3 Reasons to Pick the 2023 Nissan Frontier Over the Ford Ranger
In the world of midsize trucks, there are certainly plenty of options out there. Both Nissan and Ford are brands that build smaller pickups, and these vehicles bring a lot to the table. Although the 2023 Ford Ranger has much going for it, the 2023 Nissan Frontier might have it beat in a few ways. So, what features make the Frontier a better get than the Ranger?
How much is the 2023 Nissan Frontier?
In terms of cost, the new Nissan Frontier might be more expensive than the old truck, but it still has a starting MSRP of around $30,000. Midsize trucks are less expensive than full-size pickups but are pricier than an economy car.
For that cost, though, you do get some solid capability. And there is something fun about driving a truck. After all, these vehicles are some of the most popular models on the road today.
The 2023 Frontier has a standard V6 engine
A few years ago, Nissan revealed a new 3.8-liter V6 engine. This powerplant is now standard fare for the Frontier. It makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-foot of torque. Regarding midsize trucks, the traditional thought is that six cylinders are best. And as some brands opt to ditch V6 engines, Nissan has not.
Every 2023 Ford Ranger comes outfitted with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. And while it does make more torque than the Frontier’s V6, with 310 lb-ft, you have to wonder how long a turbocharged engine will actually last. But because of that extra torque, the Ranger can actually outtow the Frontier.
Nissan’s midsize truck is body-on-frame
Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with trucks that use unibody construction. But body-on-frame trucks are ultimately seen as more capable. The 2023 Nissan Frontier is body-on-frame, and that should help with things like off-road use and towing.
According to Autolist, body-on-frame trucks are more rugged than their unibody counterparts. Both the Ranger and the Frontier are body-on-frame vehicles. Whereas something like the Honda Ridgeline is a unibody pickup.
But it is worth noting that the Ford Ranger might feel like the more comfortable vehicle when driving. It drives more like a car or an SUV than the Nissan Frontier.
The Frontier is the newer truck
Back in 2022, Nissan finally updated its midsize truck. After nearly 20 years, the Frontier got a full redesign and is now in its third generation. And if sales numbers are any indication, the update is a big hit among consumers. You get that standard V6 engine, a more comfortable interior, and the tech you would expect from a modern truck.
Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger is still in its old form. In fact, on the global market, the Ranger is in a different generation. For some reason, the Blue Oval opted to give us its old product when it reintroduced its midsize truck here in the States. But a new Ranger is coming, and when it does, it might have the Frontier beat.
