VS
At a Glance
Power
325hp @ 5000
310hp @ 6400
Torque
400lb-ft @ 3500
281lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
23 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
7400lbs
—
Engine
2.7 L/164ci
3.8 L/231ci
Choosing between the Ford F 150 and the Nissan Frontier is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford F 150 delivers 325hp @ 5000 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. On fuel, the F 150 returns 23 mpg est. while the Frontier uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,290 for the F 150 and $41,870 for the Frontier. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford F 150XL 2WD Reg Cab 8' Box 2026 - From $37,290
Nissan FrontierCrew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X w/R Package 2026 - From $41,870
Performance
Power Output (hp)
325hp @ 5000
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
400lb-ft @ 3500
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.7 L/164ci
3.8 L/231ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (2025)mpg
22 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
36gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
227.7in
210.2in
Width (in)
79.9in
74.7in
Height (in)
75.2in
74.9in
Wheelbase (in)
141in
126in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4396lbs
4763lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
77.4cu ft
40.1cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
7400lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford F 150
4 / 4 categories
Performance
F 150
Fuel Economy
F 150
Value
F 150
Practicality
F 150
Pros & Cons
Ford F 150
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($37,290)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Frontier
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the F 150 or Frontier?
The F 150 gets 23 mpg est. and the Frontier gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The F 150 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the F 150 or Frontier?
The F 150 produces 325hp @ 5000 and 400lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The F 150 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the F 150 and Frontier?
The F 150 starts from $37,290 and the Frontier from $41,870. The F 150 is cheaper by $4,580 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the F 150 or Frontier?
The F 150 has a braked towing capacity of 7400lbs and the Frontier can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the F 150 or the Frontier?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.