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| Yes | Diesel Option | No |
| 369 | Max Torque (lb-ft) | 281 |
| 7,700 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 6,620 |
If you have been thinking about purchasing a new pickup truck, then you’ve come to the right place. In today’s battle for supremacy, we will see a showdown between the 2020 GMC Canyon vs 2020 Nissan Frontier. Both of these models are capable of performing the hard tasks you need to be done, but which one is better? Let’s find out!
Both of these trucks are mid-size models with car-like interiors and comfortable seating. The 2020 GMC Canyon is available in three cab styles, two bed lengths, and six trim levels. On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Frontier is offered in two cab styles, two bed lengths, and four trims. The GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier can seat two to five people depending on the body style and configuration. Keep in mind that the Nissan Frontier does not have a regular cab option, but the Canyon does.
Available in ten paint colors, the GMC Canyon can be coated in Onyx Black, Cardinal Red, Summit White, Carbon Black Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, Red Quartz Tintcoat, Smokey Quartz Metallic, Blue Emerald Metallic, and Marine Blue Metallic. Meanwhile, the Nissan Frontier is only offered in six paint colors. These include Magnetic Black, Glacier White, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Arctic Blue Metallic, and Cayenne Red Metallic.
Truck performance always needs to be high. No one wants to spend money on a truck that can’t handle it when things get tough. Let's see how the 2020 GMC Canyon and the 2020 Nissan Frontier are able to handle the pressure.
The 2020 GMC Canyon comes standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder motor that is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Generating 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, it has a fuel economy set at 22 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway). Next, the base Canyon trim may use a 3.6-liter V6 engine coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Producing 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, it gets about 20 MPG combined (18 city/25 highway). Finally, the SLE may be fitted with a 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel motor mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pumping out 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, it has an average fuel economy rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city/30 highway). You can opt for a 4WD system as well, which will push the maximum towing limit up to 7,700 pounds.
On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine along with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This is the only powertrain that is available on all trims. Generating 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, it has a fuel economy set at 20 MPG combined (18 city/24 highway). When properly equipped, it can pull up to 6,620 pounds.
The 2020 GMC Canyon definitely provides more in the way of engine options and towing capacities. With three engine options vs the 2020 Nissan Frontier's one engine, the Canyon will definitely be able to provide you with the power and drive that you're looking for.
The cabins of either vehicle vary greatly depending on the trim level. The GMC Canyon is available in six unique trims: The Canyon (Base), SL, SLE, SLT, All Terrain, and Denali. The Nissan Frontier is only offered in four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-4X, and the Midnight Edition. Let’s take a closer look to see what all is included on the inside.
Starting with the base trims, the Canyon and SL kick things off with air conditioning, power accessories, dual USB ports, and an advanced infotainment interface. Displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen, this system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and Android Auto. That’s something you don’t always find on a base truck model. On the other hand, the Nissan Frontier S base model comes with air conditioning, power accessories, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and Bluetooth connectivity. Smartphone integration is not available, and there aren’t any USB ports. It’s as bare-bones as it can get.
Moving up to the Canyon SLE, it includes a larger 8-inch touchscreen and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. It may even be equipped with the diesel motor. Optional safety systems that can be added, including lane-departure warning and forward collision warning. Looking at the comparable Frontier SV, it only adds a few tech features like steering wheel-mounted controls, one USB port, and an auxiliary jack. The Midnight Edition of the Frontier contains the same features as the SV, with the inclusion of black accents like step rails, grille, and bumper.
The off-roading trim on the 2020 GMC Canyon is the All Terrain model. Most of the features have been added to the exterior of the vehicle, but it does come with the V6 engine, a revised suspension, and a rear locking differential. This beast was designed to go off-roading! As for the Nissan Frontier, it’s top-tier trim is its off-roading model. Known as the Pro-4X, this trim level doesn’t have any notable features added to the interior. Most of the changes are exterior as well. It is also important to note that these trims are only available with the crew cab configuration.
Now, we have come to the part where the 2020 GMC Canyon takes off! Already in the lead, it is available in two more trims that have no competitors on Nissan's side. Stepping up to the SLT will get you some luxurious features such as leather upholstery throughout the cabin and a wireless charging pad. However, the top-of-the-line Denali model adds heated/cooled seats, a navigation system, a premium Bose stereo with seven-speaker, and some new driving aids. These include cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, rear park assist, and an HD rearview camera. You can’t go wrong with this top-tier model.
The GMC Canyon has more trim levels to choose from. This means that you can find a model that is best suited to your driving needs. It also comes with more advanced technology for infotainment and safety, making it a cut above the 2020 Nissan Frontier.
If you practice not judging a book by its cover, you’re going to want to throw that out the window. The exterior appearance of a truck is very important. Let’s look at some of the practical and cosmetic differences between the 2020 GMC Canyon vs 2020 Nissan Frontier.
Starting with the Canyon, the SL and base models feature chrome on the grille and rear bumper. They also come with black door handles, a body-colored front bumper with a chrome strip, and a step on the back bumper. Next, the SLE switches the door handles from black to body-colored, and it adds heated/power-adjustable side mirrors. Moving up to the SLT will bring the chrome accents back and apply chrome to the door handle. Then, the All Terrain model gets a black grille, dual front tow hooks, protective skid plates, and the rear bumper is switched from chrome to body-colored. Finally, the top-tier Denali gets a Class IV trailering harness with hitch, side steps, and a spray-in bedliner.
Switching gears, the 2020 Nissan Frontier is not as impressive on the outside. The base S model includes a chrome grille, black door handles, a body-colored rear bumper with a step, and a black front bumper. Next, the SV adds chrome to the back bumper and plower-adjustability to the side mirrors. The Midnight Edition is the same as the SV, but make everything black. Lastly, the off-roading Pro-4X model adds one front tow hook, front/rear mud flaps, roof rails, and heated/power-adjustable side mirrors. It also includes a spray-in bedliner, a silver grille, and protective skid plates.
The GMC Canyon is available in more trim levels, which means that you have a broader range of options to choose from when buying your vehicle. It also includes more stylish exterior features that will have heads turning everywhere you go.
Situated just outside of Atlanta, GA, Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth is your one-stop-shop for all things GMC. We specialize in powerful trucks and family-friendly SUVs. However, that does not mean that our inventory is limited to just those classes of vehicles. We have a solid selection of pre-owned models hailing from all sorts of classes, including sedans, coupes, hybrids, and even vans. No matter what kind of vehicle you are looking for, you can find it right here on our lot. Want to take one of our vehicles out for a spin? Get in touch with our team members to schedule an appointment or stop by our dealership at 3244 Commerce Ave NW in Duluth to get behind the wheel today!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.