Ford F-150 vs. Nissan Frontier
Most of us typically shop with the best bang for our buck in mind, including shopping for a new set of wheels. With so many choices out there, buying a midsize truck in the huge US marketplace takes some careful consideration.
These trucks will appeal to a predominantly male audience, especially construction business owners, traveling managers, and tradesmen.
The Ford F-150 and Nissan Frontier are both highly rated vehicles in this segment, which tends to muddy the waters during decision time.
To help you make the right choice, read on as we share a little about what these two trucks offer buyers searching for a quality late-model pre-owned pickup.
Ford F-150
Certainly well-known and one of the top-selling trucks in America year after year, the F-150 has earned its place in the spotlight. The Ford F-150 nameplate has been around since 1975, and the Blue Ovals F-150 model is now in its latest 14th generation.
The last generation of the F-150 was built from 2015 to the 2020 model year, and with not too many years of ownership under its belt, examples of the 13th-generation model still make for an excellent pre-owned buy. It is available with three cab and bed styles plus plentiful appearance packages.
The trim levels for this F-150 model over the years included XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor, and Limited.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier does not have the same long pedigree as the Ford, but since its introduction in 1997, the Frontier has earned itself a name for its reliability, strongest resale value, and reported fuel efficiency.
The Frontier is now available as the third-generation model introduced for the 2022 model year; however, shopping for a more wallet-friendly Nissan Frontier from the previous model lineup still offers some excellent pre-owned choices in six trims.
Powertrains
Your average American pickup truck is made to work hard, and a poor-performing truck will be a deal breaker.
With this in mind, the F-150 will not disappoint buyers with an impressive selection of strong gasoline engines, including a 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 pushing 290 horsepower, a 2.7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 with 325 horsepower, a 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 with 375 horsepower, and the top dog 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 twin-turbo producing 395 horsepower.
The sole diesel option is a 3.0-liter Power Stroke® turbodiesel V6.
All engines are fitted with Ford 10-Speed SelectShift® electronically controlled hydraulic automatic transmission and the V8 features a six-speed SelectShift® electronically controlled hydraulic automatic transmission.
All F-150s from this generation are rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive.
The Frontier offers a 4.0-liter V-6 with 261 horsepower and torque of 281 pound-feet married to a five-speed automatic transmission, or a six-speed manual box.
A second engine option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 152 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Power is sent to the rear wheels or available four-wheel drive along with a standard rear limited slip differential.
Towing Capabilities
Regardless of the engine and drivetrain chosen, the F-150 offers outstanding towing capabilities ranging from 5,000 pounds for the 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 with rear-wheel drive to 12,000 pounds for trims equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and all-wheel drive.
Not to be outdone, the Nissan Frontier offers competent towing capacities of up to 3,500 pounds for the inline four-equipped trims. For those Frontiers powered by the 4.0 liter V6 engine, the Frontier offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds and a useful maximum payload capacity of 1,460 pounds.
Exterior
As mentioned, the Ford F-150 has three cab styles: regular, super cab, and super crew, and 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, or 8-foot bed styles. Numerous appearance packages allow easy personalization.
The F-150 sees plenty of aluminum being used to construct its body to save weight up to 750 pounds and help fuel consumption. The F-150 uses a high-strength steel frame to carry the cab and bed.
The still modern-looking exterior features a bold Ford family face with standard halogen headlamps or available Quad-Beam LED Headlamps with Daytime Running Lamps. Automatic high-beam headlights and halogen tail lamps are standard, while LED taillamps are optional.
Trim-dependent, 17-inch steel wheels up to 18-inch alloys are fitted across the lineup, and an overwhelming choice of some 24 exterior paint colors is available.
Nissan is available in body styles that include the four-seater King Cab with a small rear seat and a second set of doors hinged at the rear of the cab and the larger five-seater Crew Cab version with its steel body mounted on a high-strength steel ladder-type frame.
The Frontier King Cab offers a 6-foot cargo bed, and the crew cab is available with either a 5- or 6-foot bed.
The Frontier rides on a range of wheels, from 16-inch designed steel wheels with a painted finish to 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
The Nissan is available in a choice of six exterior colors.
Interior
The spacious interior of the F-150 offers plenty of standard equipment and available appointments, such as massaging seats to a panoramic sunroof.
Standard comfort items include power steering, an adjustable steering wheel, four-way manual driver seat adjustments, and a backup camera.
The F-150 offers an optional touchscreen infotainment system, and the interior is available in three colors.
The Nissan's older cabin design, with durable cabin materials, is perfect for tradesmen who do work duty and are not really looking for fancy frills.
The seats are fitted with premium cloth, and leather-trimmed seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat are optional. Standard is the six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a USB port, and a rearview camera.
Find Your Next Truck at Tim's Truck Capital
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We offer an expansive selection of pre-owned trucks, SUVs, passenger vehicles, and more to view and test drive. Allow our team to help you meet all of your automotive needs.
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