2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Nissan Frontier Comparison

The 2022 Ford Maverick and the 2022 Nissan Frontier are both all-new this year. The Ford marks a return of the compact pickup, while the Nissan is a midsize model. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Ford Maverick

2022 Ford Maverick Starting Price: $19,995 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: High-mileage hybrid powertrain is standard; optional gasoline engine allows all-wheel drive; tows up to 4,000 pounds, carries 1,500-pound payload.

Below Average: Gas turbo engine required for AWD; some advanced safety features cost extra, even on top trim levels.

Consensus: The 2022 Maverick rides on a unibody platform shared with the Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs, which gives it added comfort while also providing capability. A fuel-efficient hybrid front-wheel-drive powertrain is standard, but the Maverick has real truck capabilities and some off-road capability. Best of all, its base price checks in below $20,000.

2022 Nissan Frontier

2022 Nissan Frontier starting price: $27,840 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: New styling; strong V6 power; sized just right; damped and lockable tailgate.

Below Average: Limited top trim levels; heavy low-speed steering; no 4-cylinder option.

Consensus: All-new for 2022, the Nissan Frontier brings California styling, a revised chassis, and a 3.8-liter V6 powertrain in one smart package. The pickup box sides are higher, but the bed floor remains the same for easy loading.

Maverick vs. Frontier: Compact Meets Midsize

2022 Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick is new for 2022, and its name marks the return of a compact pickup truck to Ford’s lineup. The 2022 Maverick features an attractive entry price of $19,995 and includes a standard hybrid powerplant and a decent array of equipment. It rides on a unibody platform for car-like comfort.

The Maverick’s standard powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. Combined, it makes 191 combined horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The EPA rates Maverick at an impressive 42 mpg city.

All-wheel drive (AWD) requires the 250 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. This turbo powertrain is matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission and costs $1,085 extra. All-wheel drive adds another $3,305.

The Maverick’s Flexbed truck box is large enough for 4×8 sheets of plywood. The Maverick has an adjustable tailgate for added flexibility. A 30-inch lift-in height makes loading easy, and the bed can be equipped with 110-volt power outlets.

An FX4 package is available with the AWD XLT and Lariat models. It includes all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension, and underbody skid plates.

The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety feature is available as a separate package for every trim level with a caveat: For adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane centering, and rear parking sensors, you must buy the top-of-the-line Lariat.

2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is the third-generation compact pickup truck from Nissan and the first new version since 2005. It has been transformed from the ground up, with a few exceptions: The 3.8-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and the boxed ladder frame are carry-over from the 2021 model.

Inspired by Nissan’s “Hardbody” pickup truck, this new 2022 Frontier features modern styling and capabilities that buyers have been requesting. It now measures 4.5 inches longer thanks to a front-end redesign, but it is still garageable.

The 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 produces best-in-class 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine is matched to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Max towing capabilities top out a 6,720 pounds for a Frontier King Cab 4×2.

The 2022 Frontier is available in S, SV, PRO-4X, and PRO-X trim levels. King and Crew Cab body styles offer varying degrees of comfort and capacity and include improved hydraulic mounts on the cab for better road isolation. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive powertrains.

Nissan’s “zero-gravity” seats offer plenty of comfort. There’s an available 9-inch diagonal touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional Fender Premium 9-speaker Audio System and available Qi wireless charging are also in the mix.

Similarities

Available all-wheel drive; off-road capabilities.

2022 Ford Maverick Advantages

Standard hybrid power; available turbo-4; lower entry price; more comfortable ride.

2022 Nissan Frontier Advantages

Standard V6 power; 9-speed automatic transmission; varying cab and bed size options; more power and capability.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2022 Ford Maverick offers a choice between hybrid and turbo power, depending on whether fuel economy or performance is a priority. Compact dimensions and an affordable price make it a great entry-level pickup choice.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier boasts rugged body-on-frame construction with muscular V6 power for both towing and off-road needs.

Ready to buy a Ford Maverick or Nissan Frontier? Shop now for one on sale near you.