VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
310hp @ 6400
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
—
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
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 270hp @ 5500 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Ranger returns 22 mpg est. while the Frontier uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,050 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 RangerXL 4WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $37,050
Nissan FrontierKing Cab 4x4 S 2026 - From $35,150
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
3.8 L/231ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
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.)
22 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.6in
210.2in
Width (in)
75.5in
73in
Height (in)
74.4in
72.1in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
126in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4462lbs
4543lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
49.6cu 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Frontier
Fuel Economy
Ranger
Value
Frontier
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Frontier
Lower starting price ($35,150)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Frontier?
The Ranger gets 22 mpg est. and the Frontier gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Ranger 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 270hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Frontier is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Frontier?
The Ranger starts from $37,050 and the Frontier from $35,150. The Frontier is cheaper by $1,900 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