Starting at
Starting at
310 | Horsepower (hp) | 181-308 |
1,610 | Payload Maximum (lbs) | 1,550 |
9 | Infotainment Screen (in) | 8 |
Although the Nissan Frontier debuted on the American roadways in 1997, only two generations have been released. Drivers are about to discover a new Frontier, as the 2022 version marks the start of the third generation. The Nissan Frontier is all-new for the 2022 model year, receiving plenty of updates inside and out. But some critics have questions and want to compare the 2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 Chevy Colorado and other midsize pickup trucks on the market.
The Chevrolet Colorado is another favorite in the class that has received updates for 2022. Both offer plenty of power, prowess, and performance, as well as an off-road-ready model that's built to hit the mud. So how do drivers choose which truck is perfect for their life, work, and drive style? Let's take a look at both the 2022 Nissan Frontier and the 2022 Chevy Colorado to help you determine which one gets a space in your driveway and which one is better suited for another driver.
The midsize truck is ideal for drivers who need the towing and stowing capacity of a truck, without a need for hauling giant mega loads. They tend to be lighter and more nimble than their heavy-duty brethren. These two models are no exception.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier is unique in that only one engine option is offered. That engine, however, is a best-in-class powerhouse in the form of a 3.8L V6. Providing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, this engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission that knows what it's doing. Early drivers indicate that this combination is just as nimble towing as it is climbing rocky terrain, making the new Frontier even more capable than ever.
As a result, the Frontier has some impressive performance figures. When properly equipped, it can handle a towing maximum of up to 6,720 pounds. Payload capacity tops out at 1,610 pounds with a box that includes three channels and four cleats for a full range of tie-down opportunities.
The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado, in contrast, offers three different engines across the lineup. The standard engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder that offers a mere 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. Towing is limited to just 3,500 pounds with this engine, but for some drivers, that may be enough. This engine is paired with an older 6-speed automatic transmission.
Those who need more power on the regular can check out the available 3.6L DOHC V8 engine. This option ramps up the horsepower to 308 and takes torque up to 275 lb-ft, but those numbers are still lower than what the Frontier offers. This engine also includes one less gear in its 8-speed automatic transmission and can haul just 1,550 pounds.
Lastly, Chevy provides a diesel option on the Colorado in the form of a Duramax 2.8L Turbodiesel engine. With 181 horsepower and 369 lb/ft of torque, this engine has some solid towing performance. But while a Colorado equipped with the diesel engine can tow an impressive amount, the payload maximum for this truck tops out at only 1,510 pounds.
Different drivers have different needs. Some prefer more space in the cabin, while others need the biggest bed possible for long and irregularly shaped cargo.
The Nissan Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab configurations. Both have a two-row format; however, the Crew Cab offers a little more room for the backseat passengers and can sit five rather than four. The King Cab includes a standard 6-foot bed, while the Crew Cab comes with a 5-foot bed. For those who need more room, the Crew Cab SV trim offers drivers the option of ordering a 6-foot bed instead.
Drivers can select from 4x2 or 4x4 driving capability on every model, with the exception of the two PRO trims. The PRO-X only comes with rear-wheel drive, while the PRO-4X is off-road ready with its standard four-wheel drive. The PRO-X and PRO-4X trims are also only offered as Crew Cab models.
The box/cabin configurations for the 2022 Colorado aren't quite as straightforward but do allow drivers a lot of flexibility. Drivers who select rear-wheel drive have the option of an Extended Cab with a 6-foot long box or a Crew Cab with either a 5-foot short box or a long box in the WT and LT trims, but the ZR1 trim with rear-wheel drive is only offered as a Crew Cab with a short box. Those who select four-wheel drive will have the Extended Cab with a long box or Crew Cab with short or long box available in all trims except the ZR2, which is available as Extended Cab with a long box or Crew Cab with a short box.
Things become a tad more straightforward when it comes to trims. The 2022 Frontier is offered in S, SV, PRO-X, and PRO-4X trims. The S trim contains all the necessities in the cabin, such as remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and an 8-inch color touchscreen that controls the infotainment system. Among the infotainment features are hands-free phone calls and text messaging, integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and streaming Bluetooth audio.
The Frontier SV adds a power-adjustable driver's seat with premium cloth upholstery, a sliding rear window, and a slew of optional comfort and convenience packages that can help you customize your ride. Moving up to the PRO-X trim, the infotainment system grows to a 9-inch unit, while the seating includes a 60/40 split rear seat, along with PRO-X embroidery and red accent stitching. Drivers will also enjoy a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Also on board are enhanced performance features, such as Bilstein off-road performance shock absorbers and a rear stabilizer bar.
The 2022 Colorado, on the other hand, is offered in WT, LT, and Z71 trims. The WT, or Work Truck, is Chevy's most basic trim. The Colorado WT includes a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Air conditioning and power locks and windows are on board, along with a locking tailgate.
The LT trim adds remote keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Z71 adds automatic climate control, rear defogger, sliding rear window, and more comfort features. Additionally, the Z71 provides a few performance upgrades, including automatic locking rear differential and hill descent control.
Both the 2022 Nissan Frontier and the 2022 Chevy Colorado offer an off-road-ready edition, so it makes sense to compare the two in an apples-to-apples format.
Nissan offers for off-road consideration the PRO-4X. Equipped with Bilstein off-road shocks, a full suit of skid plate armor, and an electric locking rear differential, it's clear that this truck is ready to go just about anywhere. All-terrain tires are up for the crawl, as well.
The PRO-4X also has the technology to make off-road performance happen. Off-road gauges in the driver information cluster provide details regarding pitch and roll, as well as keep drivers updated on 4x4 power deployment. Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode gives drivers a 360-degree view of their location, which can help with planning the next move. Of course, Nissan has also thrown in some flair, including red contrast stitching and tow hooks.
In Chevy's corner is the 2022 Colorado ZR2. This truck includes driver-selectable full locking front and rear differentials, a transfer case shield, DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers, skid plates, rock sliders, as well as an additional factory lift. Many technology and appearance factors are available through packages only, however.
VIN: 1N6ED1FK6PN630270
Model Code: 33213
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Model Code: 32213
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Model Code: 32213
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Model Code: 32213
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