2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 captivated buyers with its striking styling and upscale Denali trim level, which offered a unique blend of luxury and utility that drew comparisons to owning a Mercedes. Its off-road-ready AT4 variant was designed to appeal to those seeking both rugged capability and a modern aesthetic. This particular model featured a 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift, Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, and other robust equipment tailored for off-roading.

The Sierra AT4, priced at $66,695 MSRP, flaunted aggressive design elements such as red front recovery hooks and body-color trim. Its substantial presence and black-on-black styling were intriguing, though impractical for maintaining cleanliness. Inside, the Sierra’s cabin was primarily black, with caramel seat trim and metallic accents lending a hint of sophistication. However, the interior’s extensive use of plastic and rubber floor mats gave it an industrial feel, lacking the luxury you might expect in a high-end variant like the Denali, which could surpass $70,000.

On the contrary, the 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a standout in Nissan’s sequence of redesigns under the “Nissan Next” initiative. Its design, reminiscent of the Nissan Hardbody pickups from the ’80s and ’90s, showcased rugged and blocky styling. The Frontier rolled out in a variety of vibrant colors, including the stylish Baja Storm, which graced our test model. The Frontier exhibited exceptional craftsmanship, described by its lead designer as akin to machining down a solid block of metal to shape the truck.

Available in nine exterior colors and two interior shades—charcoal and sandstone—the Frontier’s design was both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Inside the PRO-4X trim, buyers found charcoal leather seating and modern comfort features. Despite its slightly longer wheelbase, the Frontier maintained a compact profile suitable for garages and city parking. The King Cab and Crew Cab variants catered to different needs, though the King Cab’s rear seats lacked the space needed for adult passengers. The bedliner and aerodynamic enhancements, like the integrated spoiler on the tailgate, further accentuated its appeal.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 impressed with its affordable yet powerful Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, priced at $995. This engine delivered a potent 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and an enormous 460 pound-feet of torque at just 1,500 rpm. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Duramax engine provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, adeptly managing gears to keep the vehicle within its substantial torque band.

During our test drive, the Sierra exhibited commendable fuel economy, averaging 21.1 mpg despite challenging driving conditions that ranged from coastal to mountainous terrains. The AT4’s off-road suspension handled rough terrains with ease, proving comfortable on both rugged landscapes and urban highways. The Sierra also offered impressive towing and hauling capacities, with our AT4 model capable of towing up to 8,800 pounds and managing a payload of 1,810 pounds.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier, meanwhile, was powered by a retuned 3.8-liter V6 engine that produced a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This robust engine proved highly effective, offering strong acceleration and ample passing power on highways. The nine-speed automatic transmission efficiently managed the power output, proving especially adept under load and when towing, thanks to its tow mode that adjusted shift points for enhanced performance.

Though the Frontier’s fuel economy—18 mpg city, 24 highway for RWD, and 17/22 for 4WD—wasn’t as impressive as some competitors’, it delivered a solid balance of power and efficiency. The hydraulic steering system provided a traditional truck feel, heavier than the electric systems used by competitors like Toyota. For off-road enthusiasts, the PRO-4X trim, equipped with hill-start assist, hill-descent control, an electronic locking rear differential, and Bilstein shock absorbers, offered a formidable off-road experience.

In terms of interior comfort, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered large and supportive seats, though the leather upholstery felt more durable than luxurious. Front seats featured power adjustments, heating, and cooling, while rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and ample legroom. The Sierra’s innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition package, which included a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, enhanced its utility, offering between 62.9 and 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on bed length.

Despite its impressive cargo capabilities, the Sierra’s cab storage didn’t match up to its competitors. Although the rear seatback cubbies provided additional storage, the overall space felt limited compared to other full-size pickups.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in interior comfort and functionality. The front seats, featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity technology, were lauded for their exceptional comfort, a rarity in the midsize pickup segment. Storage options were well-thought-out and more convenient than those in the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Crew Cab offered sufficient headroom and legroom, though the King Cab’s rear seats were inadequate for adults.

The Frontier’s cab included eight cupholders and additional storage under the rear seats in the Crew Cab. Though the Frontier couldn’t match a full-size pickup’s space, it felt spacious and user-friendly for its segment. In terms of cargo capacity, the Frontier offered a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, and a three-channel tie-down system, enhancing its functionality.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was equipped with a plethora of camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror, all part of the optional Technology Package. Additionally, it featured a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system, available with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, was robust and user-friendly, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose premium sound system, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

Conversely, the 2022 Nissan Frontier made a significant leap in technology. Its standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X trim were sharp and responsive. Nissan ensured that essential controls were easily accessible through physical knobs and buttons, maintaining user-friendliness. While it lacked wireless smartphone connectivity, it offered a wireless phone charger and an optional Kicker tailgate audio system.

The Frontier also featured four USB ports and an optional 10-speaker Fender stereo system, though this was part of an expensive Premium Package. Nissan’s Technology Package included a suite of safety features, further advancing the Frontier’s technological appeal.

Safety was an area where the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 had room for improvement. While it offered forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking as options, these features were not standard across all trims. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, with additional options for lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance.

The Sierra’s crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from IIHS for passenger protection and headlight performance. The 2022 model promised improvements with the introduction of GM’s Super Cruise technology.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier, though not yet crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, was expected to perform better than its predecessor. It came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a driver attention monitor, intelligent forward collision warning, and more. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and rear sonar, offering a comprehensive safety package.