Nissan Frontier vs. Ram 1500
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Frontier and Ram 1500 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 Nissan Frontier and the Ram 1500.
In comparing the Nissan Frontier's and the Ram 1500's specifications and ratings, 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. The Ram 1500 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Frontier's and the Ram 1500's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Frontier is a better car than the Ram 1500.
Pricing: A used 2024 Nissan Frontier ranges from $33,998 to $47,374 while a used 2025 Ram 1500 is priced between $55,965 to $71,084. For a new model, the Nissan Frontier's price is between $32,528 and $48,271, with the Ram 1500 priced between $53,970 and $71,610.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Frontier loses 32.7 percent of its value and the Ram 1500 loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Frontier retains 8.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ram 1500.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Frontier is 8.3 out of 10 while the Ram 1500's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Frontier being ranked 5 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Ram 1500 being ranked 3 out of 11 Best Full-Size Trucks.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Frontier is 8.4 out of 10. For the Ram 1500 the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Ram 1500 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Frontier.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Frontier’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Ram 1500 base engine makes 305 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ram 1500, a fullsize truck, 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, a midsize truck, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: Both the Nissan Frontier and the Ram 1500 are available in Crew Cabor an Extended Cab configuration. The Nissan Frontier offers bed lengths of 58.9, 59.5, 72.7, and 73.3 inches, and the Ram 1500 offers bed lengths of 67.4 and 76.3 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ram 1500 has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Frontier, with an average rating of 4.73 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$53,970 - $71,610
Starting MSRP:
$40,275
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
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:
670
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,313
# Good or Great Deals:
52
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$63,569
Price Range:
$55,965 - $71,084
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
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%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$16,676
Depreciation %:
41.4%
Resale Value $:
$23,599
Residual Value %:
58.6%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Ram 1500 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.5 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ram 1500
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
46.4%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Nissan 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 / 7Ram 1500 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
9 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
11 out of / 11Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
58.9 inches, 59.5 inches, 72.7 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
67.4 inches, 76.3 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
PRO-4X, PRO-X, S, SL, SV
Ram 1500 Trim Levels
Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, Limited Longhorn, Lone Star, Rebel, RHO, Tradesman, Tungsten, Warlock
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:
5 years / 60000 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:
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.73 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
271 foot-lbs @ 4900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
7690 lbs
Max Payload:
2300 lbs
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
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
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
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
66 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
65.7 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
116.5 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4771 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
77.5 inches
Length:
228.4 inches
Wheelbase:
140.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
265/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
275/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Red Alert
White
Glacier White
Blue
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Gray
Steel Storm
Red
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat / Flame Red Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Blue
Forged Blue Metallic / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Black/Diesel Gray
