2023 RAM 2500 vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier represented a significant step in Nissan’s “Nissan Next” strategy, aiming to deliver 10 refreshed or redesigned vehicles within 20 months. Following updates to models like the Kicks and Armada, and ahead of the all-electric Ariya and new 400Z sports car, the Frontier emerged as a dramatically new midsize pickup truck. Its blocky, rugged styling echoed the old Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s, with lead designer Hiren Patel describing the design process as machining a solid block of metal to create the truck’s shape.

Available in nine exterior colors and two interior shades, the Frontier offered a variety of customization options. The test model featured a Baja Storm exterior and charcoal leather seating, exclusive to the off-road PRO-4X and 2WD PRO-X trims. Slightly longer than its predecessor, the 2022 Frontier maintained a manageable size for garages and parking spots. It targeted competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, with Nissan engineers specifically aiming to outdo the Tacoma. The Frontier was available in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the King Cab offering a 6-foot bed and the Crew Cab providing a 5-foot bed or an optional 6-footer on SV trims.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel, while familiar in appearance to the Power Wagon, featured distinct differences such as an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a cleaner design without the Power Wagon’s graphics and winch. The Rebel came with a Rebel-specific grille, a crew-cab configuration, and a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. It offered a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine, similar to the Power Wagon, but also introduced a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six option, which was not available in the Power Wagon due to cooling requirements.

Priced at $67,045 plus a $1,895 destination charge, the Rebel could be equipped with various packages, including the Safety Group, Towing Tech Group, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, bringing the MSRP to $91,630. The 2023 model year brought several updates to the RAM 2500 lineup, including a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and enhanced towing technologies. The Rebel’s interior featured quality materials, contrast stitching, and luxurious finishes, though the gloss black plastic surrounding the infotainment system was prone to showing dust and fingerprints.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, retuned for the heavier 2022 model, delivering a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The Frontier’s powertrain included a tow mode for improved performance under load, with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds. A nine-speed automatic transmission managed the power, offering smooth shifts and optimizing fuel economy.

Fuel economy for the Frontier was not its strong suit, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined for rear-wheel-drive models, and 17/22/19 for four-wheel-drive models. The hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided a heavier steering feel compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma. The PRO-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like hill-start assist, hill-descent control, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and steel underbody skid plates. The PRO-X trim provided similar styling without the off-road gear.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel featured a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The part-time transfer case offered 4-Hi and 4-Lo settings, with a front-axle disconnect system for improved fuel efficiency. The optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six engine delivered 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Rebel’s maximum towing capacity was 16,870 pounds with the V8 engine, while the Cummins engine offered better fuel efficiency but at a higher cost. The diesel engine achieved 19.1 mpg on highway driving, dropping to 14.7 mpg with off-roading. The Rebel’s frame was constructed of 98.5 percent high-strength steel, providing a robust foundation. It featured 20-inch wheels with 33-inch off-road tires, a locking rear differential, a limited-slip rear differential, and skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in combining comfort and capability. The front seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity technology, providing exceptional comfort uncommon in the midsize pickup segment. The Frontier offered convenient storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Crew Cab provided adequate headroom and legroom for backseat passengers, though the King Cab’s rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers.

The Frontier’s cabin included eight cupholders, with four large enough for 32-ounce bottles, and additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab. The truck felt spacious and comfortable, setting a high standard for the segment.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort to enter and exit, with large handles on the roof pillars aiding the process. The interior featured premium materials, with options for cloth or leather upholstery and front bench or bucket seats. The test vehicle had premium Natura Plus leather and bucket seats, providing comfort during long drives. The back seat was roomy and comfortable, with air conditioning vents, heated outboard cushions, USB charging ports, and a 115-volt/400-watt AC power outlet.

The Rebel offered ample storage space, with hidden dashboard storage and various bins and shelves throughout the cabin. Cargo box options included a spray-in bedliner, LED lighting, and a deployable step for easier access. The available Ram Box locking bedside storage bins added to the truck’s utility.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology. A standard 8-inch touchscreen was available on the S and SV trims, while the PRO-4X featured a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system included physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. Optional features included a wireless phone charger, a Kicker tailgate audio system, and a 10-speaker Fender stereo.

The Frontier offered three packages: the Premium Package, Technology Package, and Convenience Package. 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, a trailer hitch, and heated mirrors, seats, and steering wheel.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel introduced a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, offering customizable gauge and menu tile displays. The truck featured enhanced exterior camera systems and trailering technologies, including blind-spot cameras, a digital rearview mirror, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system.

The optional 17-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. The infotainment screen remained bright and visible on sunny days, with configurable Home screen options for commonly referenced information. The voice-recognition system worked well for common queries, though it required specific commands for navigation assistance.

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 (ADAS) 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. Optional safety features included traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and rear sonar.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel offered several ADAS features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking (including for trailer brakes), lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings were not available, the truck’s size and weight provided a sense of security in most driving scenarios.