VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
310hp @ 6400
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Towing
3500lbs
—
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
3.8 L/231cc
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Nissan Frontier is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Ranger delivers 270hp @ 5500 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. Pricing starts at $43,955 for the Ranger and $36,690 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
3.8 L/231cc
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.6in
224.1in
Width (in)
75.5in
73in
Height (in)
74.4in
71.3in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
139.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4240lbs
4557lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
49.2cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
—
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Frontier
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Nissan Frontier
Lower starting price ($36,690)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Ranger or Frontier?
The Ranger produces 270hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Frontier?
The Ranger starts from $43,955 and the Frontier from $36,690. The Frontier is cheaper by $7,265 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or Frontier?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Frontier can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ranger 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.
Also Consider