2025 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2025 Nissan Frontier

The 2025 Nissan Frontier, with its new Afterburn Orange paint, evoked memories of a quirky aunt who once chose a bright orange truck to stand out in parking lots. This vibrant hue suited the Frontier PRO-4X, the off-road-ready version of Nissan’s pickup, which was also available in various trims like S, SV, SL, and PRO-X. The Frontier offered flexibility with King Cab or Crew Cab body styles and different bed lengths, with prices ranging from $32,050 to $41,810, excluding destination charges. The PRO-4X test model, equipped with several packages and optional features, reached an MSRP of $50,245. Despite its age, the Frontier impressed with its quality materials and solid construction, offering a traditional yet appealing cabin experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado presented a diverse exterior depending on the trim. The WT trim had a utilitarian look, while the LT added more refined touches. The Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims offered off-road enhancements, with the ZR2 Bison standing out for its rugged features. All models shared a four-door crew cab and a short bed, catering to most buyers' preferences. Inside, the Colorado boasted a user-friendly digital gauge cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear was cramped for taller passengers. The ZR2 Bison's lifted suspension made entry challenging, but bumper steps helped with bed access.

The 2025 Nissan Frontier housed a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The PRO-4X model featured a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system. While not particularly fuel-efficient, the Frontier exceeded EPA estimates, achieving 18.8 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Towing capacity increased by 500 pounds for 2025, with a maximum of 7,150 pounds for certain configurations. The PRO-4X's off-road capabilities were enhanced by Bilstein shocks and skid plates, though its suspension was stiff on rough terrain. The Frontier's steering was heavy and uncommunicative, but it handled mountain roads with surprising agility.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with a 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine, providing smooth shifts. The Colorado boasted a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,846 pounds. Off-road enthusiasts favored the Trail Boss and ZR2 trims, with the latter offering 10.7 inches of ground clearance and advanced suspension systems. The ZR2 Bison excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Multimatic DSSV shocks and locking differentials, ensuring traction on challenging trails.

The 2025 Nissan Frontier featured Nissan's Zero Gravity seat design, offering comfort for front occupants. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and vertical backrests. Storage options included a rear seat storage area and various front cabin compartments. The cargo bed was equipped with a Utili-Track system, spray-in bedliner, and illumination, though it lacked easy access features.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado offered a consistent crew cab and short bed configuration. The interior was designed for convenience, with controls easily accessible to the driver. The digital gauge cluster provided essential information, including off-road stats. Front seats were comfortable, but the rear was cramped for taller passengers. The ZR2 Bison's lifted suspension required a significant step up into the cabin, and its payload and towing capacities were reduced compared to other trims.

The 2025 Nissan Frontier included a 12.3-inch touchscreen for most trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and NissanConnect services. The infotainment system, though improved, had a clunky interface, and voice recognition was subpar. The test truck featured a wireless smartphone charger and a premium audio system, but lacked advanced towing features.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado's infotainment system, built on Google software, was user-friendly. The 11.3-inch touchscreen integrated Google apps, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice recognition and Alexa Built-In connectivity were available. The dashboard featured numerous buttons and dials, offering a tactile experience for users.

The 2025 Nissan Frontier came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Adaptive cruise control was standard, but the lane-departure warning system was prone to false alerts. The NHTSA gave the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with concerns about driver protection and rollover resistance.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included Chevy Safety Assist, with features like forward collision warning and lane-keep assist. Additional options included rear pedestrian alert and a 360-degree camera system. Chevy’s Teen Driver technology was standard, allowing for speed and audio limits.