders and additional storage under the rear seats in the Crew Cab.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Maverick’s interior was designed for practicality. Adding the Tremor package extended the truck's overall length by 1 inch without affecting legroom. The gas engine models provided ample legroom with 42.8 inches in the front and 36.9 inches in the rear. Hybrid models slightly reduced rear legroom to 35.9 inches. The Maverick also matched the Hyundai Santa Cruz in headroom, offering 40.3 inches in the front and 39.6 inches in the back.

While the Maverick’s cabin featured extensive use of hard plastic, it aligned with the truck’s utilitarian nature. Upgrading to higher trims and packages could improve interior comfort, adding heated features, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable seats. Even with these upgrades, the Maverick maintained its practical and budget-friendly appeal.

When comparing cargo capacity, the Frontier's payload capacity of 1,610 pounds surpassed the Maverick's maximum of 1,500 pounds with the hybrid powertrain. Regarding towing capacity, the Frontier led with 6,720 pounds, while the Maverick with the 4K Tow Package managed up to 4,000 pounds, reduced to 2,000 pounds with the Tremor package.

Nissan made significant strides in tech with the 2022 Frontier. The base S and SV trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the PRO-4X trim boasted a 9-inch screen. The interface was user-friendly, with physical knobs for volume and tuning, hard buttons for essential functions, and large touchscreen icons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), four USB ports (two in the front and two in the rear), and an optional 10-speaker Fender stereo system.

The Frontier offered three main packages. The Premium Package included leather seats, a moonroof, and a wireless phone charger. The Technology Package added advanced safety features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. Lastly, the Convenience Package offered practical upgrades like a spray-in bedliner, bed lighting, and heated elements.

The 2023 Ford Maverick catered to budget-conscious buyers with its straightforward tech offerings. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen provided basic functionality, supported by Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. FordPass Connect enabled a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a subscription. The standard six-speaker sound system could be upgraded to an eight-speaker B&O sound system with the Lariat Luxury Package. This package also included a wireless charging pad, SiriusXM Radio, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system.

The Maverick’s instrument cluster featured a 4.2-inch driver-information display, with a 6.5-inch LED screen available on Lariat trims. Higher trims and luxury packages added tech and comfort features, such as a power-sliding rear window, ambient lighting, and push-button start.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had yet to undergo crash testing by NHTSA and IIHS at the time of this review. However, it included standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 features, such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a driver attention monitor, intelligent forward collision warning, trailer sway control, and rear-door alert. Optional safety features included lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite, offering automatic high beams, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and hill-descent control, were available. The Maverick received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a noted issue related to smoke and flames post-crash. IIHS ratings varied, with Superior ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention but only Basic ratings for pedestrian detection at night.