The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a better pickup truck than the 2022 Ford Maverick for a few different reasons. The newly redesigned midsize truck isn’t getting the attention it deserves. Though the Maverick has plenty of great attributes, there are some that just fall short. Here are a few major areas where the Frontier unquestionably beats the Maverick.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier makes class-leading horsepower

The 2022 Nissan Frontier comes standard with a 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine. The engine isn’t new for 2022, it debuted on the 2020 model. Nissan claims the 310-hp makes the Frontier the best in its class. That means it’s ahead of pickup trucks like the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Jeep Gladiator.

The 2022 Ford Maverick comes with one of two engines, the hybrid being the base powertrain. That means every Maverick comes as a hybrid unless buyers pay a little extra. An electric motor combines with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder to produce a combined 191-hp. The nonhybrid option swaps it for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder which makes 250-hp.

The 2022 Ford Maverick’s towing capacity falls short

Logically, a more powerful engine in the 2022 Nissan Frontier should instantly tell you it has a higher towing capacity. If that was your thought process, you’re right. The Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds, which beats the Maverick by a big margin. Though the Frontier is easily outclassed by the Maverick’s midsize sibling, the Ford Ranger.

The 2022 Ford Maverick can tow 2,000 pounds with its base hybrid powertrain. If equipped with the nonhybrid turbocharged four-cylinder and the optional towing package, it can get up to 4,000 pounds. That’s quite an impressive number for a compact pickup truck, but not enough to defeat a midsize like the Frontier.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is a pickup truck built for off-road

The most costly trim the Nissan Frontier offers is the PRO-4X off-road-focused model. It’s well-equipped with off-road capable features like hill descent control, hill start assist, and active brake limited slip. Features like these help keep the truck riding smoothly on any surface, regardless of steepness.

Bilstein off-road shocks help drivers take on ruts and rocks with confidence. In addition, skid plates help protect the Frontier from harsh conditions, while all-terrain tires keep it grounded. The electronic locking rear differential delivers equal power to both rear wheels, ensuring premium traction to reduce slipping and sliding.

The 2022 Ford Maverick does not have a dedicated off-road trim level. Although all Ford models can be equipped with an FX4 package, providing some off-road enhancements. To that end, the Maverick’s FX4 package includes tow hooks, skid plates, two new drive modes, hill descent control, a heavy-duty engine fan, trailer hitch receiver, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and all-terrain tires. It doesn’t quite keep up with the Frontier PRO-4X, but it is significantly cheaper.

How much more affordable is the 2022 Ford Maverick?

The 2022 Nissan Frontier starts at $29,015 for the bottom S trim level. The most off-road capable trim, the PRO-4X is the highest available and starts at $38,390. While a price point under $40,000 is still good for a truck, it doesn’t compare to the Maverick.

This is one area where the 2022 Ford Maverick beats the Frontier easily and most other trucks for that matter. The Maverick starts at just $21,490 for the XL base model but doesn’t get much higher. The highest trim level is Lariat, and it starts at $26,985. Even after adding some serious optional equipment, the Maverick can be purchased for under $30,000.

Both of these pickup trucks are some of the best options in their respective classes. Though the Maverick is a compact truck, it should still be noted that it won’t outperform midsize trucks like the 2022 Nissan Frontier. The 2022 Ford Maverick is very affordable and has plenty of great features, but it probably won’t replace your Frontier, Chevy Colorado, or even Toyota Tacoma. Although the Frontier isn’t too much more expensive, after all, according to CarAndDriver, the best Frontier model to buy is the $31,690 SV anyway.