VS
At a Glance
Power
405hp @ 5750
310hp @ 6400
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3250
281lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
17 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
5510lbs
—
Engine
3.0 L/180ci
3.8 L/231ci
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 405hp @ 5750 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Ranger returns 17 mpg est. while the Frontier uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $57,270 for the Ranger and $35,150 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 RangerRaptor 4WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $57,270
Nissan FrontierKing Cab 4x4 S 2026 - From $35,150
Performance
Power Output (hp)
405hp @ 5750
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3250
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/180ci
3.8 L/231ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
18mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.3gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.9in
210.2in
Width (in)
75.9in
73in
Height (in)
79.8in
72.1in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
126in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5363lbs
4543lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
49.6cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5510lbs
—
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ranger
Fuel Economy
Frontier
Value
Frontier
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (17 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Frontier
Better fuel economy (20 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($35,150)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Frontier?
The Ranger gets 17 mpg est. and the Frontier gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Frontier 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 Ranger or Frontier?
The Ranger produces 405hp @ 5750 and 430lb-ft @ 3250 of torque while the Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Ranger is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Frontier?
The Ranger starts from $57,270 and the Frontier from $35,150. The Frontier is cheaper by $22,120 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 5510lbs 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