The midsize pickup truck segment has seen something of a resurgence in recent years. As full-size trucks keep getting bigger and more expensive, there’s a growing demand for trucks that are smaller and more efficient but still capable.
The Nissan Frontier got a long-overdue redesign for the 2022 model year, and the Chevy Colorado got an update of its own the following year. Both still feel fresh in 2024, so let’s see how these midsize trucks compare.
2024 Nissan Frontier
The 2024 Nissan Frontier never left. There was a time when if you wanted a midsize pickup, the Frontier was one of two options — and the other was not a Chevy. Now, the segment is hotly contested, with more competitors coming. Nissan gave the Frontier a long-needed makeover for the 2022 model year to keep its footing.
The Frontier comes standard with an impressive V6 and is enhanced with a more rugged-looking exterior. If you want a modern but conventional-looking pickup, the Frontier should be on the list. Pricing starts at $31,540, including the destination charge, for a King Cab model.
Nissan Frontier Highlights
Powered up: Underpowered no more. With its 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, the Frontier has a powerplant with more ponies than the upgraded engine in some of its competitors. The Chevrolet Colorado starts at 237 hp.
Handy, man: You can secure almost anything in the truck bed using Nissan’s Utili-track system. It has three rails in the bed with adjustable tie-down cleats.
Talk to me: The Nissan Skill for Amazon Alexa allows voice control for those NissanConnect features like remote start. Just say the words, and the action is carried out.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Frontier models for sale near you.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado
Truck buyers won’t buy something they can’t be proud of, meaning their pickup better be a good-looking machine. You can check that box with the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. Fresh off a redesign for last year, the large front grille, slit-like headlamps, and wide wheel wells scream tough, capable, and ready. Unlike the Nissan Frontier that offers both King Cab and Crew Cab models, the Colorado is Crew Cab only.
The Colorado can be configured as anything from a work truck to a rock crawler with six trim levels. Pricing starts at $31,095, including destination fees, for the entry-level WT (Work Truck). However, most people will upgrade to at least the LT to get more goodies. For another, $3,300 4-wheel drive can be added to the WT and LT models, which is standard on each ascending trim level. The 2.7-liter turbo 4-cylinder has three variants, starting with the 237-hp base engine. After that, there are two versions of the 310-hp 4-cylinder with either 390 lb-ft or 430 lb-ft of torque.
Chevrolet Colorado Highlights
HD Surround: Part of the optional Technology package, this feature gives drivers a view all around the truck. It’s a big help when traversing the wilderness or neighborhood parking lots.
More power: The base engine for the Colorado is a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. It puts out 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in standard guise. It’s adequate but underwhelming compared to the standard V6 in the Frontier. But, for $1,050 you can make a significant upgrade to a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder developing 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. And it can tow more than 7,000 pounds.
Over the top: If you need a rough-and-ready off-roader straight from the factory, pass the Trail Boss and go straight to the ZR2 Bison. The ultimate off-roading Colorado gives you several upgrades designed for maximizing any off-road experience, including a raised suspension, larger wheels and tires, unique off-road dampers, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Colorado for sale near you.
Similarities
These are two midsize truck offerings that don’t stray too far from the stereotypes regarding exterior look. They’re both handsome, although the Colorado’s got a more aggressive overall look.
Conclusion
One could argue that the Nissan Frontier is the value choice, at least on the lower end of this price range. Even though the Nissan has a higher starting price, it also has a more robust standard engine and a decently well-equipped base trim. However, when you get into the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims of the Colorado, you’re getting off-road capabilities that the Frontier can’t beat (and the style to match). You can’t go wrong with either, and the right one for you depends on the “truck stuff” you intend to do with your truck.
| 2024 Nissan Frontier | 2024 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Starting Price | $31,540 | $31,095 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder | 2.7-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 237 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 1,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic/2WD | 8-speed automatic/2WD |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 4WD | 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | N/R |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 126.0 inches | 131.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.2 inches | 213.0 inches |
| Width | 73.0 inches with mirrors | 84.4 inches with mirrors |
| Height | 71.8 inches | 78.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 42.7 feet | 43.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 45.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 33.2 inches | 34.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.2 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.3 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 40.1 cubic feet | 41.9 cubic feet |
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