Gladiator vs Frontier
Few matchups in the midsize pickup class come up as often as the Gladiator against the Frontier. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Frontier wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance6.8
- 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 25 hp more power
The Frontier gets a small bonus on total system output, with 310 hp against the Gladiator’s 285 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Frontier has 21 lb-ft more torque
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Frontier leads 281 lb-ft to 260 lb-ft. The Frontier’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Gladiator has
The Gladiator comes out larger here (137.3 in versus 126 in), which is neither a plus nor a minus on its own. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
Design & Size
Want the smaller footprint? That’s the Frontier. The Gladiator is the larger of the two.
Dimensions
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 218 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.8 in | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 137.3 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Engine & Performance
Frontier leads
The Frontier clearly takes the engine & performance round. The Frontier comes with 25 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Frontier.
Total system output
Gladiator: 285 hp Frontier: 310 hp The Frontier’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Gladiator: 260 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.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Neither the Gladiator nor the Frontier has a real advantage in the safety & tech category. The safety & tech verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) | 3.8L V6 |
| Total system output | 285 hp | 310 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 22 gal | 21 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 11.60 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | 7,150 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 218 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.8 in | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 137.3 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Price
| Spec | Gladiator | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $32,050 |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Gladiator if…
- you want the bigger car
- you’re loyal to Jeep and happy with it
Choose the Frontier if…
- you want more power (310 hp vs 285 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (281 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you value compactness over sheer size
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Gladiator or the Frontier?
On the specs compared here, the Frontier makes more sense for most buyers; the Gladiator doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Gladiator bigger than the Frontier?
Size goes the other way: the Gladiator is larger (218 × 73.8 in), and the Frontier is the smaller option (210.2 × 73 × 71.5 in).
Executive Summary
On paper, the Gladiator and the Frontier chase the same buyer. In the details, Jeep and Nissan made different calls. To me, the standout is that the Frontier offers 25 hp more power.
The Gladiator makes sense for anyone who values the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the Frontier for anyone who values engine & performance.
My pick: the Frontier.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.