VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 5600
310hp @ 6400
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Towing
13000lbs
—
Engine
—
3.8 L/231cc
Choosing between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Nissan Frontier is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Sierra 1500 delivers 310hp @ 5600 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. Pricing starts at $38,300 for the Sierra 1500 and $39,490 for the Frontier. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 5600
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.8 L/231cc
Engine Layout
Inline
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Diesel
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
20mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
24gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
231.94in
210.2in
Width (in)
81.24in
73in
Height (in)
75.63in
72in
Wheelbase (in)
147.44in
126in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
4657lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
71.7cu ft
40.1cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
13000lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GMC Sierra 1500
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sierra 1500
Practicality
Sierra 1500
Pros & Cons
GMC Sierra 1500
Lower starting price ($38,300)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Frontier
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sierra 1500 or Frontier?
The Sierra 1500 produces 310hp @ 5600 and 430lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sierra 1500 and Frontier?
The Sierra 1500 starts from $38,300 and the Frontier from $39,490. The Sierra 1500 is cheaper by $1,190 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sierra 1500 or Frontier?
The Sierra 1500 has a braked towing capacity of 13000lbs and the Frontier can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sierra 1500 or the Frontier?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider