2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Nissan Frontier

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-X, and Pro-4X. The model retained its well-received exterior redesign, inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody, and the interior updates introduced in 2022. For 2023, the Frontier lineup included a new Midnight Edition on the SV trim, featuring blacked-out elements like the grille and wheels. Pro-X and Pro-4X trims received Lava Red interior accents, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on both Pro grades, which also featured a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40-split flip-up rear bench seat. The Frontier offered nine exterior color options, including unique shades like “Baja Storm” tan and Tactical Green.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline continued with its second-generation design, but recent styling updates gave it a more commanding presence. The truck's blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering for 2024 helped it blend in with its peers, while the TrailSport’s all-terrain tires added a rugged touch. The interior saw a significant update with a new center console design, offering a wide center armrest and a large storage bin. The Ridgeline also featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a newly standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with improved graphics and functionality. The model was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition, all equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine and torque-vectoring AWD. Prices ranged from $39,750 to $46,350, with a $1,395 destination charge.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, was shared with the full-size Nissan Titan and the Nissan Z. The Frontier offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with an optional shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system. The 4WD models allowed drivers to switch to 4HI at speeds under 70 mph, while shifting to 4LO required stopping the truck. The Pro-X models shared the Bilstein shocks and styling of the Pro-4X but were not available in 4WD. The Frontier's towing capacity reached up to 6,720 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at up to 20 mpg combined for RWD models, with 4WD models achieving 17 mpg city, 22 highway, and 19 combined.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system, which could direct up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds in the Sport trim. Off-road capabilities were limited by shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, and a ground clearance of just over 7.6 inches. On-road, the Ridgeline excelled with its smooth powertrain, quick acceleration, and quiet cabin. The automatic transmission occasionally rolled when parked, requiring careful use of the foot-activated parking brake. The Ridgeline TrailSport achieved an average fuel economy of 19.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier offered two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab, standard on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, and the King Cab, available on S and SV trims. The Crew Cab featured four full-sized doors and a 5-foot bed, with an optional 6-foot bed on the SV trim. The King Cab had two full-sized doors and two rear access doors, with a standard 6-foot bed. The Frontier's cargo bed volume increased with higher walls, offering 40.1 cubic feet for the 5-foot bed and 46.4 cubic feet for the 6-foot bed. The hydraulically assisted tailgate opened slowly and could be closed with one hand. The Pro-4X trim included aluminum and steel skid plates for off-road protection. Inside, Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, and the center console offered 4 liters of storage, nearly double that of competitors.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritized comfort and practicality. It was easy to enter and exit, with supportive cushions and ample leg support for five passengers. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat was well-positioned despite lacking height adjustment. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, padded front seatbacks, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Ridgeline's interior included numerous storage options, and the rear seat cushion could be flipped up for additional cargo space. The 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed featured a weatherproof and locking trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of space, ideal for tailgate parties or wet gear. The dual-action tailgate allowed for practical curb-side loading.

For 2023, the Nissan Frontier made wireless Apple CarPlay standard on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, while S and SV trims required a wired connection. The Pro trims also featured two USB-A and two USB-C ports, with a wireless charging pad available. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen for S and SV trims, and a 9-inch touchscreen for Pro-X and Pro-4X, the largest in its class. A four-speaker audio system was standard on S and SV trims, while Pro-X and Pro-4X had a six-speaker system. The available 10-speaker Fender premium sound system impressed with its bass performance. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster was standard, and the off-road gauge cluster displayed real-time angles when 4WD was engaged. The Intelligent Around-View Monitor was available on Pro-X and Pro-4X, with an off-road mode.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a faster processor and improved graphics. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink connected services and a seven-speaker stereo were also standard. The Black Edition offered HD Radio, extra USB ports, and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The infotainment system was more user-friendly, with quicker response times and capable voice recognition. The Sport trim benefited from these upgrades, making it a more attractive option. The instrumentation included a 7-inch digital display alongside an analog speedometer, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier came standard with forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, a driver-attention monitor, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear-door alert. Lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were available as options. Traffic-sign recognition and intelligent cruise control were standard on Pro-4X. The NHTSA awarded the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with a five-star side crash test score. The IIHS rated the 2022 model Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention and Acceptable for seat belt reminders.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport gained a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. It also included the Honda Sensing suite, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The ADAS performed adequately, though not as smoothly as desired. The Road Departure Mitigation system activated unexpectedly during testing, highlighting its potential for unnecessary intervention. The IIHS rated the Ridgeline Acceptable in the small overlap frontal-impact test and Marginal for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.