Which is right for you, the 2024 Ford Ranger or the Nissan Frontier? Our comparison guide helps you figure out which midsize truck delivers your idea of the perfect drive.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the entry-level Nissan Frontier can save you a little bit of money upfront.
- The redesigned Ranger is more powerful than ever, generating up to 405 horsepower for maximum speed.
- Although both trucks offer a smooth ride, the Ranger delivers extra seating comfort.
- The Ranger offers tech features you won’t find on any other midsize truck, including the Frontier!
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Nissan Frontier?
The 2024 Nissan Frontier (starting at $30,030) gives you the lowest price on a brand new midsize truck. It even comes standard with a pretty impressive features lineup, with items that include an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and forward collision mitigation.
Although the 2024 Ford Ranger (starting at $32,565) is a little more expensive, it comes standard with a longer list of features. And since the Ranger has been completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, it’s also the more modern option. For example, standard features include a 10-inch central touchscreen, 8-inch digital gauge cluster, and the wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!
Ultimately, the 2024 Ford Ranger is the more powerful option. The new fifth-generation truck offers your choice of three engine options, depending on which trim model you select. The base XL comes with last year’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which helps you tow max loads of 7,500 pounds. The mid-level XLT and upscale Lariat trims now deliver more power than ever, thanks to a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6. And then there’s the all-new Raptor trim model, whose exclusive 405-horsepower V6 delivers major off-road thrills.
The 2024 Ford Ranger is available with three engine options, depending on which trim model you select:
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (270 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- 2.7L turbo V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-only 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Meanwhile, every Frontier derives its power from the same V6 engine, giving you 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Although this engine can compete with the Ranger’s new 2.7-liter V6 in terms of horsepower, it falls way short in the torque department. Like the Ranger, though, the Frontier offers four-wheel drive for an increasingly rugged trail performance.
Every 2024 Nissan Frontier trim model has the same powertrain:
- 3.8L V6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
What Interior Features are Seen on the 2024 Ford Ranger?
The 2024 Ford Ranger is also our choice for interior comfort! Thanks to its redesign, passengers will enjoy an extra-smooth performance. We’re also big fans of the roomy crew cabin, which is home to supportive seats and your choice of luxury add-ons. For instance, the upscale Lariat trim includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel!
The 2024 Nissan Frontier is also known for its comfortable ride. And you’ll definitely appreciate its generous interior space! However, we would appreciate a little extra seat padding, especially in the front-seat bottoms. Like the Ranger, the Frontier offers plenty of comfort upgrades, including dual-zone automatic climate control and leather seating.
Has the 2024 Ford Ranger Been Redesigned?
After its redesign, the Ranger can now claim the best-in-class tech lineup! Ford’s new midsize truck is now available with many of the F-150’s innovative tech features, like Pro Power Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance. Every Ranger now comes standard with the SYNC 4 infotainment system. In addition to a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.1-inch digital gauge cluster, the Ranger offers an upgraded 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster. Newly available driver safety aids include blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Coverage and adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go technology.
When it comes to technology, the Frontier is a pretty distant second place. Its standard lineup is pretty basic, with the wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, you can find the newer, wireless versions of this smartphone technology on the Frontier’s top-trim Pro-X and Pro-4X trucks. While the Frontier isn’t available with many of the Ranger’s class-exclusive systems, it does offer the usual suspects, such as a premium Fender sound system, built-in navigation, and a surround-view camera.
Is the 2024 Ford Ranger Worth It?
In the end, we think you’ll agree that the 2024 Ford Ranger has a significant edge over the 2024 Nissan Frontier! Choose the Ranger for more power, exclusive tech features, and maximum comfort. Come in to test drive your new truck today!