Ford Ranger vs. Nissan Frontier
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Ranger and 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 Ford Ranger and the Nissan Frontier.
In comparing the Ford Ranger's and the Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the Ford Ranger has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Ranger's and the Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the Ford Ranger is a better car than the Nissan Frontier.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Ranger ranges from $33,363 to $59,999 while a used 2025 Nissan Frontier is priced between $31,989 to $46,505. For a new model, the Ford Ranger's price is between $34,425 and $59,705, with the Nissan Frontier priced between $31,247 and $49,199.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Ranger loses 34.9 percent of its value and the Nissan Frontier loses 39.6 percent of its value. This means the Ford Ranger retains 4.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Frontier.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Ranger is 7.9 out of 10 while the Nissan Frontier's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the Ford Ranger being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Nissan Frontier being ranked 6 out of 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Ranger is 8.0 out of 10. For the Nissan Frontier the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Ford Ranger a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Frontier.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Ranger’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the Nissan Frontier base engine makes 310 horsepower. The Ranger is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 489 miles. The Frontier is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 504 miles.This gives the Ford Ranger the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Frontier the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize trucks, the Ford Ranger has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the area of front shoulder room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: The Ford Ranger is available in a Crew Cab configuration, and the Nissan Frontier is available in a Crew Cab or an Extended Cab configuration. The Ford Ranger offers a bed length of 59.6 inches, and the Nissan Frontier offers bed lengths of 58.9, 59.5, 72.7, 73.3 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Ranger and the Nissan Frontier have the same average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
34425 - 59705
Starting MSRP:
33330
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
35074
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
31590 - 40150
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31247 - 49199
Starting MSRP:
32050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
35074
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
31590 - 40150
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
44420
Price Range:
33363 - 59999
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
43288
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
37741 - 49219
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37741
Price Range:
31989 - 46505
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
43288
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
37741 - 49219
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
11779
Depreciation %:
0.35339209
Resale Value $:
21551
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.33159181
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.26729184 - 0.42710395
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.33159181
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.26729184 - 0.42710395
Ford Ranger Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Ranger
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 16.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.249
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 16.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.251
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.484999492222936
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.4 - 9.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8729070191713277
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.4 - 9.5
Ford Ranger Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
Ford discontinued its iconic Ranger small pickup truck in 2011 despite a large, loyal fanbase. It recovered from that mistake by introducing an all-new Ford Ranger in 2019. The old and new Ranger small truck have nothing at all in common, and most older Ranger used trucks are now "fully depreciated,” to say it kindly. We’ll focus our comments on the new Ranger.
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
- Excellent fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine standard
- Tremor off-road trim option
- Modern infotainment
- Class-leading payload capacity
- Mixed reliability scores
- Retained value hard to predict (too new)
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)
59.6 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
58.9 inches, 59.5 inches, 72.7 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Ranger Trim Levels
Lariat, Raptor, XL, XLT
Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
PRO-4X, PRO-X, S, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 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):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 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:
3 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:
270 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
1840 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1590 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
395 / 489 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
399 / 504 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
98.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
26.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.4 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
85.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4210 lbs
Width:
86.7 inches
Height:
74.4 inches
Length:
210.6 inches
Wheelbase:
128.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4376 lbs
Width:
84.1 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Velocity Blue
Brown
Desert Sand
Gray
Carbonized Gray / Marsh Gray
Red
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Red Alert
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Charcoal
