Many new truck buyers are asking the same question: does the 2023 Ford Ranger measure up against the 2023 Nissan Frontier? Both trucks are extremely similar, but the Ranger is going to give buyers a lot more worth for their money in certain ways and our comparison guide will show you why.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The Ranger is wider than the Frontier that equates to larger dimensions all around.
- Both cars are going to cost you about the same but you’re getting a bit more for your money in terms of features with the Ranger.
- Both cars can travel a similar number of miles and will cost about the same in gas money.
- Same number of seats in both trucks, but more room in the Ranger.
POWERTRAIN: RANGER VS. FRONTIER
Both trucks come with one standard engine, making this comparison an easy one. The Ranger comes with a gasoline fueled 2.30-liter V4 gasoline putting it at 270 horsepower. The Frontier does have the Ranger beat with sheer horsepower with its engines. That 310 hp comes from its standard 3.8-liter V6. Both rear wheel drives, the Ranger gives 310 ft-lbs of torque against the 281 ft-lbs of torque the Frontier has. Overall, the Frontier has the more powerful engine, but the Ranger is using that power to its wheels a little more effectively.
TOWING & HAULING: 2023 RANGER
This is where Ford really shows its strength. For the Ranger, the smaller engine doesn’t mean it has given up its towing capabilities. The maximum tow rate on the Ranger is 7,500 lbs. That towing power goes across the board with its trims but requires the Trailer Tow package. This is a win over the Frontier’s 6,720 maximum pounds, only available on their 2WD S trim models. The Ranger’s engine is small, but its build is mighty, further solidifying the toughness that Ford vehicles set out to accomplish. The Ranger also beats the Frontier in its hauling abilities maxing out at 1,860 pounds in its bed. King Cab variants of the Frontier can haul more than the standard, but still only maxes out at 1,610 lbs. This can be attributed to the larger cargo space for the Ford being about five inches longer.
WARRANTY: ALMOST A TIE
The warranty for both trucks is nearly identical, but we found the Ranger does give more roadside assistance coverage than the Frontier. You can expect a basic three-year warranty for 36,000 miles, and a drivetrain warranty for five years up to 60,000 miles for the Ranger and the Frontier. There’s a five-year warranty for roadside assistance for both trucks, but the Ranger extends to 60,000 miles while the Frontier keeps it at 36,000.
CONVINCING FEATURES: WHICH TRUCK HAS MORE TO OFFER?
The Frontier and the Ranger are standard with cloth interiors with upgrades available on upper-level trims. The Ranger does get the better gas mileage, but not by much, averaging two miles more per gallon in the city and highway. Both trucks offer the same seating capacity, but because the Ranger is longer and wider, it gives passengers more head and leg room by almost three inches. When comparing the cabin space side by side when sitting in these two vehicles, the Ranger wins in overall comfort.
The Ranger has a smaller turning radius than the Frontier which means handling is going to come easier, and tight turns or cramped spaces will be more manageable. Despite the Ranger having a smaller engine, it is turbocharged unlike the V6 of the Frontier, giving it a peppier drive feel. Keyless entry and keyless start are both standard for the Frontier, which isn’t the same in the Ranger. In certain Frontier trims, sunroofs are also included. However, in the Ranger, remote engine start is the standard feature whereas you’ll have to climb higher in the Frontier’s trims to get the same.
WHICH TRUCK WILL YOU DRIVE HOME IN 2023?
The Ranger and the Frontier are two very similar trucks that are primarily defined by their power and extraneous features. We found the Ranger has more options for features that drivers tend to prefer over the Frontier. Along with its towing and hauling statistics, the Ranger is a great choice for truck drivers in 2023. Schedule a visit today to take this truck out for a test drive!