The Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier offer similar advantages and features. Both are capable pickups, so choosing one might be challenging. Let’s compare the 2018 Chevy Colorado and 2018 Nissan Frontier to see how these used midsize trucks stack up.

2018 Chevy Colorado vs. 2018 Nissan Frontier: Driving and performance

The 2018 Chevy Colorado is a competent and highly configurable midsize truck. You’ll find used models with one of three engines: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, or a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. The V6 is the most powerful, generating 308 hp, while the 2.8-liter diesel produces 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The base 2.5-liter engine produces 200 hp with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 2.8-liter diesel has a six-speed automatic and provides a responsive pedal feel. The latter provides a satisfying drive, but the V6 tops it in straight-line acceleration. This isn’t sports car–level driving, but the V6-equipped models are relatively quick.

On the other hand, the 2018 Nissan Frontier has a base 2.5-liter inline-four engine making a mere 152 hp. An optional 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, performs decently.

Despite its dated style, the Frontier is a solid midsize truck for daily driving and has adequate driving dynamics. It’s comfortable on most roads, but the handling might feel loose sometimes, and you may experience excessive body motion.

2018 Chevy Colorado vs. 2018 Nissan Frontier: Interior and tech

If you’re familiar with the front seats of full-size trucks, you might enjoy the 2018 Chevy Colorado, with plenty of space in the front. However, the same can’t be said for the back seat. Still, the interior is functional, which is what you want in a midsize truck. It has clearly marked controls, and the rubberized knobs give it a homier aesthetic.

In addition, the 2018 Colorado has an 8.0-inch infotainment system with responsive touch functions and attractive menus. However, the base model doesn’t have Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or Bluetooth.

The 2018 Frontier’s interior is limited, and the surfaces scratch easily. In addition, the base model has manual air conditioning and windows.

The basic infotainment system has only a 5.0-inch non-touchscreen display but boasts Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, it doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. And although it has two standard 12-volt outlets, it only has one USB port.

2018 Chevy Colorado vs. 2018 Nissan Frontier: Trim levels and features

Chevy offered the 2018 Colorado in five trim levels: Base, Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, and ZR2.

The base model has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with a six-speed manual transmission and sits on 16-inch steel wheels.

Meanwhile, the WT has a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine. The WT has the same standard equipment as the base model but adds a 7.0-inch touchscreen MyLink infotainment system, keyless entry, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Next is the LT. It sits on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and features a touchscreen MyLink radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, keyless entry, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. There’s optional equipment such as a rearview backup camera, a GPS navigational radio with MyLink, and a remote start function.

The Z71 and the ZR2 trims add a black front grille and unique aluminum alloy wheels. In addition, the ZR2 features a two-inch higher suspension, a wider track, and leather-trimmed seats.

Nissan built the 2018 Frontier in four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-4X, and Desert Runner. Standard equipment includes a 5.0-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, and cruise control. The S base model has manual windows, air conditioning, and front bucket seats.

But the Pro-4X and Desert Runner add heated power seats, power windows, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Unfortunately, no trim has wireless charging or a heated steering wheel.

Which used midsize truck is the right fit for you?

Both of these used midsize trucks have their pros and cons. The 2018 Nissan Frontier is more affordable than the 2018 Chevy Colorado, with a starting MSRP of $20,000 versus the latter’s $21,195. Plus, the Nissan truck’s optional V6 provides decent power. However, Car and Driver reviewers note the Frontier’s technology is outdated, and its four-cylinder engine is weak.

On the other hand, the Colorado is comfortable, and its ZR2 trim feels almost unstoppable. But its interior feels cheap, and its four-cylinder engine is weak.

Ultimately, the choice between the Colorado and Frontier depends on your needs and preferences. It will also depend on finding a used model that checks all the boxes. You’ll learn more about each used midsize truck by test-driving it to see which suits you better.