2022 RAM 1500 vs 2023 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 RAM 1500 exhibited a luxurious vibe, especially in the Limited trim which featured indulgent amenities like quilted leather upholstery and a premium sound system. The external appearance managed to maintain a balance between contemporary style and understated elegance, reminiscent of the aggressive designs characteristic of earlier models but refined for today's market. In terms of interiors, the RAM 1500 Limited offered a busy but high-quality aesthetic with two-tone color schemes and a mix of textures that enhanced the overall look and feel. Contrariwise, the 2023 Nissan Frontier, with its design homage to the rugged 1986 Nissan Hardbody, brought a more nostalgic exterior look that resonated well with truck enthusiasts. The interior, particularly in the Pro-4X trim, featured striking Lava Red accents and had practical yet modern designs that fused functionality with comfort. Overall, the Frontier maintained a more traditional truck feel that contrasted with the RAM 1500’s luxury approach.

The RAM 1500’s variety of engine options, including the EcoDiesel that offered 260 horsepower and impressive torque, catered to diverse needs from daily driving to heavy towing, supporting up to 12,560 pounds. Notably, the air suspension system contributed to a drive quality akin to luxury SUVs, with excellent ride isolation and dynamic handling in various conditions. On the flip side, the Nissan Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower, upheld strong performance standards but its frequent need for downshifting on highways pointed to less adaptability. While its off-road focused Pro-4X trim provided commendable handling and stability in rough terrains thanks to specialized suspension adjustments, it could not match the RAM's towing capability, maxing out at 6,720 pounds.

In terms of utility and space, the RAM 1500 again shined with its versatile interior featuring expansive storage solutions and comfortable seating, including optional reclining back seats. The multi-function tailgate and the potential addition of RamBox storage significantly enhanced practicality, making it an excellent choice for both work and leisure contexts. The Frontier, while offering a robust and functional design, had a slightly less flexible interior due to the smaller dimensions of the King Cab variant. However, the Crew Cab models provided substantial cargo space with the utility of the hydraulically assisted tailgate enhancing load management. Both vehicles were competent, but the RAM offered a bit more in terms of luxury and adaptability inside the cabin.

Technology in the RAM 1500 was led by the advanced Uconnect 5 system, boasting a 12-inch touchscreen and features such as wireless integration and high-end audio options. It stood out for its breadth of functionalities tailored toward enhancing driver and passenger experiences. Conversely, the Frontier kept pace with modern needs by incorporating a 9-inch touchscreen in higher trims and standardizing wireless Apple CarPlay in the Pro models, yet it still required wired connections for certain features and saw a lesser degree of integration compared to the RAM.

Safety technologies in both trucks showed a strong orientation towards comprehensive driving support systems. The RAM 1500, offered with optional packages, included aids like lane-keep assist and advanced autonomous emergency braking, bolstered by high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The Frontier provided a solid base of safety features across all trims with options to add more advanced systems, although its overall safety ratings from the NHTSA were slightly lower than the RAM’s.