2025 Nissan Frontier vs 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Frontier electrifies the mid-size segment with its potent 310 hp V6, offering nimble capability starting at a compelling $32,050 MSRP. Conversely, the 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty looms large, an absolute behemoth designed for heavy lifting, boasting a formidable 405 hp and a massive 445 lb-ft of torque. This contrast sets up a classic choice: practicality versus brute force. The Frontier is remarkably efficient for a truck, delivering 21 MPG combined, while the sheer scale of the F-350—nearly 22 inches longer—signals its commitment to towing and hauling over daily driving ease. The $14,920 price gap is significant, but the trade-off is clear: the Frontier prioritizes maneuverability and lower running costs, whereas the F-350 demands a premium for vastly superior raw power, sporting a 95 hp advantage and an extra speed gear in its 10-speed automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier's superior 21 MPG combined rating and smaller footprint make it the vastly more sensible choice for daily commuting.
2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty
The Ford F-350 Super Duty offers substantially greater size (80.0 inches wide) and hauling capability suitable for larger family needs and towing recreational gear.
2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty
The sheer dominance of the F-350’s 405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque appeals directly to enthusiasts seeking maximum power delivery.
2025 Nissan Frontier
With an MSRP of $32,050, the Frontier provides truck utility at a price point $14,920 lower than the F-350.
Choose the Nissan Frontier if...
- You need a truck that offers better fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG on the highway.
- Your budget demands the lower entry price of $32,050.
- You prefer a smaller footprint, measuring 210.2 inches in length, for easier urban parking.
Choose the Ford F-350 Super Duty if...
- You require serious power, capitalizing on the 405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the stability and capacity provided by the significantly larger dimensions (78.8 inches high).
- You benefit from the extra gear provided by the 10-speed automatic transmission for heavy loads.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Frontier | Ford F-350 Super Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2" | 231.8" |
| Width | 73.0" | 80.0" |
| Height | 71.5" | 78.8" |
| Wheelbase | 126.0" | 141.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | — |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 6.8 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm | 405 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 445 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Overhead valves (OHV) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.0/504.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.0 gal. | 34.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Power Steering | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 43.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 66.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 62.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Vinyl | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: 40-20-40 Split Bench | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P265/70R16 | LT245/75R |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | Full Size Non-Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Frontier and 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty.
How much larger is the 2026 Ford F-350 compared to the 2025 Nissan Frontier?
The F-350 is significantly larger across all dimensions; it is nearly 22 inches longer, reaching 231.8 inches versus the Frontier's 210.2 inches. Furthermore, the F-350 is substantially taller, measuring 78.8 inches compared to the Frontier's 71.5 inches.
What is the primary trade-off regarding power and fuel consumption between these two trucks?
The F-350 offers a 95 hp advantage with 405 hp, but this comes at a significant fuel penalty, as the Frontier manages 21 MPG combined while the F-350 has considerably lower efficiency.
Does the difference in MSRP greatly affect the overall cost of ownership?
Yes, the F-350 has a high entry cost, sitting $14,920 more expensive than the Frontier’s $32,050 starting price. This initial difference, combined with the F-350’s lower MPG figures, suggests much higher long-term running costs for the larger truck.
Which truck provides better performance for spirited driving?
While the Frontier is more agile, the F-350 clearly wins on raw performance metrics, boasting 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque compared to the Frontier's 310 hp and 281 lb-ft.
Are both trucks compatible with regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Frontier and the 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which is a cost benefit for both owners.
How do the transmissions differ between the two models?
The Frontier utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the heavier-duty F-350 is equipped with a beefier 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission to handle its increased output.
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