Nissan Frontier vs Ford Ranger
The midsize truck market in the US is a busy place with numerous worthy buying choices out there. Both of these trucks that we take a look at are aimed at the core audience of male drivers, specifically business owners, managers, and tradesmen.
Both Nissan and Ford are top-ranked vehicles in the segment, and research reveals that the Nissan Frontier has the strongest resale value and is reportedly the most fuel-efficient.
To help you, our readers, to make a better buying decision, we take a look at what both these mid-size truck ranges have on offer as late-model pre-owned buys.
Nissan Frontier Overview
A quick history lesson on the Nissan Frontier reveals that the Frontier nameplate was used from 1997 to 2021 which replaced the old Hardbody model.
As from 2021 the Frontier available on US soil has been a separate model, distinct from Nissan's global Navara/Frontier model. Nissan has made it larger and more developed to meet the needs of the North American market which perhaps goes some way explaining its popularity and strong resale value.
Revealed in 2021 as the third-generation model for 2022 , the latest Frontier rides on a revised high-strength steel ladder frame chassis carried over from the outgoing model and is is offered in extended King Cab and crew-cab layouts with either rear- or four-wheel drive, and five- and six-foot cargo box length options.
The latest trims include the base S, SV, Pro-X, and top-spec Pro-4X.
The very latest 2024 lineup features two new trims: a Hardbody Edition based on the mid-level SV trim and the SL, which replaces the SV Premium package. Both models are available only in Crew Cab configuration and short bed.
Ford Ranger Overview
The Ford Ranger line of pickup trucks has been manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company in North America since early 1982. It is now in its fifth generation, introduced in 2023 as the 2024 model year.
Making for a solid pre-owned purchase is the fourth generation model that was introduced in 2019 after a eight year hiatus. This model is a development of the Ranger T6 designed by Ford Australia,and underwent several design changes to its frame and bumpers. All examples of this version are available as SuperCabs or SuperCrews.
The 2019 Ford Ranger is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat, with Chrome and Sport Appearance Packages available.
Nissan Frontier vs Ford Ranger Powertrains
The Nissan Frontier is kitted out with a 3.8-liter V6 that makes an impressive class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 pounds of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission does duty in all trims and sends power to either the rear wheels or the four-wheel drive system.
Buyers looking for usable towing capabilities will be glad to hear that the Nissan Frontier can tow up to a respectable 6,690 pounds. The Frontier is fitted with a useful tow/haul mode, which offers a more controlled towing experience with limited engine braking going downhill.
The 2019 Ford Ranger lineup makes use of a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine pushing out 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through a standard 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four corners with a shift-on-the-fly two-speed transfer case providing 2 High, 4 High, and 4 Low capability.
Those in the know will appreciate the fact that a hard core Dana Trac-Lock differential resides in the rear axle of all drivetrains.
Ford offers an integrated trailer-hitch receiver as an option, with the gutsy engine endowing the Ranger with a claimed maximum towing capacity of 7500 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package and trailer brake controller.
Nissan Frontier vs Ford Ranger Interior
The Frontier's sports a newly updated cabin with large windows and sunroof openings lending the Frontier an airy cabin feel along with enhanced outward visibility for all occupants.
The Nissan Frontier features piano-black accents, a modernized gauge cluster with a large center infotainment screen, and ergonomically placed soft-touch surfaces and control buttons.
Standard interior creature comforts include, a tilt steering wheel, heated steering wheel, a fold-down center armrest, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, USB and USB-C charging ports, and a 110-volt outlet.
On the inside, the Ford Ranger's solid functional interior features audio and climate controls that are easy to use.
Standard features are air conditioning, power windows, manual door locks, cloth upholstery, and manually adjustable front seats with upper trims getting niceties such as, power door locks, a power-locking tailgate, remote keyless entry and cruise control.
Upper trims of the Ranger get Ford's Sync 3 touchscreen technology with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to available features such as smartphone connectivity, blind-spot monitoring and even in-car Wi-Fi.
Nissan Frontier vs Ford Ranger Exterior
The Frontier sports aggressive looks with angular LED headlights in its short, wide grille and bulging hoods, a skid plate along with a wide stance speaks to the Frontiers off-road ruggedness.
Ensuring good off road usability the Frontiers ground clearance is pegged at 9.4 inches and the lineup rides on 17-inch wheels.
The Ford Ranger shows off muscular body styling with a high beltline, with the raked grille and windshield lending this model an athletic appearance.
Off-road work is helped with the short overhangs offering good approach and departure angles, and the available FX4 Off-Road Package gets buyers off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, a frame-mounted heavy-gauge steel front bash plate and skid plates.
Safety Technologies
Despite limited driver assistance technologies, the Frontier does offer Electronic Stability Control, 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes, Anti-whiplash and a full suite of airbags.
The Ford Ranger offers standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking along with a Lane-Keeping System including lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning,
Seeing over the load bin is assisted by the reverse sensing and class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage that is standard on XLT and Lariat trims and an option on the base XL.
Get Your Next Truck at Tim's Trucks
To get you behind the wheel of one of these quality pre-owned trucks, make sure to contact our knowledgeable and friendly staff here at Tim's Trucks in Epsom, New Hampshire.
Tims Trucks is family-owned and operated, so you are assured of only the best service and the best selection of quality pre-owned vehicles.
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