The Nissan Frontier and the Ford Ranger are two capable midsize trucks with plenty of features for work or play. Both the Frontier and the Ranger had updates in 2025, so they see only minor tweaks for 2026.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Frontier and Ranger compare.
2026 Nissan Frontier
Nissan made significant changes to the Frontier’s overall style and body in 2025, and this year it adds enhancements to its trim selections. We recommend the SV trim for its wide range of standard features.
Nissan Frontier Highlights
Powertrains: The Frontier is powered by a responsive 3.8-liter V6 making 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, with 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional. All Frontier models can tow up to 7,150 pounds.
Dark Armor package: Available on the SV trim, the Frontier’s Dark Armor package adds a bold look with 17-inch black alloy wheels, darkened mirror caps and grille, and black exterior badging with FRONTIER tailgate lettering. Inside, the dark theme continues with a black headliner, darkened door handles and HVAC vents, a black-trimmed shifter, and subtle dark dashboard accents.
Features: The Frontier has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the S model and a 12.3-inch display on the SV, PRO-X, and PRO-4X models. All trims include the NissanConnect app, which lets owners check the truck’s status, lock or unlock doors, remotely start the vehicle, and more using their smartphone. The Frontier adds a new drive mode selector for improved control across different terrains. PRO trims have standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which are available on SV models with the All‑Weather Package. SV and PRO trims have a standard 8-way power driver’s seat.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Frontier models near you.
2026 Ford Ranger
The Ranger is essentially a carryover from 2025. Unlike the Frontier, which offers a range of bed lengths and cab configurations, the Ranger comes only as a crew cab with a 5-ft bed. It has best-in-class payload capacity and second-best towing capacity — up to 7,500 pounds — in the midsize truck segment.
Ford Ranger Highlights
Powertrains: The Ranger offers three engines across four trim levels. The 2.3L turbo 4-cylinder comes standard on all but the Raptor trim, and the optional 2.7L twin-turbo V6 is available on the XLT and Lariat. The third engine, a larger 3.0L turbo V6, is standard on the Raptor trim. Each engine is paired with an electronic 10-speed automatic transmission and features Ford’s EcoBoost technology, providing greater fuel efficiency. Rear Wheel Drive is standard, and 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional.
Raptor trim: The Raptor trim features the powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It looks like the smaller brother of the F-150 Raptor. Made for off-road adventures, the Raptor features 2.5-inch Fox Racing shocks and a Watts link rear suspension, along with locking front and rear axles. The Baja drive mode is made for desert driving.
Features and tech: This year, the Ranger XLT and Lariat trims feature an optional power moonroof. You can choose to add a power-rear-sliding window. One of our favorite optional features is Pro Trailer Backup Assist. With a rotary control, you can set the trailer’s direction, and the system steers it automatically, making backing up much easier.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ranger models near you.
Similarities
The Frontier and Ranger offer a wide range of configurations for hauling or heading off-road. They haul similar amounts, are available with V6 engines, and come in both 2WD and 4WD. Each is designed to be more efficient than a full-size truck without sacrificing much capability, and both offer off-road packages to boost performance when the pavement ends.
Pricing
New 2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$35,245 |
$34,400 |
|||
$37,885 |
$37,500 |
|||
$40,265 |
$39,300 |
|||
$43,565 |
$42,700 |
|||
$43,565 |
$42,700 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab vehicles and New 2026 Ford Ranger SuperCrew vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab | 2026 Ford Ranger SuperCrew | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder | 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD |
| Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | 7,070 pounds | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | 1,490 pounds | N/A |
| Curb Weight | 4,466 pounds | N/A |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 9.3 inches | N/A |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 270 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 9-speed | automatic, 10-speed w/selectshift |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg | N/A |
| 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 | 4 stars | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 126 inches | 128.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.2 inches | 210.6 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 73.0 inches | 86.7 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | 79.0 inches |
| Height | 71.8 inches | 74.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 42.7 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 43.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 33.2 inches | 34.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.2 inches | 57.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.3 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | N/A | 33.9 cubic feet |
| Bed Length | 5 feet | 5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Nissan Frontier and the Ford Ranger are two great midsize trucks. The Frontier offers a 6-foot bed option on the SV, Dark Armor, and PRO-4X, whereas the Ranger features a 5-foot bed across all trim levels. If you prefer a little more finesse, we’d recommend the Ranger for its more SUV-like interior. Both are suitable for off-road adventures.
