The auto industry has rediscovered the midsize pickup in recent years. That’s good news if you’re in the market because the competition is fierce, and the offerings are compelling.
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline and 2024 Nissan Frontier are among the best examples of what a midsize pickup can be, from a basic workhorse to a family vehicle that can haul and tow.
Both have plenty to offer, so let’s check them out.
2024 Honda Ridgeline
Which of these is not like the others? It’s the 2024 Ridgeline if we’re playing the game with midsize pickups. The Ridgeline is sometimes sneered at derisively by hard-core truck enthusiasts because of its unibody construction. Pickups are historically built on ladder frames.
Fortunately, other than that one small issue, the Ridgeline looks and sounds like a truck, so… yeah, it’s a truck and a very good one, especially for those who don’t need to head out to the middle of nowhere more than they need to get some mulch from the local home improvement superstore. Pricing starts at $41,145, including destination fees.
Honda Ridgeline Highlights
Comfortable ride: Because of that unibody construction, the Ridgeline doesn’t give occupants that bouncy, rough ride folks so often endure in a pickup. Since it’s rare that midsize pickups don’t perform multiple functions, including operating as a daily commuter, that softer, more controlled ride is good news for your back.
Ideal interior: Honda’s put a lot of thought into the Ridgeline’s cabin, making it more functional on a daily basis. For example, the new center console is large enough to hold a full-size tablet in the armrest storage unit. The backseat, while a bit short on legroom, features several easy-to-access cubbies for passengers, and with the seats flipped up, you get plenty of room for weather-sensitive cargo, such as groceries or that new big-screen television.
Multifunction tailgate: While they’re more prevalent now, the Ridgeline was early to offer a multifunction tailgate and additional cargo space in the truck bed. Not only does the cargo door fold flat, it opens like a regular door, giving you access to items deeper in the bed.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ridgeline for sale near you.
2024 Nissan Frontier
The 2024 Nissan Frontier is the old guard of the midsize truck segment. When other automakers left the segment to focus on full-size pickups, the Frontier remained. However, as the segment reawakened several years ago, the Frontier finally received a long-awaited and much-needed makeover for the 2022 model year.
Part of that makeover was an overhaul of its underwhelming powerplant. Now, the Frontier’s powered by an impressive V6 and enhanced with a more rugged-looking exterior. If you’re looking for a stereotypical pickup, the Frontier should be on the list. Pricing starts at $32,020, including destination fees.
Nissan Frontier Highlights
Powerful motor: As mentioned, the Frontier’s engine was once considered anemic, but no longer. It’s powered by a 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 — comparable to the upgraded engine in some of its competitors.
Comfortable front seats: While not everyone spends a lot of time towing or hauling things around in a pickup, it’s good to know that if you plan to do so in the Frontier, the driver gets a very comfortable place to be.
Ready to help: The truck can be had with what Nissan’s dubbed the Utili-track system. It has three rails in the bed with adjustable tie-down cleats, providing quite a bit of versatility when securing a load.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Frontier models for sale near you.
Similarities
They’re comparable in so many ways, they even look a bit alike, and they’re close to the same size.
Conclusion
They’re the same thing — midsize pickups — but they’re not the same. If you need a daily commuter with plenty of capability, including the ability to go camping at places accessible by two-tracks, then you can drive the Ridgeline. The Frontier is designed to be a truck. If you want to spend the cash, you can dress it up in its Pro4X garb and take the thing off-road.
However, if you want a basic truck, the Frontier’s starting price is $10,000 less than the Ridgeline’s.
Specs
| 2024 Honda Ridgeline | 2024 Nissan Frontier | |
| Starting Price (including destination fee) | $41,145 | $32,020 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 310 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 281 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic/AWD | 9-speed automatic/2WD |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg | 18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Also Available | NA | 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 inches | 126.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.2 inches | 210.2 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 70.8 inches | 71.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 43.4 feet | 42.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.8 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.7 inches | 33.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.0 inches | 58.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 61.5 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.9 cubic feet | 40.1 cubic feet |
