If you need an energetic light-duty pickup to take around the streets of Middlebury, CT, there are a few options to consider. While there are plenty of trucks out there, the 2023 Nissan Frontier and the Ford Ranger are preferred choices by many drivers.
Which one is better suited for you? At Crabtree Nissan, we’re here to help you get a better sense of the Frontier vs. Ranger so you can answer that question. Keep reading to learn more.
HORSEPOWER
TOUCHSCREEN SIZE
MAXIMUM BED LENGTH
A primary consideration of any vehicle, especially a truck, is looking at what lies under its hood. You’ll want to be sure your vehicle has adequate power to handle any job-related or recreational activities you have in mind. After all, you love to get your hands dirty every now and then.
Both trucks come with a single engine designed to bring maximum power without having to upgrade.
However, there’s a rather big difference in the engine size and performance between the Frontier and the Ranger. The Nissan Frontier comes standard with a 3.8L V6 motor while the Ranger features a 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine.
The V6 powertrain in the Frontier pays off in a big way since this truck can provide your treks with a best-in-class 310 horsepower. The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, falls a bit behind with just 270 horsepower.
No doubt there will be times when you’ll have to head off the asphalt and possibly navigate less-than-ideal conditions. In such moments, you’ll want to be assured that your pickup is prepared to take the lead.
The Ranger answers the call of the wild with an approach angle of 27.9 degrees and ground clearance of 8.4 inches. While that’s decent, the Frontier once again supersedes it with an approach angle of 30.3 inches and ground clearance of 9.4 inches. You’ll be able to confidently maneuver up, around, or over anything that attempts to stand in your way.
Just because these trucks are a bit rough and tumble doesn’t mean they go without all the necessary modern conveniences. In fact, they come equipped with technologies that will keep you informed, connected, and safe, no matter where your journey may lead.
Their differences continue with their respective cabin features. The Frontier comes standard with an 8-inch touch-screen display, while the Ranger offers a much smaller 3.5-inch screen.
The Frontier also comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration that allows you to seamlessly synch your smartphone directly to your truck. These features are offered with the Ford Ranger; however, you’ll only find them if you upgrade to a higher trim level that includes the optional SYNC® 3 technology.
When it comes to driver assistance technologies, the 2023 Frontier and the 2023 Ranger have similar brand-specific versions of the following:
The Nissan Frontier takes it to the next level by providing standard Intelligent Driver Alertness. This system monitors patterns that indicate drowsy or distracted driving. If any are detected, it will alert you to consider pulling over to take a break. The Ford Ranger doesn’t have any similar feature that adds an extra layer of protection for you and everyone else on the road.
Many drivers choose a pickup truck to have the ability to transport gear and cargo, whether for work or pleasure. And in either case, you may also have some co-workers, friends, or family members accompanying you for the ride. How do these two models stack up?
One of the biggest appeals of a pickup is the addition of a rear cargo box. Having this additional space is crucial for adventures, such as planning a trip with your family or transporting materials to a jobsite.
Both trucks offer you a 5-foot bed or a 6-foot bed. Still, there’s a slight difference between the 2023 Nissan Frontier and the Ford Ranger and their respective beds that may weigh heavily into your decision. The Frontier’s cargo bed measures a maximum of 73.3 inches, which is ideal for plywood or a 6-foot ladder.
Unfortunately, the Ranger comes up a bit short with a maximum of 72.8 inches, so it may be a tighter squeeze.
Both pickups have cabs that seat four or five riders, depending on the configuration you choose. They have similar interior dimensions, with front headroom over 39 inches and front legroom in excess of 42 inches.
That being said, taller passengers might be more comfortable in the back seat of the Frontier with its 36.6 inches of rear headroom compared to the 35.9 inches found in the rear row of the Ranger.
Now that you’ve read about the 2023 Nissan Frontier vs. Ford Ranger, you’re better prepared to choose which light-duty pickup truck is right for your specific needs.
While reading, you’ve probably noticed the Frontier has a bit more to offer. Our comparison has only scratched the surface, so why not learn more by taking it out for a spin? That way, you’ll be able to see firsthand how it will perform on the roads of Middlebury, CT.
Contact us at Crabtree Nissan to schedule your test drive with us!
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