VS
At a Glance
Power
280hp @ 6000
310hp @ 6400
Torque
262lb-ft @ 4700
281lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
21 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
—
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
3.8 L/231ci
Choosing between the Honda Ridgeline and the Nissan Frontier is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Ridgeline delivers 280hp @ 6000 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Ridgeline returns 21 mpg est. while the Frontier uses 21 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,795 for the Ridgeline and $36,190 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
Honda RidgelineSport AWD 2026 - From $40,795
Nissan FrontierCrew Cab 4x2 SV 2026 - From $36,190
Performance
Power Output (hp)
280hp @ 6000
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 4700
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
3.8 L/231ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.5gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.2in
210.2in
Width (in)
78.6in
73in
Height (in)
70.8in
71.4in
Wheelbase (in)
125.2in
126in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4420lbs
4492lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
33.9cu ft
40.1cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
—
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
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Frontier
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Frontier
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Frontier
Practicality
Ridgeline
Pros & Cons
Honda Ridgeline
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Nissan Frontier
Lower starting price ($36,190)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ridgeline or Frontier?
The Ridgeline gets 21 mpg est. and the Frontier gets 21 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 Ridgeline or Frontier?
The Ridgeline produces 280hp @ 6000 and 262lb-ft @ 4700 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 Ridgeline and Frontier?
The Ridgeline starts from $40,795 and the Frontier from $36,190. The Frontier is cheaper by $4,605 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ridgeline or Frontier?
The Ridgeline has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Frontier can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ridgeline 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