GMC Canyon vs. Nissan Frontier
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the GMC Canyon and the Nissan Frontier.
When we compare the GMC Canyon's and the Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the GMC Canyon has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the GMC Canyon's and the Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the GMC Canyon is a better car than the Nissan Frontier.
Pricing: A used 2024 GMC Canyon ranges from $37,909 to $56,618 while a used 2024 Nissan Frontier is priced between $33,998 to $47,374. For a new model, the GMC Canyon's price is between $38,159 and $57,920, with the Nissan Frontier priced between $32,528 and $48,271.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Canyon loses 32 percent of its value and the Nissan Frontier loses 32.7 percent of its value. This means the GMC Canyon retains 0.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Frontier.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Canyon is 8.3 out of 10 while the Nissan Frontier's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the GMC Canyon being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Nissan Frontier being ranked 5 out of 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Canyon is 8.4 out of 10. For the Nissan Frontier the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the GMC Canyon a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Frontier.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the GMC Canyon and the Nissan Frontier makes 310 horsepower.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: The GMC Canyon is available in a Crew Cab configuration, and the Nissan Frontier is available in a Crew Cab or an Extended Cab configuration. The GMC Canyon offers a bed length of 61.7 inches, and the Nissan Frontier offers bed lengths of 58.9, 59.5, 72.7, 73.3 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the GMC Canyon and the Nissan Frontier have the same average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$38,159 - $57,920
Starting MSRP:
$36,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$32,528 - $48,271
Starting MSRP:
$30,510
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$48,693
Price Range:
$37,909 - $56,618
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,659
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
680
# Good or Great Deals:
93
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,974
Price Range:
$33,998 - $47,374
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,227
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,691
# Good or Great Deals:
107
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,889
Depreciation %:
33%
Resale Value $:
$24,111
Residual Value %:
67%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,322
Depreciation %:
33.8%
Resale Value $:
$20,188
Residual Value %:
66.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
GMC Canyon Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Canyon
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
42.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
36.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
GMC Canyon Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
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4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 6Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
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6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
The GMC Canyon is a near-twin of the Chevrolet Colorado. They are made on the same assembly lines with the same key components. GM markets the GMC Canyon as a more upscale or professional grade version of the same Colorado design. Even the warranty is identical.
Summary Review
The Nissan Frontier received a much-needed redesign for 2022, transforming it from the oldest to the newest truck in the midsize category. Its drivetrain, a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, was all new in 2021. Now the rest of the truck has caught up, giving the Frontier a stylishly-aggressive exterior design, high-quality interior materials, and a long list of advanced standard and optional technology.
Pros and Cons
- Well-rounded modern design
- Turbodiesel option
- Solid infotainment technology
- Big discounts off new sticker price are common
- Big discounts off sticker price make used Canyon values unclear
- Reliability issues in past models include transmission
- Standard four-cylinder engine feels inadequate in an upscale model
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine mates to an advanced, capable transmission
- Appealing style, inside and out
- Wide range of standard and optional high-tech features
- Towing capacity weaker than many competitors
- Resale value not as strong as class leaders
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
61.7 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
58.9 inches, 59.5 inches, 72.7 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
GMC Canyon Trim Levels
AT4, AT4X, Denali, Elevation
Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
PRO-4X, PRO-X, S, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
430 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1640 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1590 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 23 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
407 / 492 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
26.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.4 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
85.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4430 lbs
Width:
84.4 inches
Height:
79.8 inches
Length:
213.2 inches
Wheelbase:
131.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4367 lbs
Width:
84.1 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/65R18SL
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Beige
Desert Sand Metallic
Black
Onyx Black
Blue
Dynamic Blue Metallic
Brown
Deep Bronze Metallic
Gray
Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Yellow
Solar Flare Metallic
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Red Alert
White
Glacier White
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
