2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a key player in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, marking a significant redesign in the midsize pickup truck segment. With its rugged, blocky styling reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s, the Frontier presented a bold new look. Designed by Hiren Patel, the truck's shape was crafted to appear as if it had been machined from a solid block of metal. Available in nine exterior colours, including Tactical Green and Deep Pearl Blue, the Frontier offered a choice of two interior shades. The PRO-4X trim level, in particular, stood out with its exclusive Baja Storm paint and charcoal leather seating. Slightly longer than its predecessor, the Frontier maintained a manageable size, making it suitable for garages and parking spots. It targeted competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, offering configurations with either a King Cab or Crew Cab, and various bed lengths. Inside, the Frontier boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity seats and improved insulation, enhancing comfort and reducing noise. With over 80 optional accessories, the Frontier catered to customization enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, was a full-size pickup that made a statement with its massive grille and interlocking design elements. The Tundra's purposeful and solid appearance was complemented by slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line that added visual length. Available in ten trim levels in Canada, the Tundra offered a range of features, from the rugged TRD Pro with clearance lamps and a skid plate to the luxurious Capstone. Our test drive of the TRD Pro, painted in Solar Octane, revealed a spacious interior with expansive seats and a 14-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard. Despite its polarizing exterior, the Tundra's interior provided ample space and comfort, making it a practical choice for those seeking a full-size truck with modern amenities.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering class-leading power specs of 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine, retuned for the heavier 2022 model, provided strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a 4WD system featuring 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes, ensured smooth power delivery. The Frontier's maximum payload was 635 kilograms, with a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms. While not class-leading, these figures were competitive. The Frontier's hydraulic rack and pinion steering offered a heavier feel, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim, equipped with off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers, excelled in off-road conditions. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with estimates of 13.7 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tundra offered two engine choices, both featuring six cylinders. The standard 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 produced 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the Tundra Hybrid's i-FORCE MAX engine delivered 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. A 10-speed automatic transmission managed the power smoothly, and the Tundra's multi-link rear suspension improved ride quality over various terrains. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,045 kilograms and a payload capacity of 880 kilograms, the Tundra was competitive in its class. The TRD Pro trim, with its off-road enhancements, tackled challenging terrain with ease. However, its large size posed challenges on narrow trails. Despite this, the Tundra's performance was smooth and consistent, with impressive power delivery and off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in combining comfort and capability, particularly in the front seats. Nissan's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, setting a high standard in the midsize pickup segment. The Frontier offered convenient storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab provided adequate headroom and legroom, the King Cab's rear seats were less accommodating. The Frontier featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra prioritized practicality and thoughtful design, blending technology with user-friendly controls. The Tundra's interior featured big physical controls for essential functions, and a wireless charging pad was standard on higher trims. The Tundra's centre console bin, with a sliding door, offered convenient storage access. The CrewMax configuration provided ample space for rear passengers, and the Tundra's variety of bed lengths catered to different needs. Overall, the Tundra's interior was spacious and well-equipped, making it a practical choice for those seeking a full-size truck with modern amenities.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The infotainment system featured physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, albeit with a wired connection. The PRO-4X trim offered wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, while the optional 10-speaker Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra boasted a 14-inch multimedia screen on higher trims, running new software with crisp graphics and fast response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 12-speaker audio system was available on premium trims. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel impressed with its resolution and brightness, making the Tundra a technological marvel compared to its predecessors.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Eight airbags were standard, and traffic sign recognition was available on the PRO-4X trim.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not standard across all trims. The Tundra CrewMax received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, highlighting its safety credentials.