2022 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

2022 Nissan Frontier vs. 2021 Honda Ridgeline


Full-size pickups are consistently among Florida's best-selling vehicles. They're everywhere around the Brooksville area and beyond, and that's because full-size pickups are capable yet comfortable and come loaded with features. But they are also quite expensive and hard to park, which opens up the market for smaller mid-sized trucks to capture the hearts of Florida men and women everywhere. 

Two popular mid-size trucks recently got a refresh that are taking the market by storm, and those are the 2022 Nissan Frontier and the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. But which one has the power, durability, and features to beat the other in a head-to-head battle? So today, we're putting them up against each other to find out for ourselves. 

2022 Nissan Frontier Vs. 2021 Honda Ridgeline

While they may appear to match up evenly at first, the recently restyled 2022 Honda Ridgeline uses a car-like unibody platform to allow full-size space and comfort in its smaller, less-expensive design. And then there is the newly redesigned Frontier, which is a more conventional mid-size truck that complements an even lower price with a durable, rough-and-tumble character. We're going to take you through their head-to-head battle in detail so that you can decide which truck is best for you. And when the Frontier is the clear winner, visit our showroom at Maus Nissan of Brooksville to take one for a test drive!

Let the best truck win! 

Exterior Design & Styling

Until this model year, Nissan barely bothered changing the design of the Frontier since 2005. But that all changed with the new Frontier, modernized with high rectangular LED headlights and a squared-off grille. With no metal in the grille and a design that adds style and excitement to your drive, especially in the off-road beast Pro-X and Pro-4X trims.

However, the Ridgeline squared off the front end to look like pickups and doesn't have the tough and tumble look of the Frontier. So, if you're looking for a bigger, tougher-looking truck, the Ridgeline isn't it. 

Point for Nissan.

Cargo & Utility

The Ridgeline has okay cargo and towing capabilities for a car body-based pickup. However, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload of 1,583 pounds, the Ridgeline doesn't quite hold up in this head-to-head with the Frontier. 

With its sturdy body-on-frame design and more powerful engine, the Frontier has a towing capacity of between 6,260 and 6,670 pounds, depending on the trim level you choose. And as far as payload, that ranges from a modest 1,160 pounds to a more competitive 1,610. And when we're talking about cargo space, the Frontier wins out here again. It also has more room for your stuff, thanks to its standard 59.5-inch-long deep bed that provides a whopping 40.1 cubic feet of space. Unfortunately, while the Ridgeline's 63.6-inch bed is longer, it's also shallow and only allows for 33.9 cubic feet of volume. 

Point for Nissan yet again.

Off-Road Capability & Performance

The Nissan has packed quite the mix of modern technology and the already built-in advantage of a body-on-frame four-wheel-drive truck into the all-new Frontier. All 4WD Frontier models include features like hill-descent control, a low range, and a front skid plate. And when you pick up the top Pro-4X trim level, you'll discover Bilstein off-road shocks, additional skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and a surround-view parking camera to help you navigate every off-road obstacle that comes your way. Ground clearance on the Frontier ranges from 8.6 to 9.8 inches, depending on your trim. 

Now, in the Ridgeline, you'll find only standard all-wheel drive, dedicated driving modes for mud, sand, or snow, and 7.6 inches of ground clearance. With no real off-road technology and specs, it can't handle those off-roading adventures it appears from the outside that it's built for. 

Another point for Nissan. 

Bottom Line

First off, the bottom line is that's three points to zero for the Frontier. And if you're considering both of these mid-size trucks and looking for something that can tackle any terrain while also providing comfort for your daily commute, the Frontier is the clear winner. 

Here's a quick recap of the ways the Frontier beats the Ridgeline:

• Higher standard towing capacity. 
• Deeper truck bed with more volume. 
• Premium off-road technology and capability.
• Updated design with a fresh, sturdy look. 

Test Drive A 2022 Nissan Frontier Today!
 
If the 2022 Frontier has truly piqued your interest for its tech and durability, then it's time that you take one for a test drive! 
 
Swing by Maus Nissan of Brooksville today or give us a call to schedule your test drive at (352) 423-6287!