VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 6400
305hp @ 6400
Torque
281lb-ft @ 4400
269lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
—
7660lbs
Engine
3.8 L/231ci
3.6 L/220ci
Choosing between the Nissan Frontier and the Ram 1500 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 while the Ram 1500 produces 305hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Frontier returns 21 mpg est. while the 1500 uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,570 for the Frontier and $42,025 for the 1500. 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
Nissan FrontierCrew Cab 4x2 PRO-X 2026 - From $38,570
Ram 1500Express 4x2 Quad Cab 6'4" Box 2026 - From $42,025
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 6400
305hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
281lb-ft @ 4400
269lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.8 L/231ci
3.6 L/220ci
Engine Layout
V
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.1gal
26gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.2in
228.9in
Width (in)
73in
82.1in
Height (in)
72.3in
77.6in
Wheelbase (in)
126in
140.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4561lbs
4836lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
40.1cu ft
61.5cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
7660lbs
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
Sunroof
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Frontier
Fuel Economy
1500
Value
Frontier
Practicality
1500
Pros & Cons
Nissan Frontier
Lower starting price ($38,570)
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Ram 1500
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Frontier or 1500?
The Frontier gets 21 mpg est. and the 1500 gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 1500 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 Frontier or 1500?
The Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque while the 1500 delivers 305hp @ 6400 and 269lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Frontier and 1500?
The Frontier starts from $38,570 and the 1500 from $42,025. The Frontier is cheaper by $3,455 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Frontier or 1500?
The Frontier has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the 1500 can tow 7660lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Frontier or the 1500?
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.