2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, contrasting sharply with the more rugged looks of its competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's overall appearance was both imposing and stylish. The LED headlights on the upper trims were sleek, and the chrome or painted body-color bumpers added a touch of sophistication. The Limited trim, with its 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, further enhanced the truck's upscale look. Inside, the RAM 2500 was a marvel of craftsmanship, especially in the higher trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior boasted soft-grained, perforated leather, intricate stitching, and luxurious materials that rivaled those found in high-end vehicles. The attention to detail extended to the grab handles, shifter knob, and the optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen, making the RAM 2500 a class leader in interior design.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Frontier retained a design reminiscent of its 2005 model, which had aged surprisingly well. The PRO-4X trim, in particular, featured a tube-style roof rack, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, and distinctive bedside graphics. Available in both King Cab and Crew Cab styles, the Frontier offered various trim levels and packages, including the Value Truck Package and the Midnight Edition Package. The interior of the Frontier was a throwback to mid-2000s Nissan design, with symmetry, modularity, and silver plastic dominating the cabin. Despite the hard plastic materials, the Frontier's interior was solidly built, with no squeaks or rattles even on rough roads. The PRO-4X trim added leather upholstery, but the overall design and materials felt dated compared to modern standards.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered a choice between two powerful engines. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 produced 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination allowed for a maximum payload of 4,380 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 17,350 pounds. The diesel option, a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six, delivered 370 horsepower and a massive 850 pound-feet of torque. This engine enabled the RAM 2500 to tow up to 19,780 pounds and haul a payload of 3,060 pounds. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 was surprisingly quick on the highway, though its steering was loose and the ride was stiff compared to the RAM 1500. The diesel's exhaust brake was a standout feature, providing significant stopping power and extending brake life. Fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but the RAM 2500 averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 miles of mostly highway driving.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier introduced a new 3.8-liter V6 engine, replacing the old 4.0-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. This new engine produced 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier's maximum tow rating remained at 6,720 pounds. The new engine was smoother and more refined than its predecessor, and the nine-speed automatic provided quick and clean shifts. The Frontier averaged 19.3 mpg in testing, slightly better than the EPA estimate. However, the Frontier's driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow and heavy steering and a wide turning radius. The PRO-4X trim's Bilstein off-road shocks handled rough terrain well but allowed road imperfections to reverberate through the truck. Despite its age, the Frontier's driving experience retained a certain charm, though it felt outdated compared to modern trucks.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths. The single cab provided the highest payload and could seat three with a fold-down center console. The Crew Cab, available with either bed length, offered ample space and comfort, while the Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and enjoy a luxurious ride. The RAM 2500 featured power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and a power tailgate. The bed could be equipped with a spray-in liner, LED lighting, and pre-drilled holes for a fifth-wheel hitch. Diesel models included a countdown timer for glow plugs and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid levels. The RAM 2500 also offered a 220-amp alternator, with options for dual alternators to support power-hungry equipment.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, despite its dated design, offered practical storage solutions, including dual glove compartments and a bin under the center armrest. The PRO-4X trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though it lacked the comfort of Nissan's Zero Gravity designs. Rear seat space was tight, with a flat bench seat and limited backrest angle. The Frontier's bed, equipped with a spray-in liner, bed-rail caps, and the Utili-Track channel system, could handle a payload of up to 1,020 pounds. However, the bed's depth was only 18 inches, and its total volume was 27.1 cubic feet.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended. This system was quick, logical, and high-resolution, with customizable shortcuts and app installations. The 12-inch display was a standout feature, offering large maps, dual information tiles, and easy adjustments for trailer settings. The 360-degree cameras provided comprehensive views, and the dual rear-view cameras were particularly useful for towing. The instrument cluster also featured a large display that duplicated many functions of the main screen.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier's 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, navigation, voice recognition, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Siri Eyes Free was available for iPhone users, offering a more natural voice assistant experience. The Frontier's technology was limited, reflecting its older design, but it was straightforward and functional.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the RAM 1500, which shares many safety features, received a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Optional driver assists for the RAM 2500 included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, which worked even with a trailer attached. These features, combined with the RAM 1500's strong crash-test performance, suggested a high level of safety for the RAM 2500.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated the Frontier "marginal" in the small overlap frontal-impact test and "poor" for its headlights. The Frontier's safety features were limited to a reversing camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control, lacking modern driver-assistance technologies.