2025 Ford F-150 vs 2026 Nissan Frontier

$37,450 · Truck

$32,150 · Truck

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial metric separating the 2025 Ford F-150 and the 2026 Nissan Frontier is the MSRP difference of $5,300, with the Frontier starting at $32,150 versus the F-150's $37,450. Performance metrics favor the larger F-150, boasting 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Frontier's 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power gap, the two trucks achieve identical combined fuel economy ratings of 21 MPG (19/25 for F-150 vs. 19/24 for Frontier). The F-150's larger footprint is evident in its length of 228.1 inches (over 17 inches longer than the Frontier's 210.2 inches) and greater width at 79.9 inches. Both are RWD, utilizing automatic transmissions, though the F-150 employs a 10-speed unit while the Frontier uses a 9-speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier's smaller exterior dimensions (73.0 inches wide vs. 79.9 inches wide) offer easier maneuverability and parking in dense urban environments.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150's significantly longer wheelbase and overall length (228.1 inches) suggest superior passenger space and cargo capacity, beneficial for family duties.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford F-150

The F-150 delivers 400 lb-ft of torque, which is 119 lb-ft more than the Frontier's 281 lb-ft, resulting in higher capability.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier offers a lower entry price point at $32,150 while maintaining competitive fuel economy at 21 combined MPG.

Choose the Ford F-150 if...

Maximum towing and payload capacity are required, indicated by 400 lb-ft of torque.
You require the largest physical dimensions available, with a length of 228.1 inches.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a 9-speed unit for optimal gear selection.

Choose the Nissan Frontier if...

Keeping the initial purchase price below $33,000 is a priority, starting at $32,150.
Superior maneuverability is needed, evidenced by its 73.0-inch width compared to Car 1's 79.9 inches.
The driver prefers a slightly more fuel-efficient powertrain in highway driving (24 MPG vs. 25 MPG, though MPG is similar overall).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford F-150	Nissan Frontier
Length	228.1"	210.2"
Width	79.9"	73.0"
Height	75.0"	71.5"
Wheelbase	141.5"	126.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	3	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Front Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.7 L	3.8 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	325 hp @ 5000 rpm	310 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	400 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/25 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	684.0/900.0 mi.	399.0/504.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	36.0 gal.	21.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Passenger Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Door Pockets	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.8 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.9 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	66.7 in.	58.2 in.
Front Hip Room	62.5 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: 40-20-40 Split Bench	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Rear Head Room	—	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	26.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	52.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	52.2 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Steel
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/70R17	P265/70R16
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Size	—	16 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford F-150 and 2026 Nissan Frontier.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Ford F-150 compared to the 2026 Nissan Frontier?

The F-150 generates 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, establishing a clear advantage over the Frontier's 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This 119 lb-ft torque difference suggests better low-end grunt for hauling tasks with the F-150.

Which truck is significantly cheaper to purchase initially?

The 2026 Nissan Frontier is the considerably cheaper option, with an MSRP of $32,150 compared to the 2025 Ford F-150's starting price of $37,450. This represents a $5,300 initial savings when selecting the Frontier.

Do these RWD trucks offer the same fuel economy?

Overall, both vehicles achieve a combined 21 MPG, indicating similar overall efficiency. However, the F-150 slightly edges out the Frontier in highway MPG (25 MPG vs. 24 MPG), despite being a physically larger vehicle.

What is the size difference for owners needing maximum cargo space?

The Ford F-150 is substantially larger; its 228.1-inch length and 79.9-inch width offer much more exterior room than the Frontier's 210.2-inch length and 73.0-inch width. This larger body directly translates to greater potential interior and bed volume.

How do the transmissions compare between the base models?

The F-150 utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, potentially offering finer control over gear ratios. In contrast, the Frontier is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Are both trucks restricted to using regular unleaded fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Ford F-150 and the 2026 Nissan Frontier list regular unleaded as their required fuel type, which simplifies fueling costs compared to premium-only vehicles.