In the world of pickups, it can be easy to get swept up in the full-size models. Think Ford F-150 or Ram 1500. While these vehicles may be flashy, they can also be expensive and inefficient. This is where midsize trucks come in. These pickups still offer a legitimate utility but can be quite affordable. And two of the featured plates are the Ford Ranger.
Is Nissan Frontier 2023 better than Ford Ranger 2023?
When it comes to pickup trucks, opinions fly high, but on paper, the Frontier appears to be the better vehicle. It is newer than, offers a naturally aspirated V6 engine, and can carry more in terms of payload.
for 2022. It’s the first major update to this midsize truck in years. Because of that, it can feel more modern. At the same time, if you plan to tow a lot, the Ranger can handle more. It can tow up to 7,500 pounds, while the max can only tow 6,510 pounds.
The Frontier has a standard V6 engine
Well, I come to this from the school of thought that a mid-size truck requires a six-cylinder engine. I understand that four cylinders and forced induction lead to better fuel economy in the modern era.
Under the hood of every 2023 Nissan Frontier is a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Lacking a turbocharger, it’s easy to imagine this engine lasting longer than what the Blue Oval uses. No turbo means one less thing to fail.
The 2023 Ford Ranger features a 2.3-liter engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Almost every Ford product seems to feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine at this point. And that extra torque will come in handy for towing.
Nissan Frontier is newer than Ford Ranger
Oddly enough, we got an old version when Ford reintroduced the Ranger to the US for the 2019 model year. At least when compared to the global market. This has resulted in this midsize truck feeling a little outdated when compared to some of its competition—especially something like the Nissan Frontier, which has been newly redesigned.
Frontier welcomed its third generation for the 2022 model year. Accordingly, the improvements over the second generation are rather significant. This is likely what led to renewed interest in the Nissan mid-size truck.
Both trucks offer state-of-the-art safety technologies, but I have to say the new Frontier’s seats are very comfortable. Nissan calls them “zero gravity” seats, and they’re definitely better to sit on than the ones in the old Frontier.
Other than that, both trucks feel like trucks. They have large gear shifters, and base models filled with hard plastic.
