Is the 2023 Nissan Frontier Better Than a Chevy?
The world of midsize trucks is quite a competitive one. Although full-size trucks are the more popular option, plenty of folks want something that is smaller, cheaper, and potentially more efficient. And that is where the 2023 Nissan Frontier and 2023 Chevy Colorado come in. But which small pickup is the better choice?
Does Nissan make better trucks than Chevy?
Both Nissan and Chevy are well-respected truck manufacturers. In terms of sales, Chevy does tend to do better. In terms of the midsize trucks offered by these brands, those are the 2023 Frontier and the 2023 Chevy Colorado. The Nissan Frontier was all-new for 2022, and the Colorado is all-new for 2023.
Because of that, both pickups offer the modern features and comfort that you would expect. In terms of which is the better truck, it might come down to personal preference.
Which midsize truck has the better engine?
Both the Frontier and the Colorado have a single-engine option. The 2023 Nissan Frontier might be seen as the winner because it utilizes a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6. This engine makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-foot of torque; it is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A traditional V6 is often seen as the preferred engine for a midsize truck. With proper engineering, they’re known to last a long time thanks to being fairly non-complex. The 3.8-liter V6 first debuted in the second-gen Frontier, and now it’s the sole engine option.
According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Chevy Colorado uses a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. It is also paired to an eight-speed autobox, but you get different power outputs depending on the trim. Unfortunately, the 310 hp with 430 lb-ft of torque version is limited to the Colorado ZR2. So you’ll have to shell out extra for that power.
In the past, adding a turbo to an engine could make it less reliable. But in 2023, a lot of manufacturers are relying on forced induction to improve fuel economy and other regulations. In short, turbocharged engines have come a long way. And they offer additional torque.
Is the Nissan Frontier cheaper than the Chevy Colorado?
When it comes to cost, the base Frontier is cheaper than the base Colorado, but not by much. The interior certainly feels like Nissan used some cost-cutting measures, but if you want an old-school pickup, that could be a good thing.
Where the 2023 Frontier might excel is its configurability. Nissan is still offering this midsize truck with a variety of cab options, and you can even get it with a long bed. As it stands, the 2023 Chevy Colorado is limited to a crew cab. Meaning you must get it with four doors.
At the same time, the Chevy truck does have more options than the Nissan. Simply put, you can option out a 2023 Colorado with more stuff than you can with the Frontier. But depending on your needs, both of these pickup trucks should be able to serve you well. And they are some of the more popular midsize trucks on the market.
