VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 6400
540hp
Torque
281lb-ft @ 4400
521lb-ft
Towing
—
8330lbs
Engine
3.8 L/231cc
3.0 L/183cc
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 540hp. Pricing starts at $36,190 for the Frontier and $73,795 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 6400
540hp
Torque (lb-ft)
281lb-ft @ 4400
521lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.8 L/231cc
3.0 L/183cc
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
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
14mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
16mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.1gal
33gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.2in
233.7in
Width (in)
73in
88in
Height (in)
71.4in
81.9in
Wheelbase (in)
126in
145.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4492lbs
6294lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
40.1cu ft
53.9cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
8330lbs
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
Ram 1500
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1500
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Frontier
Practicality
1500
Pros & Cons
Nissan Frontier
Lower starting price ($36,190)
Few notable weaknesses
Ram 1500
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Frontier or 1500?
The Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque while the 1500 delivers 540hp and 521lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Frontier and 1500?
The Frontier starts from $36,190 and the 1500 from $73,795. The Frontier is cheaper by $37,605 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 8330lbs. 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.