Honda Ridgeline vs. Nissan Frontier
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Ridgeline 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 Honda Ridgeline and the Nissan Frontier.
In comparing the Honda Ridgeline's and the Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the Honda Ridgeline has the advantage in the areas of reliability, 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, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Honda Ridgeline's and the Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Frontier is a better car than the Honda Ridgeline.
Pricing: A used 2024 Honda Ridgeline ranges from $39,553 to $48,158 while a used 2024 Nissan Frontier is priced between $33,998 to $47,374. For a new model, the Honda Ridgeline's price is between $41,142 and $48,230, with the Nissan Frontier priced between $32,528 and $48,271.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Ridgeline loses 37.8 percent of its value and the Nissan Frontier loses 32.7 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Frontier retains 5.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 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 Honda Ridgeline’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the Nissan Frontier base engine makes 310 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize trucks, the 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 Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: The Honda Ridgeline is available in a Crew Cab configuration, and the Nissan Frontier is available in a Crew Cab or an Extended Cab configuration. The Honda Ridgeline offers a bed length of 64 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, the Honda Ridgeline has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Frontier, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,142 - $48,230
Starting MSRP:
$39,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$32,528 - $48,271
Starting MSRP:
$30,510
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$44,663
Price Range:
$39,553 - $48,158
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3,427
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
192
# Good or Great Deals:
27
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,974
Price Range:
$33,998 - $47,374
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
6,682
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
265
# Good or Great Deals:
110
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,547
Depreciation %:
39.1%
Resale Value $:
$24,203
Residual Value %:
60.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,322
Depreciation %:
33.8%
Resale Value $:
$20,188
Residual Value %:
66.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
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 Honda Ridgeline
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
78.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
36.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
15.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
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)
58.9 inches, 59.5 inches, 72.7 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels
Black Edition, RTL, Sport, TrailSport
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:
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 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):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Max Payload:
1583 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:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
351 / 468 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
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:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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:
42.3 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:
4420 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.8 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
125.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4367 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:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Sonic Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic II
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic / Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Red Alert
Silver
Not available
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
