Fans of midsize pickups must be thrilled these days as the industry recently rediscovered the segment, and competition is fierce — resulting in stronger offerings from multiple automakers.
The 2025 Nissan Frontier and 2025 Honda Ridgeline are among the best examples of what a midsize pickup can be. Between the two of them, they range from a basic workhorse to more of a family vehicle that can haul and tow small trailers, boats, or campers.
Both have plenty to offer, so let’s compare the 2025 Nissan Frontier and the 2025 Honda Ridgeline.
2025 Nissan Frontier
Considered the old guard of the midsize truck segment prior to its complete makeover three years ago, the 2025 Nissan Frontier only gets a few updates for the new model year. Perhaps the most noticeable change is the restyled front end. A 6-foot bed, once the domain of only the Crew Cab, is now available for the Pro-4X and SL models.
The Frontier is powered by an impressive V6 tweaked to tow 7,150 pounds — a 510-pound jump over 2024. On the tech front, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors become standard. Starting with the one-up-from-base SV, the 2025 Frontier gains a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless Android Auto (to accompany the existing wireless Apple CarPlay). The top SL gets wireless charging and a 360-degree camera system. The Frontier should be on the list if you’re looking for a traditional pickup. Pricing starts at $34,690, including destination fee.
Nissan Frontier Highlights
Powerful engine: For its latest generation, the Nissan Frontier comes standard with a robust 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 — comparable to the upgraded engine in some of its competitors.
Comfortable front seats: No matter if you’re using this truck for work or play, every kind of owner can appreciate the comfort of the Frontier’s driver’s seat.
Ready to help: The truck can be had with what Nissan calls 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.
Read our Nissan Frontier Expert Review or see 2025 Nissan Frontier models for sale near you.
2025 Honda Ridgeline
Which of these is not like the others? It’s the 2025 Honda Ridgeline if we’re playing the game with midsize pickups. Pickups are historically built on ladder frames, so it’s unusual that the Ridgeline employs a more car-like unibody construction. That means a ride quality that is far more comfortable than a traditional body-on-frame truck.
Fortunately, other than that difference beneath the metal, the Ridgeline looks like a truck and sounds like a truck, so … yeah, it’s a truck, and a very good one. It’s especially for those who just need a truck to haul mulch from the local home improvement superstore occasionally. The Ridgeline comes exclusively as a crew cab with just one bed length. It is powered by a 280-horsepower V6 and has all-wheel drive standard. Pricing starts at $41,545, including destination fee.
Honda Ridgeline Highlights
Comfortable ride: Because of that unibody construction, the Ridgeline doesn’t give occupants that bouncy, rough ride sometimes associated with pickups. Since most truck owners use their pickup as a daily commuter, that softer, more controlled ride is good news for your back.
Ideal interior: Honda put a lot of thought into the cabin of the Ridgeline, making it more functional on a daily basis. For example, the center console is large enough to hold a full-size tablet in the armrest storage unit. While a bit short on legroom, the back seat features several easy-to-access cubbies for passengers. With the seats flipped up, you get plenty of room for weather-sensitive cargo, such as groceries or that new television.
Multifunction tailgate: While they’re more prevalent now, the Ridgeline was a pioneer of the multifunction tailgate and additional cargo space in the truck bed. The cargo door folds flat and opens like a regular door, giving you access to items deeper in the bed. You can’t get a tailgate like this on the Frontier.
Read our Honda Ridgeline Expert Review or see 2025 Honda Ridgeline models for sale near you.
Similarities
They’re both midsize pickups with V6 engines. They look a bit alike, are close to the same size, and have the same fuel economy ratings and warranty coverage.
Conclusion
These trucks are in the same class, but they’re not the same. The Frontier is designed to be a more traditional truck. The Nissan has a lower starting price, mainly because you can get one with a King Cab and 2WD, while every Ridgeline has a crew cab and AWD. If you can afford the upgrade, you can dress up the Frontier in its Pro-4X off-road form. However, the Ridgeline is perfectly suitable if you need an agreeable daily commuter with enough capability for some towing, hauling, and camping.
New 2025 Honda Ridgeline Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (75209)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,600 |
$40,131 |
|||
$43,500 |
$41,673 |
|||
$44,430 |
$42,421 |
|||
$46,330 |
$43,944 |
|||
$46,830 |
$44,797 |
|||
$48,200 |
$45,635 |
|||
$48,730 |
$46,298 |
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 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab vehicles and New 2025 Honda Ridgeline 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.
| 2025 Nissan Frontier | 2025 Honda Ridgeline | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg | 18 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 4WD | NA |
| 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 | N/A | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 126.0 inches | 125.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 210.2 inches | 210.2 inches |
| Width | 73.0 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 71.8 inches | 70.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 42.7 feet | 43.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 33.2 inches | 36.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.2 inches | 62.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.3 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 40.1 cubic feet | 33.9 cubic feet |
