2024 Nissan Frontier v. 2024 Honda Ridgeline: Determining the Tougher Pickup Truck

Photo Source: NISSAN

Modern pickup trucks offer all-around utility for everyday drivers. While some models possess rugged personalities, others are more on-road-oriented. That is the case when comparing the 2024 Nissan Frontier to the 2024 Honda Ridgeline. The new Nissan Frontier provides an affordable and satisfying small truck option. That is in contrast to the Honda Ridgeline truck’s unibody design, allowing it to excel in general but limiting its off-road prowess. This article explores both pickups and why one is a superior truck.

Engine and Powertrain Capabilities

From the exterior, the 2024 Nissan Frontier and 2024 Honda Ridgeline might appear similar. They have a pickup cab, good ground clearance, and a rear bed. However, under the surface, they are immensely different.

Nissan offers the Frontier pickup truck in four trims: S, SV, Pro-X, and SL. The Frontier, with a reasonable starting price of $29,770 MSRP (Plus destination fee), is pure pickup. With a traditional body-on-frame construction, it has the brawny capability trucks are known for. Along similar lines, with a live axle and a rear leaf spring suspension, it boasts an equally rugged ride. Nonetheless, that is exactly what some buyers are looking for.

The rest of the vehicle’s specifications demonstrate solid equipment. For example, there is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that accelerates up to 310 horsepower and generates 281 pound-feet of torque routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard and four-wheel drive (4WD) is optional. Not only does the Frontier have a larger engine, but it is also more powerful in comparison to the Ridgeline. A two-door King Cab is standard, or buyers can add a four-door Crew Cab. Consumers can also select from a 73.3-inch long bed or a 59.5-inch short bed.

On the other hand, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline has a base value of $39,750 MSRP (Plus destination fee) and is available in four trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. The midsize truck is more of a car in pickup clothing. Built on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent suspension, the Ridgeline exhibits a car-like ride and handling. 

Meanwhile, beneath the hood is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) offers all-conditions traction. Unlike the Nissan Frontier, the Honda Ridgeline comes outfitted with only one bed configuration, available in 64 inches.

The Durability of the 2024 Nissan Frontier

Some customers require a sturdy truck for rugged terrain and large payloads. For those situations, the Nissan Frontier comes out ahead of the Honda Ridgeline. To clarify, body-on-frame construction provides the stout performance needed for challenging tasks. The Frontier pickup’s full-length, boxed ladder frame, along with a Dana axle and rear leaf springs, is built for demanding conditions, whether work or play. 

The Nissan also has more standard horsepower and torque than the Honda. That is vital when carrying heavy equipment or towing a trailer. The Frontier has a better 6,400-pound maximum towing capacity, whereas the Ridgeline has a lower towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While it might seem like a small detail, the Frontier also has a larger 21-gallon fuel tank than the 19.5 gallons housed in the Ridgeline. That might prove useful in demanding situations or when far from home.

Additionally, Frontier buyers have greater options to pick and choose trims and add-ons for a midsize truck like nothing else on the road. Ranging from the basic King Cab S trim to the retro-inspired Hardbody Edition, the Frontier has a model for everyone.

If the utility of the 2024 Nissan Frontier has piqued your interest, please come visit Nissan of Fort Pierce. We are here to assist you with any financial help, needs, or suggestions to make paying for a vehicle simpler. Allow us the pleasure of helping you today.