2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2022 Nissan Frontier represented a significant leap in the midsize pickup segment, embodying Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy that promised bold designs and innovations. The 2022 model showcased a rugged, blocky design reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups from the '80s and '90s. Hiren Patel, the project lead designer, likened the design process to sculpting a solid block of metal—a metaphor highlighting the Frontier's robust and machined appearance.

With nine vibrant colors on offer, including Tactical Green, Deep Pearl Blue, and Boulder Gray Pearl, the Frontier catered to varied tastes. The test model in this comparison came in Baja Storm (a shade of tan), paired with charcoal leather seating—a combination exclusive to the PRO-4X and 2WD PRO-X trims. The Frontier's overall dimensions were modestly larger, particularly at the nose, ensuring it remained garage- and parking-friendly without venturing into the compact pickup domain.

The Jeep Gladiator, entering 2023 with minimal changes, continued to magnetize its loyalists with its distinct aesthetics. The 2023 model's most notable addition was the Gladiator Freedom Edition—a tribute to American troops. This edition featured gloss black wheels, body-color fender flares, a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, LED headlights, and special decals. The Gladiator presented nine trims, from the basic Sport to the luxe High Altitude.

Our Gladiator Mojave test model boasted high-performance Fox 2.5-inch shocks, 33-inch all-terrain tires, a 1-inch front suspension lift, and the obligatory hood scoop (more for style than function), high-clearance front fender flares, and orange detailing that set the Mojave apart. The Gladiator's utilitarian design, reminiscent of the Wrangler but stretched for truck duties, offered a unique charm, albeit with a longer wheelbase and frame.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, unwrapped in 2020 and retuned for the heavier 2022 model. This powerhouse churned out a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission, with its traditional center-mounted shifter, seamlessly adjusted to either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. A noteworthy tow mode remapped the shift points, enhancing performance under load, while the Frontier's maximum payload stood at 1,610 pounds, and towing capacity peaked at 6,720 pounds.

Fuel economy, however, wasn’t the Frontier's forte, with EPA estimates at 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined for RWD models, and 17/22/19 for 4WD models. The hydraulic rack and pinion system provided a traditional, heavy steering feel preferred by truck purists, though it made city driving a bit challenging. The PRO-4X trim encapsulated off-road prowess with hill-start assist, hill-descent control, electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and multiple skid plates.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engines: a 285-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 260-hp, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 paired exclusively with the eight-speed automatic, delivering 442 lb-ft of torque. However, the diesel couldn't tow as much but promised better fuel economy. Standard was the Command-Trac part-time 4WD, with higher trims getting advanced 4WD systems, including the exclusive Rock-Trac with Tru-Lok locking differentials for serious off-roading.

Our Mojave model, featuring the gasoline V6 and Command-Trac, had EPA ratings of 19 mpg combined, though real-world tests saw an average of 17.3 mpg. The Gladiator’s off-road prowess shined with its Fox shocks and high-clearance design, making it a pleasure in grueling terrains but challenging in tight city parking spots due to its length.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier’s interior was impressive for its class. The Zero Gravity front seats, a hallmark of Nissan's comfort standards, provided exceptional support, often regarded as luxurious within the midsize truck segment. Storage solutions were practical, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab offered manageable rear headroom and legroom, the King Cab's rear seats were best suited for tools and groceries.

The Frontier boasted eight cupholders and under-seat storage in the Crew Cab. Its cargo bed options included a 6-foot bed for the King Cab and either a 5-foot or optional 6-foot bed for the Crew Cab SV, along with optional spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, and a three-channel tie-down system. Its maximum payload and towing figures were 1,610 pounds and 6,720 pounds, respectively.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator required some grace to climb in and out, especially using the narrow rear doors. The Mojave model's side steps were more of a hindrance than a help. Once inside, the manually height-adjustable driver’s seat proved comfortable but required frequent readjustments. The rear seats, while generally roomy, posed some discomfort for taller passengers due to plastic seatback panels with storage features.

Storage in the Gladiator included netted door panels, four cupholders, dashboard tray, under-seat storage, and a shallow glove compartment. The 35.5 cubic-foot steel cargo box provided ample utility with optional enhancements like a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, adjustable tie-downs, and a 115-volt outlet. The Gladiator could handle a best-in-class payload of 1,710 pounds but had a maximum tow rating of 7,650 pounds, which varied by configuration.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier made significant strides in technology, starting with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on base trims and a 9-inch display for the PRO-4X. The user-friendly interface featured physical knobs and buttons for essential functions, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit requiring a wired connection. Optional features included a wireless phone charger, Kicker tailgate audio system, and a premium 10-speaker Fender sound system available through an expensive Premium Package.

Three main packages—Premium, Technology, and Convenience—offered additional luxury and advanced safety features. Technology Package included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more, while the Convenience Package added practical upgrades like a spray-in bedliner and 120-volt outlets.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged exterior, was far from low-tech. A standard 7-inch touchscreen provided Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker stereo. Higher trims offered an 8.4-inch system with navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, Alexa integration, SiriusXM, and a removable Bluetooth speaker. Despite these offerings, the voice recognition system was less than reliable, often misunderstanding commands or failing altogether.

Other tech features in the Gladiator included a passive keyless entry system and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a high-efficiency air filter. The Off-Road+ mode and TrailCam forward-facing camera on the Mojave were particularly useful for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had yet to be crash-tested by the NHTSA and IIHS, but it boasted a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, forward collision warning, trailer sway control, rear-door alert, and easy-fill tire alert. Optional safety features under the Technology Package included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features with optional packages to enhance protection. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group built on this with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Gladiator lacked lane-departure warning or lane-keeping assistance. NHTSA ratings included a four-star frontal-impact score, while IIHS noted the headlights' marginal performance.