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.
When we compare 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, reliability, resale value and base engine power. The Ram 1500 has the advantage in the areas of 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: For a new model, the Nissan Frontier's price is between $34,340 and $50,453, with the Ram 1500 priced between $53,665 and $82,009.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Frontier loses 39.6 percent of its value and the Ram 1500 loses 42.8 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Frontier retains 3.2 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 7.8 out of 10 while the Ram 1500's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Frontier being ranked 6 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Ram 1500 being ranked 5 out of 10 Best Full-Size Trucks.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Frontier is 7.9 out of 10. For the Ram 1500 the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Frontier a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ram 1500.
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 59.5 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 4.65 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
34340 - 50453
Starting MSRP:
32150
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
34483
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
32150 - 38900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
53665 - 82009
Starting MSRP:
41025
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
39371
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
36900 - 41260
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
41803
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
41803 - 41803
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
63328
Price Range:
49814 - 74238
Category Avg Price:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
61430
Category Avg Price Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
55849 - 64780
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Ram 1500 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
7.6 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.251
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ram 1500
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
12.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
11.3 - 15.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.231
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Nissan 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 / 7Ram 1500 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 8Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 10Available 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)
59.5 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, SV
Ram 1500 Trim Levels
Big Horn, Express, 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:
10 years / 100000 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:
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.65 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):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
7700 lbs
Max Payload:
2360 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
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
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
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:
4385 lbs
Width:
84.1 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4836 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
White
Glacier White
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Blue
Forged Blue Metallic / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Green
Canyon Lake / Serrano Green Metallic
Red
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat / Molten Red Pearl Coat
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat / Silver Zynith
Interior Colors
Gray
Charcoal
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Black/Diesel Gray
Black
Black
