2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Nissan Frontier

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline aims high, choosing to take care of both passengers and cargo equally well. The 2023 Nissan Frontier has a different mission, focusing more on utility with passengers secondary, especially in its smaller cabin.

The Ridgeline is ranked #1 at Edmunds and US News and World Report. Honda midsize trucks have held this position for several years. Moving up slowly since their 2021 makeover, Frontiers are rated #6 at US News.

1. Price Comparison

   Every vehicle has its pros and cons, but for many the entire decision starts with price. In this instance, the 2023 Nissan Frontier starts at a lower price than the 2023 Honda Ridgeline.

   However, the lower priced Frontiers are generally the four-person cabin. Once you look at the Frontier King Cab and make sure it has equipment comparable to the Ridgeline, the price difference shrinks

2. Cabin Size and Seating

   Nissan Frontiers come in two cab sizes. King Cabs seat four and have only 90 cubic feet of passenger space. The Crew Cab adds a fifth seat, and passenger volume grows to 100 cubes.

   Honda Ridgelines have an SUV-sized cabin with 109 cubic feet of passenger space. This allows it to claim best-in-class spaciousness. When it comes to all-important second row legroom, the Honda midsize truck has four more inches than the Nissan truck.

   

   From the Sport through the RTL trims, every Ridgeline is made of the highest quality materials. Aiming for families and professionals as well as those in the construction trades, it has exclusive features such as its tri-zone automatic climate controls. This guarantees better air conditioning for the back row.

   Ride quality is definitely a plus for the Ridgeline passenger. To keep it quiet, these trucks have active noise cancelation.

3. Performance Considerations

   The Honda Ridgeline has a 280-horsepower V6 engine and all-wheel drive. A heavy-duty transmission cooler helps it with towing duties. Car and Driver, which names it an Editors’ Choice, writes the Honda surprises from behind the wheel. They praise its competent handling and carlike ride quality.

   The AWD system has mud, snow, and sand modes to assist you. It uses intelligent variable torque management to ensure maximum capability.

   The Frontier is powered by a 310-horsepower V6. Like the Ridgeline, it has a 9-speed automatic transmission. Rear wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is a higher-cost option.

4. Efficiency and Ownership Costs

   Frontiers and Ridgelines have similar warranties. Both offer three years (up to 36,000 miles) of roadside assistance. Honda also gives buyers 24 months or 24,000 miles of no cost maintenance.

   Another exclusive advantage for Ridgeline owners is the active control engine mount system. It helps reduce the natural bounce that harms engines over time.

   The AWD Ridgeline and RWD Frontier claim the same fuel economy, earning 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. However, the four-wheel drive Frontiers see their efficiency drop to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

   Honda fuel efficiency is ensured by standard idle-stop for city use, variable cylinder management for highway travel, and an EcoAssist for the driver. You can learn about competitive loan rates from our finance department.

5. Utility Comparison

   With its slightly stronger engine and smaller cabin editions, the Frontier can claim better tow ratings. Payload ratings vary with the Frontier claiming a slight advantage with certain configurations.

   When it comes to towing, every Ridgeline tows an ample 5,000 pounds. Plus, a trailer hitch is standard on this Honda truck.

   

   When it comes to hauling cargo, Ridgelines claim a number of best-in-class features. The first is the in-bed trunk. This gives you secure storage space that’s out of sight of prying eyes. Secondly, it has a dual-action tailgate that can open to the side or fold down.

   Third, it has the widest wheel well width in the midsize class. This allows users to lay 4-foot wide boards flat. When the tailgate is laid flat, the normal 64-inch floor length grows to a whopping 84 inches. Adding value at the entry level, Ridgeline trucks have standard cargo bed lights to make life easier when it’s dark outside.

6. Safety and Driver Assistance

   When it comes to keeping you out of harm’s way, Hondas simply have more driver standards than the Nissans. This includes some systems which are exclusive and others that are more advanced.

   When parking, the Ridgeline has the advantage of a three-view rearview camera. When traveling, it has the benefit of standard lane keeping assistance and the Honda road departure system.

   Commuters will appreciate that every Ridgeline has adaptive cruise control, an extra feature for many Frontier trucks. Furthermore, LED headlights and foglights are always standard on the Honda midsize truck.

   When it comes to safety ratings, the 2023 Ridgeline continues to enjoy a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Currently the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab holds a four-star rating and the King Cab has a four-star rating in the one category where it’s been tested.

Conclusion

With so much going for it, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is definitely the midsize truck to put first on your shopping list.

Schedule a test drive and get to know its capability, technology and ride quality first-hand. You’ll find a selection at your Earnhardt Honda dealer.