Compare the2023 Honda RidgelineVS 2024 Nissan Frontier

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Payload
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Ridgeline deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Ridgeline’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Frontier’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on the Ridgeline. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the Frontier. Four-wheel drive of any type costs extra on the Frontier.

The Ridgeline’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Frontier.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Ridgeline uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The Frontier uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Ridgeline and the Frontier have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda Ridgeline is safer than the Nissan Frontier:

	Ridgeline	Frontier
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	104	371
Neck Injury Risk	27%	29%
Neck Stress	166 lbs.	360 lbs.
Neck Compression	20 lbs.	148 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	41/39 lbs.	578/791 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	168	407
Chest Compression	.7 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	32%	32%
Neck Stress	121 lbs.	258 lbs.
Neck Compression	56 lbs.	140 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda Ridgeline is safer than the Nissan Frontier:

	Ridgeline	Frontier
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	129 lbs.	170 lbs.
Hip Force	246 lbs.	317 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	70	137
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	55 G’s
Hip Force	423 lbs.	796 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	33 G’s	44 G’s
Hip Force	615 lbs.	674 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Honda Ridgeline is safer than the Frontier Crew Cab:

	Ridgeline	Frontier
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	7 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	121	427
Head Peak Forces	no contact	88 G’s
Neck Tension	22 lbs.	134 lbs.
Neck Compression	67 lbs.	156 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	1.18 in	1.81 in
Shoulder Force	290 lbs.	469 lbs.
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	9 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Ridgeline, with its four-star roll-over rating, is 3.5% less likely to roll over than the Frontier, which received a three-star rating.

Warranty

Honda pays for scheduled maintenance on the Ridgeline for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Honda will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Frontier.

Reliability

The engine in the Ridgeline has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engine in the Frontier has dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Ridgeline has a standard 650-amp battery. The Frontier’s 510-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ridgeline’s reliability 34 points higher than the Frontier.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 12 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

As tested in Motor Trend the Honda Ridgeline is faster than the Nissan Frontier:

	Ridgeline	Frontier
Zero to 60 MPH	6.3 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter Mile	14.8 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93.2 MPH	87.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Ridgeline gets better mileage than the Frontier:

			MPG
Ridgeline
	AWD	3.5 SOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
Frontier
	AWD	3.8 DOHC V6	18 city/23 hwy
		PRO-4X 3.8 DOHC V6	18 city/22 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency. The Frontier doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Ridgeline’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Frontier doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Ridgeline has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Frontier doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Ridgeline has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Frontier. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Ridgeline’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Frontier:

	Ridgeline	Frontier King Cab	Frontier Crew Cab
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	11.1 inches	11.7 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	11.3 inches	11.3 inches

The Ridgeline stops shorter than the Frontier:

	Ridgeline	Frontier
60 to 0 MPH	125 feet	133 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

The Ridgeline’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Frontier S’ standard 70 series tires. The Ridgeline’s tires are lower profile than the Frontier SV/SL’s 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Ridgeline has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Frontier S. The Frontier’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Honda Ridgeline has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Nissan Frontier has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Ridgeline has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Ridgeline flat and controlled during cornering. The Frontier King Cab suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The front and rear suspension of the Ridgeline uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Frontier, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Ridgeline is 5.1 inches wider in the front and 5 inches wider in the rear than on the Frontier.

The Ridgeline Sport handles at .80 G’s, while the Frontier LWB SV Crew Cab 4x4 pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Ridgeline Black Edition executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Frontier LWB SV Crew Cab 4x4 (27.7 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28.9 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

Chassis

The Ridgeline is 1 foot, 1.9 inches shorter than the Frontier LWB Crew Cab, making the Ridgeline easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Unibody construction lowers the Ridgeline’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The Frontier doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Ridgeline has an electronically controlled liquid-filled main engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The Frontier uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The Ridgeline uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Frontier doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Ridgeline has 9.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Frontier Crew Cab (109.7 vs. 100.1).

Payload

The Ridgeline has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 (1583 vs. 1290 lbs.).

The Ridgeline has a much higher optional payload capacity than the Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 (1583 vs. 1310 lbs.).

Ergonomics

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Ridgeline has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Frontier doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

When two different drivers share the Ridgeline RTL/RTL-E/Black Edition, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Frontier doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Ridgeline RTL/RTL-E/Black Edition’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Frontier doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Ridgeline’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Frontier’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Ridgeline the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Frontier can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Ridgeline’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Frontier’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Ridgeline’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Frontier’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Ridgeline has standard power remote mirrors. The Frontier S doesn’t offer either a remote driver side or passenger side mirror. The driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

When the Ridgeline RTL-E/Black Edition is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Frontier’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Ridgeline RTL/RTL-E/Black Edition’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Frontier offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Ridgeline has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Frontier and isn’t available on the Frontier S.

The Ridgeline’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Frontier S doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Ridgeline has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Frontier King Cab doesn’t offer rear vents.

Both the Ridgeline and the Frontier offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Ridgeline has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Frontier Crew Cab doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Honda Ridgeline, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Nissan Frontier isn't recommended.

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