If there’s a tough job to be done, then you’ll need a rugged truck to take on the task. Along with power and capability, a pickup that offers plenty of technology and amenities makes your drives near Indianapolis, Lawrence, and Speedway, IN even more fun.
You’ll see plenty of options out on the road, including the 2023 Nissan Frontier and the Honda Ridgeline, but which truck is better suited for you? The team at Andy Mohr Nissan is dedicated to helping local drivers find their next trucks and be confident in their decisions, so check out our comparison to learn more.
HORSEPOWER
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
MAX PAYLOAD CAPACITY
At the heart of any powerful truck is a robust and dynamic engine. Work and play both require plenty of strength under the hood, so it’s important to have a truck that rises to the occasion.
The Honda Ridgeline is ready for the job with a 3.5L V6 engine. It generates a reliable 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to get you down the road and to your destination.
However, the Nissan Frontier provides even more of the power you need. The 3.8L V6 engine roars to life as it outputs a best-in-class standard 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This significant boost in power lets you hit the road with plenty of possibilities ahead.
Each model equips a 9-speed automatic transmission that provides quick acceleration, smooth shifting, and easy passing on the road. Plus, they both yield a similar EPA-estimated 18 city/24 highway MPG.1
That being said, you may prefer the 2023 Frontier with its 21-gallon fuel tank. As a result, you’ll be able to travel up to 504 miles before having to stop to refuel. The Ridgeline’s smaller, 19.5-gallon fuel capacity will only yield up to 468 miles on a single tank.
One of the chief reasons drivers look for a pickup is towing and hauling ability. Trailers loaded with important tools and materials are essential for your next big job. On the weekend, you can load up fun outdoor toys, like ATVs and camping gear. As you might have guessed, more towing capacity is better.
The Honda Ridgeline lets you bring along almost everything you need for the ride with its 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. It might not be enough to carry everything, though, so you may have to leave some gear behind.
Thankfully, the Nissan Frontier is here to save the day. When properly equipped, the Frontier has a maximum towing capacity of 6,690 pounds.2 That significant increase in capacity unlocks a lot of extra opportunities.
In addition to ample pulling power, you need a take-charge pickup that makes space for your biggest essentials as well. Once again, the 2023 Nissan Frontier ensures nothing is left behind with a maximum payload capacity of 1,620 pounds—perfect for hauling heavy building equipment, rented machinery, or a few dirt bikes.3
Unfortunately, the Honda Ridgeline continues to fall short of its competitor with a maximum payload capability of only 1,583 pounds.
With a few shared similarities and some striking differences, you may wonder how these two midsize pickups measure up—literally. For a variety of reasons, whether larger or slightly smaller, size matters.
Both midsize pickups are similar in length, at 210.2 inches, and they have a wheelbase of approximately 126 inches. Still, the 2023 Frontier’s 73-inch width will make it easier to maneuver than the Ridgeline’s width of 78.6 inches.
Because these types of trucks are often taken off-road, they need to be able to navigate obstacles and equip suspensions to take on tough terrain. The Frontier is ready to do so with its 9.3-inch ground clearance. The Ridgeline’s ground clearance is far less at 7.64 inches, which may limit where it can take you.
The 2023 Nissan Frontier continues to prove its flexibility by offering two bed sizes: a 5-foot bed and a 6-foot-1-inch bed. The Ridgeline, on the other hand, only has a 5-foot-3-inch bed.
Further expanding its capabilities, the Frontier can accommodate 40.1 cubic feet of cargo volume in its 5-foot bed. The Ridgeline’s cargo box can hold only 33.9 cubic feet. For the greatest cargo volume, choose the Frontier’s 6-foot-1-inch bed which holds 49.2 cubic feet.
If you’re looking to take on heavy-duty jobs and outings near Indianapolis, Lawrence, and Speedway, IN, we recommend the 2023 Nissan Frontier over the Honda Ridgeline. It offers a stronger engine and more towing capacity to take on whatever life has in store.
Want to experience the Frontier for yourself? If so, then schedule a test drive with us at Andy Mohr Nissan today!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 Frontier for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop Nissan Frontier Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive12023 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 18 City MPG/24 Highway MPG/20 Combined MPG for Frontier 4x2; 17 City MPG/22 Highway MPG/19 Combined MPG for Frontier 4x4. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
2Maximum towing capacity when properly equipped. Maximum towing of up to:
- 6,690 lbs. for MY23 Frontier King Cab 4x2
- 6,530 lbs. for MY23 Frontier King Cab 4x4
- 6,560 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab 4x2
- 6,400 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab 4x4
- 6,440 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed 4x2
- 6,240 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed 4x4
Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information.
3Maximum payload capacity when properly equipped. Maximum payload of up to:
- 1,620 lbs. for MY23 Frontier King Cab 4x2
- 1,450 lbs. for MY23 Frontier King Cab 4x4
- 1,480 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab 4x2
- 1,310 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab 4x4
- 1,300 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed 4x2
- 1,100 lbs. for MY23 Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed 4x4
Payload capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information.