Nissan Frontier & Dodge Ram 1500 Comparison

2008 Nissan Frontier Overview

Incorporating a blend of toughness and agility, the 2008 Nissan Frontier has performance that rivals many full-size pickup trucks, yet retains its compact proportions to tackle a wide range of needs.

There are four trim lines – the basic XE, sporty SE, off-road NISMO, and plush LE. Available in King Cab (extended cab) and four-door Crew Cab, the Frontier has a choice of two powerful engines. The 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine makes 152 horsepower, which is adequate for light duty work, but not nearly as robust as the 4.0 liter V6 that generates 261 horsepower. Engines are mated to a choice of manual transmissions or a 5-speed automatic, in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations.

With the V6 engine, the Frontier has a class-leading towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. when properly equipped. One of the most unique features is the available Utili-track cargo channel system that features movable, heavy-duty tie-down cleats and a spray-in bed liner. Utili-track accessories include sliding trays, bike racks, sliding dividers, and modular storage systems.

A variety of optional features turns the Frontier into an off-road monster. On 4x4 models, a 4-wheel limited slip differential creates improved traction, while optional hill descent control and hill start assist make ascending and descending a breeze. Serious off-road enthusiasts should choose the NISMO model, which includes upgraded shocks, tires, and a pushbutton rear e-locker (electronic locking differential) delivering serious power to the rear wheels when you need it.

Standard safety features include a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution to prevent wheel lockup during hard stops. Dual front airbags are standard, while front seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted curtain side impact/rollover supplemental air bags are optional. Optional Vehicle Dynamic Control assists the driver in maintaining stability during evasive moves. A standard tire pressure monitoring system alerts the driver to any big drops in pressure.

With unique cargo options, available full-size V6 power, and rugged styling, the 2008 Nissan Frontier continues to be a front-runner in the compact pickup truck category.

Nissan Frontier Info & Dodge Ram 1500 Comparison

Performance

The Dodge is likely to feel a little slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Nissan Frontier.

Handling

The Nissan Frontier and the Ram Pickup 1500 have approximately comparable tires. With its tighter turning radius, the Nissan Frontier is doubtless more maneuverable than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the flip side, remember that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain

The Nissan Frontier's engine is markedly smaller than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's. Keep in mind that smaller engines can be stressed more; on the other hand, smaller engines are often cheaper to fix. The Nissan Frontier has no lessons to learn as far as torque from the Ram Pickup 1500.

Utility

The Ram Pickup 1500 will definitely prove more practical than the Frontier for those of you with frequent child-cargo. There's no clear winner between the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Nissan Frontier when it comes to transporting cargo. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 outpulls the Nissan Frontier by a massive margin.

Convenience

You will doubtless have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Nissan Frontier than with the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

Comfort

Taller drivers will markedly enjoy the extra head room in the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's front cabin compared to the Nissan. The ampler interior dimensions of the Ram Pickup 1500 make it more spacious for your passengers than the Frontier.

Dimensions

The Ram Pickup 1500 is significantly more ponderous than the Nissan Frontier. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 than the Nissan Frontier because of its more capacious tank. The Frontier rides lower than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Nissan Frontier fits in smaller parking spaces than the Dodge. The Nissan Frontier's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a more maneuverable feel in daily traffic than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Nissan Frontier is quite a bit cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. Producing an exact gas mileage evaluation is so tough that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though both the Nissan Frontier and the Nissan Frontier perform about comparably as far as fuel economy. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 guzzles a lot of gasoline compared to the Nissan Frontier. Regarding MSRP, the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 costs quite a bit more than the Nissan Frontier. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is substantially more expensive than the Nissan Frontier with respect to final cost.

Nissan Frontier Pricing

MSRP   $16,530 to $28,330
Invoice Price  $15,683 to $26,250

Nissan Frontier EPA Fuel Economy

City: 14 - 19
Highway: 19 - 23

Dodge Ram 1500 Pricing

MSRP  $21,485 to $40,685
Invoice Price  $19,157 to $35,854

Dodge Ram 1500 EPA Fuel Economy

City: 12 - 16
Highway: 16 - 19

Available Engines & Drivetrain

Nissan Frontier Engines

261-hp, 4.0-liter V-6
152-hp, 2.5-liter I-4

Nissan Frontier Available Transmissions

5-speed automatic w/OD
6-speed manual w/OD

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Engines

345-hp, 5.7-liter V-8
310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 (flexible)
215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Transmissions

5-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD
6-speed manual w/OD
4-speed automatic w/ODickup 1500 doubtless handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Overview

The Nissan Frontier and the Ram Pickup 1500 have the same basic warranty.