2018 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2018 Nissan Frontier
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline and 2018 Nissan Frontier contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Honda Ridgeline and the 2018 Nissan Frontier.
In comparing the 2018 Honda Ridgeline's and the 2018 Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2018 Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline's and the 2018 Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline is a better car than the 2018 Nissan Frontier.
Pricing: A used 2018 Honda Ridgeline ranges from $19,990 to $31,995 while a used 2018 Nissan Frontier is priced between $14,526 to $26,857.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline loses 37.8 percent of its value and the 2018 Nissan Frontier loses 32.7 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Nissan Frontier retains 5.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Honda Ridgeline.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Ridgeline is 9.2 out of 10 while the Nissan Frontier's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Honda Ridgeline being ranked 1 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Nissan Frontier being ranked 5 out of 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Ridgeline is 9.3 out of 10. For the Nissan Frontier the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the Honda Ridgeline a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Frontier.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the 2018 Nissan Frontier base engine makes 152 horsepower. The Ridgeline is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles. The Frontier is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles. This gives the 2018 Honda Ridgeline the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Nissan Frontier. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize trucks, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2018 Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: The 2018 Honda Ridgeline is available in a Crew Cab configuration, and the 2018 Nissan Frontier is available in a Crew Cab or an Extended Cab configuration. The 2018 Honda Ridgeline offers a bed length of 64 inches, and the 2018 Nissan Frontier offers bed lengths of 59.5 and 73.3 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Nissan Frontier, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,730
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$23,084
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$18,990 - $29,730
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$18,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$23,084
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$18,990 - $29,730
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,174
Price Range:
$19,990 - $31,995
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$25,975
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$21,237 - $30,075
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
169
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
80,584
# Good or Great Deals:
84
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,237
Price Range:
$14,526 - $26,857
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$25,975
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$21,237 - $30,075
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
309
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
83,247
# Good or Great Deals:
155
Honda Ridgeline Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.2 / 10
Reliability:
9.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Honda Ridgeline
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
6.2 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
78.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Nissan Frontier
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
6.2 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
36.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 14.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 14.4
Honda Ridgeline Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
The Honda Ridgeline differs from all of its peers in this segment by being a unit-body vehicle, meaning it is not built upon a traditional truck ladder frame. That is either the best feature or worst feature of this truck, depending upon which view you hold and what you intend to do with it. The Ridgeline is only offered in a crew cab configuration.
Summary Review
The Nissan Frontier received a much-needed redesign for 2022, transforming it from the oldest to the newest truck in the midsize category. Its drivetrain, a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, was all new in 2021. Now the rest of the truck has caught up, giving the Frontier a stylishly-aggressive exterior design, high-quality interior materials, and a long list of advanced standard and optional technology.
Pros and Cons
- Best-in-class on-road ride quality and performance due to advanced chassis design
- Best-in-class safety
- 2nd Highest reliability score in the class
- Great in-vehicle storage features
- Not an “off-road” truck in comparison to its peers’ off-road trims
- Least workmanlike design
- No extended cab configuration
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine mates to an advanced, capable transmission
- Appealing style, inside and out
- Wide range of standard and optional high-tech features
- Towing capacity weaker than many competitors
- Resale value not as strong as class leaders
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
64 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
59.5 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels
Black Edition, RT, RTL, RTL-E, RTL-T, Sport
2018 Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
Desert Runner, PRO-4X, S, SL, SV, SV V6
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
1465 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
152 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.040 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
900 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
371 / 507 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 23 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
401 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Cargo Space:
7.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
109.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
25.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.9 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
87.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4242 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.2 inches
Length:
210 inches
Wheelbase:
125.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3785 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
68.7 inches
Length:
205.5 inches
Wheelbase:
125.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/75R15
Exterior Colors
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
Black
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Gray
Not available
Silver
Brilliant Silver
Black
Magnetic Black
Red
Cayenne Red
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Gray
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Graphite / Steel