Ranger vs Frontier
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Ranger and the Frontier show how Ford and Nissan each approach the midsize pickup class. Look at the scorecard and the Ranger stands out, ahead in 1 of 5 areas. The fuel economy & range numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Ranger wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Frontier wins
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Off-road & Towing9.7
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range3.6
- Off-road & Towing9.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Frontier has 40 hp more power
Close, but not identical: the Frontier lists 310 hp and the Ranger lists 270 hp. The Frontier’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Ranger has better fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (combined) is slim (23 mpg against 21 mpg), yet it tips toward the Ranger. The Ranger uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Ranger has 29 lb-ft more torque
You may not notice this one every day, but the Ranger’s 310 lb-ft is a step ahead of the Frontier’s 281 lb-ft. The Ranger’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Frontier has
On fuel tank, the Frontier comes in at 21 gal and the Ranger at 18 gal. Tank size and fuel economy together decide your range, so look at both before drawing conclusions.
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The Ranger has better city fuel economy
Slight advantage to the Ranger: 21 mpg compared with 19 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Ranger starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
If you already know the size you like, the Ranger and the Frontier should suit you equally.
Dimensions
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.8 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 128.7 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Both have a point in this area: 29 lb-ft more torque for the Ranger, 40 hp more power for the Frontier. Pick the strength that fits your routine; that’s the honest answer for engine & performance.
Total system output
Ranger: 270 hp Frontier: 310 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Ranger: 310 lb-ft Frontier: 281 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Ranger leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the Ranger makes the stronger case by a wide margin. On its side, the Ranger has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Ranger comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Ranger: 23 mpg Frontier: 21 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel tank
Ranger: 18 gal Frontier: 21 gal A smaller tank fills up faster and adds less weight, while a larger one stretches the distance between fill-ups.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
If off-road & towing matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On safety & tech, both deliver about the same. Bottom line for safety & tech: it’s a wash.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 3.8L V6 |
| Total system output | 270 hp | 310 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (winner) | 281 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4x4 available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) Best city economy | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg (winner) Best highway economy | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 18 gal | 21 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,500 lb | 7,150 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.8 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 128.7 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Price
| Spec | Ranger | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,350 | $32,050 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Ranger asked only $1,300 more at launch. That $1,300 gap does buy something tangible: better fuel economy and 29 lb-ft more torque.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Ranger if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (23 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (310 lb-ft vs 281 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better city fuel economy (21 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (26 mpg vs 24 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Frontier if…
- you want more power (310 hp vs 270 hp)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $1,300 more
- you prefer staying with Nissan
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Ranger or the Frontier?
The Ranger wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless your top priority is 40 hp more power.
Is the Ranger bigger than the Frontier?
Neither by much. The Ranger and the Frontier have nearly identical dimensions.
Which costs less, the Ranger or the Frontier?
Going by launch prices, the Frontier costs $1,300 less than the Ranger. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Ranger and the Frontier. I just have opinions about the numbers. To me, the standout is that the Ranger offers better fuel economy. There’s more, too: the Ranger offers 29 lb-ft more torque. In fairness to the Frontier, 40 hp more power is a genuine strength.
The Ranger is for you if fuel economy & range tops your list; the Frontier is for you if performance does.
My pick: the Ranger, though I’d happily point you to the Frontier if you care more about 40 hp more power than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.