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2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2026 Nissan Frontier Comparison

See how the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Nissan Frontier performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Ridgeline 2026

Midsized pickup trucks

2026 Honda Ridgeline

$40,795 - $47,895

All Test Results

Frontier 2026

Midsized pickup trucks

2026 Nissan Frontier

$32,150 - $42,370

All Test Results
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About
About
Honda's easy-to-live-with Ridgeline midsized pickup is unlike most trucks in that it has a carlike unibody construction, fully independent suspension, and lockable trunk space below the composite bed floor. The rear gate can swing out like a door or ...
 
The Frontier is powered by a 310-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine matched with a nine-speed automatic. The V6 is smooth and punchy, and the transmission shifts with fluidity. Fuel economy of 18 mpg overall is not a standout among midsized pickup trucks. Handl...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Quiet and well-finished cabin
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Innovative features, like dual-action tailgate and large in-bed trunk
Green Checkmark Icon Good payload capacity
Green Checkmark Icon Decent fuel economy for a truck
Green Checkmark Icon Composite bed's longevity
 
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Controls
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon 5,000-pound towing capacity falls below that of other compact trucks
Red 'X' Icon Shallow bed
Red 'X' Icon Limited off-roading capability
 
Red 'X' Icon Ride
Red 'X' Icon Tight rear seat
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

crew cab

 

extended cab, crew cab

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Black Edition, TrailSport, Sport, RTL

 

SV, PRO-X, S, PRO-4X, Dark Armor

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$40,795 - $47,895

 

$32,150 - $42,370

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD

 

4WD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3.5-liter V6 (280 hp)

 

3.8-liter V6 (310 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

9-speed Automatic

 

9-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.