2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-X, and Pro-4X. The model retained its well-received exterior redesign, inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody, and the interior updates introduced in 2022. For 2023, the Frontier lineup included a new Midnight Edition on the SV trim, featuring blacked-out elements like the grille and wheels. Pro-X and Pro-4X trims received Lava Red interior accents, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on both Pro grades, which also featured a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40-split flip-up rear bench seat. The Frontier offered nine exterior color options, including unique shades like “Baja Storm” tan and Tactical Green.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, with its aggressive design, featured headlights and daytime running lights positioned alongside a broad grille, giving it a bold appearance. The Canyon shared dimensions with the redesigned Chevy Colorado, boasting a longer wheelbase and an "Ultra Wide Track" stance. The Elevation, AT4, and Denali models had a two-inch lift, while the AT4X had a three-inch lift for enhanced ground clearance. The Canyon Denali stood out with chrome accents and 20-inch wheels, while the AT4X Edition 1 model added off-road features like a safari bar and winch. The Denali's interior was luxurious, with laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery, offering a premium feel not commonly found in midsize trucks.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with an optional shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system. The Frontier's towing capacity reached up to 6,720 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel economy at up to 20 mpg combined for RWD models. The Frontier's Pro-4X trim balanced off-road capability with on-road comfort, featuring a progressive suspension and reduced noise levels. Hydraulic steering was retained, with an improved steering gear ratio for better maneuverability.

The 2023 GMC Canyon featured a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was available on the base Elevation trim, while four-wheel drive was standard on higher trims. The AT4X model included off-road enhancements like electronic lockers and Multimatic dampers. The Canyon's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,640 pounds for RWD Elevation models. The Canyon offered a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, with the AT4X excelling in challenging terrains.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab and the smaller King Cab. The Crew Cab offered four full-sized doors and a 5-foot bed, with an optional 6-foot bed on the SV trim. The King Cab featured two full-sized doors and two rear access doors, with a standard 6-foot bed. The Frontier's cargo bed volume was increased, with the 5-foot bed offering 40.1 cubic feet and the 6-foot bed 46.4 cubic feet. The interior featured Zero Gravity seats and ample storage, with 4 liters in the center console and additional storage in the door pockets.

The 2023 GMC Canyon was available only in a crew cab configuration with a 5.2-foot bed. Despite the lack of a longer bed option, the Canyon offered ample interior space, with first-row legroom surpassing most midsize trucks. The MultiStow tailgate provided a waterproof storage compartment, adding utility. However, the Canyon lacked a standard telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats. The Canyon's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,640 pounds for RWD Elevation models.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured wireless Apple CarPlay on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, with wired connections for S and SV trims. The Pro trims included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, along with a wireless charging pad. Infotainment was delivered through an 8-inch touchscreen for S and SV trims, and a 9-inch touchscreen for Pro-X and Pro-4X trims. A 10-speaker Fender premium sound system was available on the Pro trims. The Frontier also offered a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an off-road gauge cluster with real-time angle displays.

The 2023 GMC Canyon's infotainment system included an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument cluster measured 8 inches on Elevation and AT4 models, and 11 inches on Denali and AT4X models. A 6.3-inch head-up display was standard on Denali and AT4X trims. The system featured Google Built-In functionality, with Google Maps as the navigation system. The Canyon also offered an Off-Road Performance Display and a surround-view camera system with an underbody camera for off-roading.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control were available as options. The NHTSA gave the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. The IIHS rated the 2022 model as Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention.

The 2023 GMC Canyon offered the standard Canyon Pro Safety Package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The optional Safety Plus Package added rear cross-traffic alert and blind-zone steering assist. Adaptive cruise control was available through the Technology Package. Higher trims like Denali and AT4X included these features as standard, along with a Safety Alert Seat.