Compact pickup trucks are becoming more popular around Dover, Ohio, for their practical versatility. These vehicles are small enough to make daily commutes down I-77 a breeze, yet capable enough to handle those weekend projects you’ve been meaning to get around to. Two top contenders in this growing segment are the 2026 Nissan Frontier and the 2026 Chevy Colorado.

While both models have carved out loyal followings, they each have distinctions that appeal to different types of drivers. In this guide, we’ll provide a full breakdown so you know where you stand in the Chevrolet Colorado vs. Nissan Frontier debate.

The 2026 Nissan Frontier keeps things simple with one proven powertrain. This 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 produces 281 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission for steady acceleration. Fuel economy comes in around 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for rear-wheel drive (RWD) models. For Ohio drivers in need of a dependable work truck, the Frontier can tow up to 7,150 pounds with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds.

By contrast, the 2026 Chevy Colorado comes equipped with a 2.7-liter turbo-four engine with three output levels. Despite having more options, it tops out at the same 310 horsepower as the Frontier. When properly equipped, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds, but its payload capacity of 1,570 pounds falls slightly below the Frontier’s. Fuel economy is similar, with estimates hovering around 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for RWD models.

The new Frontier adds a few welcome upgrades. Buyers can choose an extended or crew cab, as well as a five- or six-foot bed, providing flexibility that’s no longer offered by the Colorado. Durable soft-touch surfaces and supportive front seats make the cabin comfortable during those long commutes down US 39. Passengers will appreciate the extra rear legroom that the available crew cab opens up. The 2026 Frontier comes with an 8.0-inch standard touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Optional upgrades include an available 12.3-inch display and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. Safety Shield 360 is standard across trims and comes with features like automated braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.

The 2026 Chevy Colorado leans harder into tech, but offers fewer options to customize your ride. Every model comes as a crew cab with a five-foot bed. An 11.3-inch touch screen with Google Built-In is standard, along with an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless smartphone integration is included.

Higher trims unlock features like a seven-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, and available 360-degree cameras. Chevy Safety Assist comes standard with emergency braking and lane-keeping. Other upgrades, like adaptive cruise control, are only available on pricier trims.

Off-road capability is another important factor if you’re comparing the Colorado vs. Frontier this year. The exclusive Pro-4X trim on the 2026 Nissan Frontier is built for rural Ohio roads. Equipped with skid plates, all-terrain tires, and Bilstein shocks, there’s no trail this truck can’t handle. The Frontier Pro-4X is built on an advanced 4×4 platform and comes with an available Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode that activates when you shift into 4LO. This setup gives you the visibility and confidence you need to traverse rocks, mud, or the snowy Ohio winters with ease.

Chevrolet offers several off-road-ready trims: the Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2, and ZR2 Bison. With up to 12.2 inches of ground clearance and desert-ready drive modes like Baja, the Colorado is a strong contender. However, these trims come at a steep price and are geared toward specialized off-roading instead of daily use. For most Ohio residents, the 2026 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X offers all the off-road prowess needed for weekend adventures while still being practical enough to commute around Dover.

The 2026 Nissan Frontier starts at an MSRP of around $32,150 and goes up to approximately $43,565, depending on trim and configuration. In comparison, the 2026 Chevy Colorado begins slightly higher at $32,400. Off-road-focused trims like the ZR2 Bison reach an eye-watering $62,795, which is enough to make most drivers consider which features they really need for their next weekend getaway.

On the warranty side, you’ll find that both trucks offer comparable coverage. Options include a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Colorado includes a single complimentary service visit, which is nice, but Nissan’s reputation for dependable engineering usually equates to fewer unexpected repair bills down the road. Its simpler V6 powertrain also gives it an edge in terms of reliability and resale value. Overall, Nissan vehicles are known for holding their worth and requiring minimal maintenance, while the Colorado’s complex turbocharged engines may require more upkeep over time.

In this year’s great Chevy Colorado or Nissan Frontier debate, both trucks have solid credentials. If you need a truck that can handle extreme off-road adventures, one of the higher trims on the Colorado might be the answer. However, most Ohio drivers find the Frontier to be a more practical option when they compare both models side-by-side.