If you're looking for a new truck and narrowing down your list to the 2025 Ford Ranger or the Nissan Frontier, you’re definitely looking in the right direction. But depending on what you need from your ride, one of these pickups may be a better fit over the other. Let’s break down their qualities so you can decide which is the best mid-size truck 2025!
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Ranger’s updates are mostly visual, but they’re sharp.
- The Ranger beats Frontier in engine variety, MPG, and towing.
- As of July 2, 2025, Ranger trims range from $35,025 to $49,310; Frontier trims run from $33,560 to $43,320.
Style and Trim Updates: What’s New for 2025?
Ford kept things relatively simple this year by focusing on aesthetics. The 2025 Ranger gets a few fresh color options—Ruby Red Metallic, Desert Sand, and Marsh Gray—while retiring old favorites like Cactus Gray, Iconic Silver, and Hot Pepper Red. There’s also the addition of a Black Appearance Package that blacks out the grille, bumper, and wheels.
Here are prices for the current Ranger trim lineup:
- XL: $35,025
- XLT: $37,540
- Lariat: $45,810
Nissan gave the Frontier a mild update that still manages to make a visual impact. A new grille, bumper, and wheel designs for the PRO-X and PRO-4X trims freshen up the face. And that Afterburn Orange paint definitely makes the truck stand out.
Inside, the upgrades continue with a larger available 12.3-inch screen, standard wireless Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system. Nissan also added a power lumbar feature on SV, PRO, and SL trims.
Frontier trim pricing is as follows:
- S: $33,560
- SV: $35,900
- PRO-X: $39,980
- PRO-4X: $43,280
- SL: $43,320
Ford Wins on Choice of Powertrains
Here, the Ranger pulls ahead. You can stick with the efficient 2.3-liter turbo-four (270 hp, 310 lb-ft), or upgrade to a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft). Both engines mate with a 10-speed auto and your pick of rear- or four-wheel drive.
The Frontier has but one engine choice—all trims come with the same 3.8-liter V6 delivering 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. It uses a nine-speed auto and offers rear- or four-wheel drive.
Ford Leads Again in Towing and Payload
Ford gave the Ranger some serious strength. It can tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul as much as 1,805 pounds (or 1,711 if you’re using four-wheel drive).
The Frontier puts up a good fight with 7,150 pounds of max towing and 1,610 pounds of payload, but it doesn’t quite match Ford’s numbers.
Fuel Efficiency: Ranger Still in Front
Fuel economy is another win for the Ranger, especially if efficiency matters to you. With the 2.3L turbo and rear-wheel drive, you can expect up to 21 mpg city and 25 highway. The 4WD version drops slightly to 20/24 mpg, and even the more powerful V6 still gets 19/23 mpg.
The Frontier’s fuel economy isn’t as strong. It gets 18 city/24 highway with rear-wheel drive and 17/22 mpg with four-wheel drive.
Go Ranger, If You Want More of Everything
If what you’re after is a truck that delivers more engine options, stronger towing, and better gas mileage, the 2025 Ford Ranger is probably your best bet. Swing by our showroom to test it out—we think it’ll check every box!