2020 Ford Ranger vs Nissan Frontier
Some matchups aren’t even fair. That’s the case with the 2020 Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier. Since Ford reintroduced the Ranger nameplate, they’re giving the compact truck class a run for its collective money. The Ranger out-tows, outruns, outmuscles the Frontier. If it weren’t for the Frontier’s lower price point, the Ranger would be the obvious choice for every buyer. In this comparison guide, we’ll show you what we mean.
Power and Acceleration: 2020 Ford Ranger
There’s only one engine option in the Ford Ranger, but we have no complaints. We’re talking about the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This potent engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts smooth as butter. This contender goes zero to 60 miles per hour in just under 5 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Nissan Frontier offers two engine options: the base 152-horsepower four-cylinder engine or the 261-horsepower alternative. Both have fewer horses than the Ranger’s engine, and the choice of five- or six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission is a little uninspiring. The Frontier goes from zero to 60 in a more lethargic 7.3 seconds, well short of the Ranger’s upbeat tempo.
Hauling and Towing: 2020 Ford Ranger
Just because you’re a compact truck doesn’t mean you should be able to pull your weight. And the 2020 Ford Ranger does an admirable job of it. With a 5- or 6-foot bed, the Ranger has a payload capacity of 1,560 to 1,860, depending on configuration. On top of that, or rather behind that, the 2020 Ranger can pull loads of up to 7,500 pounds. That’s just 200 pounds less than being tied with the class leader in towing. Truly, the Ranger knows how to get the job done.
On the other hand, the Frontier offers a maximum payload capacity of just 1,460 pounds, less than the 2020 Ford Ranger’s minimum listed payload. The towing capacity also falls a bit short, maxing out at 6,720 pounds when properly equipped.
Fuel Economy: 2020 Ford Ranger
This might be a strange note to end on, but there’s a chance that you’ll save enough on fuel costs over the lifetime of your Ranger truck to compensate for the starting price difference. Consider how the 2020 Ford Ranger makes 21 city and 26 highway miles per gallon compared to the Nissan Frontier’s best of 16 city and 23 highway mpg. That’s a considerable difference, and one that will save you hundreds of dollars in fuel costs per year. Once you’ve been driving for a few years, you may find that all those savings really do add up.