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 comparing 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 area of new vehicle base pricing. 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: For a new model, the GMC Canyon's price is between $41,730 and $58,884, with the Nissan Frontier priced between $34,340 and $50,453.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the GMC Canyon loses 38.2 percent of its value and the Nissan Frontier loses 39.6 percent of its value. This means the GMC Canyon retains 1.4 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 7.9 out of 10 while the Nissan Frontier's quality rating is 7.8 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 8.1 out of 10. For the Nissan Frontier the reliability rating is 7.9 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 59.5 and 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:
41730 - 58884
Starting MSRP:
38900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
34483
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
32150 - 38900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
34340 - 50453
Starting MSRP:
32150
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
34483
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
32150 - 38900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
41803
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
41803 - 41803
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
41803
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
41803 - 41803
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
GMC Canyon Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Canyon
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.305
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.251
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
GMC Canyon Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 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)
59.5 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, 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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:
7700 lbs
Max Payload:
1670 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
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:
4410 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:
4385 lbs
Width:
84.1 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 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
Black
Onyx Black
Blue
Rapids Metallic
Gray
Sterling Metallic
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Coastal Dune / Summit White
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Charcoal
