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The compact pickup class is competitive. Buyers are attracted to these vehicles because they provide the utility of a truck and the practicality needed for day-to-day driving. Two great candidates for you to consider are the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier. If you want to learn more about how they compare in terms of engine power, cargo capacity, and other features, our experts at Huffines Plano have taken a close look at both trucks to answer these questions and more. You can also reach out to us with any further questions about your next pickup purchase.
Specs and Dimensions
The 2024 Colorado has two engine options, while the Frontier has only one. The base Colorado is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder unit that puts out 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Frontier has a six-cylinder engine capable of making 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded version of the Colorado's turbocharged engine more than matches this performance with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
The Colorado has a higher towing capacity than the Frontier, towing up to 7,700 pounds compared to the Frontier's 6,640 pounds. So, if you want to ensure you can take your RV out of town, the Chevrolet Colorado may be your better choice. Another advantage offered by the Chevrolet Colorado's turbocharged powertrain over the Nissan Frontier's six-cylinder engine is that the Colorado is more fuel-efficient. The Colorado achieves up to 25 mpg on the highway, while the Frontier gets 24 mpg at highway speeds.
Both vehicles have interior dimensions that allow room for five passengers. The Frontier has two cab configurations: a king cab with small rear-row seats and a crew cab with an adult-friendly second row. The Colorado has a crew cab only. Two cargo bed options are available with the Frontier. The smaller bed measures 5 feet in length, while the longer one is 6 feet 1 inch. All Colorados have a cargo bed measuring 5 feet 2 inches in length.
Features and Trims
If you opt for the 2024 Frontier, you can choose from six trims: the S, SV, Hardbody Edition, Pro-X, Pro-4X, and SL. The starting price for the base Frontier is around $30,000, while the top-of-the-line SL starts from $40,380. The base trim boasts an 8-inch touch screen, cloth upholstery, and manually adjustable front seats. The Frontier rides on 16-inch wheels and has black exterior accents.
Upgrading to the SL trim gets you leather upholstery, Nissan's towing package, and a premium stereo. The Hardbody Edition trim could be a good choice if you like tradition since it's a throwback to the truck designs of the 1980s.
The 2024 Colorado offers six trims: the WT, LT, TrailBoss, Z71, ZR2, and ZR2 Bison. The base trim starts at around $31,000, while the top trim starts at about $41,000. The WT is a wise choice if you're in the market for a basic truck for the jobsite. It features cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster so you can monitor your vehicle's performance.
The TrailBoss and Z71 trims are good choices if you spend a lot of your time tackling rough terrain. Skid plates, all-terrain tires, tuned-up suspension, and off-road driving modes stand out here. The upscale ZR2 Bison takes things to the next level with an impressive 12.2 inches of ground clearance. You'll have no trouble navigating large obstacles in this truck.
You can upgrade the interior of both trucks to create a truly luxurious experience. The Frontier and Colorado can each be equipped with synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery in some of the higher trims. You can also add an armrest to the rear row for additional comfort. The dual-zone climate control allows you and your passengers to maintain the perfect temperature in the cabin regardless of the weather outside.
Safety and Tech
Both trucks are well equipped with modern technology. You can easily synchronize your smartphones with the infotainment systems in the Frontier and Colorado, thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB ports. Upgrading the trim levels of both vehicles can get you access to convenient add-ons, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can stay in touch wherever you are and wireless device charging to keep your phone ready to use. Built-in navigation systems can guide you to your next destination.
The Colorado's base infotainment system includes an 11.3-inch touch screen and a six-speaker stereo. Optional upgrades include dual-zone climate control and a center console. In the Frontier, the standard 8-inch touch screen can be replaced by a larger 9-inch model in higher trims. The four-speaker stereo can also be exchanged for a premium 10-speaker Fender audio system.
Safety features abound in both vehicles. They're equipped with helpful assists such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. You can also benefit from blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts so you know when motorists are approaching you from awkward angles. Parking trucks can sometimes be challenging, but the rear parking sensors and surround-view cameras can help ensure this task is easier for you to perform.
Safety features are also available in the towing packages for both trucks. If you regularly tow an RV or trailer at the rear, these extra features, such as trailer brakes and hitch guidance, can help you have a much easier time behind the wheel.
Test-Drive a 2024 Colorado at Huffines Chevrolet Plano Today
Both trucks are strong competitors in their class, but we think the Colorado has the edge. While the powertrains are fairly equal, the Colorado can tow more, offers more extensive off-roading features, and boasts a larger infotainment touch screen. If you'd like to test-drive the Colorado before committing to a purchase, we can arrange that right here at Huffines Chevrolet in Plano. Contact us today to learn more.