2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

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 2024 Chevrolet Colorado underwent a bold redesign, adopting a "Camaro-ify Everything" approach with aggressive, futuristic styling. The vehicle featured rakish headlights and a sharply angled grille. Inside, the Colorado mirrored design trends from other Chevy models, with circular climate control vents and a clean, horizontal dashboard layout. The Colorado was offered in five trims: WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. Even the base WT model came well-equipped with a digital instrument panel, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like alloy wheels, remote start, and off-road enhancements, with the ZR2 Bison offering additional off-road protection and unique bodywork.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided a balanced driving experience, though it required multiple downshifts for highway acceleration. The Frontier offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with an optional shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system. Hill-start assist was standard, and hill-descent control was included with 4WD models. The Pro-4X trim aimed to balance off-road capability with on-road comfort, featuring a progressive suspension and noise reduction measures. The Frontier had a towing capacity of up to 6,720 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds, with fuel economy rated at up to 20 mpg combined.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, both displacing 2.4 liters. The base engine produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo Max version delivered 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing solid low-end power and responsive acceleration. The Colorado's maximum towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. The ZR2 Bison, designed for off-road adventures, featured Multimatic DSSV dampers for exceptional shock absorption. On-road, the ZR2 Bison offered a comfortable ride, though its off-road suspension resulted in some body roll.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab and the smaller King Cab. The Crew Cab, standard on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, 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 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was offered in a single body style: a four-door quad cab with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. The Colorado's car-like seating position provided comfort for long trips, with ample front-row legroom and headroom. The interior layout was user-friendly, though the low cup holder placement could be inconvenient. Second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The Colorado's high bed wall and floor made loading items challenging, but the larger bed steps in the rear bumper were a practical addition. The ZR2 Bison's bed space was reduced due to the spare tire mounted in the bed.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured wireless Apple CarPlay on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, with wired connections required for S and SV trims and Android Auto users. The Pro trims included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, with a wireless charging pad available. 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. The Pro trims also offered a 10-speaker Fender premium sound system. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster was standard, with an off-road gauge cluster available on Pro-X and Pro-4X.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a digital dock for easy navigation between menus, with a digital home button and volume dial for user-friendly operation. The Colorado also featured an 11-inch fully digital instrument panel, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. Higher trims added wireless device charging and additional USB ports, with the LT Convenience Package offering wall-style power outlets.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier included standard safety features such as 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 Frontier received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. The IIHS rated the 2022 model Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LT Convenience Package III added reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Colorado received a four-star rating for frontal crash testing and a five-star rating for side crash testing from the NHTSA.