Ridgeline vs Frontier
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Honda’s Ridgeline and Nissan’s Frontier target the same midsize pickup space in different ways. On the overall scorecard, the Frontier is ahead: 4 of 5 areas, with engine & performance doing the heavy lifting. There’s also a launch price gap of $8,545 in favor of the Frontier.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Frontier wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Frontier wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Frontier wins
- Safety & Tech Frontier wins
- Price Frontier wins
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
- Off-road & Towing5.7
- 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
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The Frontier has 2,150 lb more towing capacity
It’s a lopsided result (7,150 lb for the Frontier, 5,000 lb for the Ridgeline) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The Frontier has 30 hp more power
The Frontier nudges ahead with 310 hp, while the Ridgeline lists 280 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Frontier has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
The spread here is large: 12.3 in on the Frontier versus 9 in on the Ridgeline. Expect to notice it. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
-
The Frontier has 19 lb-ft more torque
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Frontier leads with 281 lb-ft to 262 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Ridgeline has
Neither number is the right one in general (78.6 in on the Ridgeline, 73 in on the Frontier), only the right one for you. Neither is better in general; it comes down to cabin space versus maneuverability.
Design & Size
- Ridgeline 210.2 in × 78.6 in × 70.8 in
- Frontier 210.2 in × 73 in × 71.5 in
The Frontier is the smaller car here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise.
Dimensions
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.6 in | 73 in |
| Height | 70.8 in | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Engine & Performance
Frontier leads
The Frontier is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The Frontier brings 30 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the Frontier leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
Ridgeline: 280 hp Frontier: 310 hp The Frontier’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Ridgeline: 262 lb-ft Frontier: 281 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Frontier leads
The Ridgeline comes close on fuel economy & range, but the Frontier does just enough to lead. The Frontier adds better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Frontier has the edge.
Fuel economy (city)
Ridgeline: 18 mpg Frontier: 19 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Frontier has the better rating here.
Fuel tank
Ridgeline: 19.5 gal Frontier: 21 gal Tank size and fuel economy together decide your range, so look at both before drawing conclusions.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Frontier leads
For off-road & towing, the verdict is easy: the Frontier leads, and not by a little. The Frontier answers with 2,150 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Frontier’s higher rating gives you more margin. For off-road & towing, the Frontier is the one to beat.
Max towing
Ridgeline: 5,000 lb Frontier: 7,150 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Frontier leads
The Frontier squeezes out a win in the safety & tech section. The Frontier takes this one with a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. The Frontier’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Prioritize safety & tech, and the Frontier is where you should land.
Largest touchscreen
Ridgeline: 9 in Frontier: 12.3 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.8L V6 |
| Total system output | 280 hp | 310 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 19 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 19.5 gal | 21 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 7,150 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in Smallest touchscreen | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.6 in | 73 in |
| Height | 70.8 in | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Price
| Spec | Ridgeline | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,595 Priciest in class | $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 Frontier undercut the Ridgeline by $8,545 at launch, which works out to 27%. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the Frontier does, and it keeps $8,545 in your pocket.
Based on US launch pricing as of launch. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Ridgeline if…
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a car
- you trust Honda and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Frontier if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (7,150 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (310 hp vs 280 hp)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (12.3 in vs 9 in)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (281 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more value for your money ($8,545 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Ridgeline or the Frontier?
On the specs compared here, the Frontier makes more sense for most buyers; the Ridgeline doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Ridgeline or the Frontier?
Going by the official dimensions, the Ridgeline is the bigger of the two at 210.2 × 78.6 × 70.8 in. The Frontier measures 210.2 × 73 × 71.5 in.
Which costs less, the Ridgeline or the Frontier?
Going by launch prices, the Frontier costs $8,545 less than the Ridgeline. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Ridgeline and the Frontier chase the same buyer. In the details, Honda and Nissan made different calls. Practically speaking, the Frontier’s biggest advantage is 2,150 lb more towing capacity. Add 30 hp more power to the list, and the Frontier looks even better.
A quick self-test: do you care more about the things a spec sheet can’t capture or engine & performance? The first answer means the Ridgeline, the second means the Frontier.
My pick: the Frontier.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.