2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2022 RAM 1500
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 RAM 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Nissan Frontier scores 8.3 out of 10. While both trucks offer strong features, the higher rating for the Nissan Frontier suggests it provides better overall value based on this comparison. Buyers looking for a combination of modern amenities, performance, and a slightly better safety performance might find the 2023 Nissan Frontier a more appealing choice.
Choose the 2023 Nissan Frontier if:
- You appreciate a truck with strong off-road capabilities and a design that respects classic truck aesthetics.
- A vehicle with standard safety features across all trims that can be customized to your preference is important.
- You are looking for a more affordable option that still offers modern comforts and decent performance.
Choose the 2022 RAM 1500 if:
- You value a mix of luxury and functionality with advanced interior features and versatile cargo solutions.
- Higher towing capacity is crucial for your work or lifestyle, necessitating robust performance.
- You prefer advanced technology integrations for both entertainment and driving assistance.
Overview | |
MSRP$29,650 | MSRP$29,570 |
Average price$39,113 | Average price$32,734 |
Listings6288 | Listings2172 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2022 RAM 1500 Reviews SummaryIn 2021, the Ram pickup line overtook the Chevrolet Silverado as the second-best-selling truck in America. That’s the headline. The nuance is that sales figures include the previous-generation version, now sold as the Ram 1500 Classic, which remains in production four years after its should have died. Also, General Motors suffered significant production disruptions due to the ongoing chip shortage. Nevertheless, and especially in light of the redesigned Toyota Tundra arriving in the market, we thought it would be good to revisit the most popular of the Ram trucks, the 2022 Ram 1500. | |
2023 Nissan Frontier Reviews SummaryFortunately, Nissan appears to be happy with it: The automaker’s midsize truck gets just a few minor tweaks, mostly in the form of additional standard features, in the second year of its current iteration. We spent a day putting the 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X through its paces on- and off-road. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine3.8L 310 hp V6 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City17 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway24 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.6L 305 hp V6 | Engine Name3.8L 310 hp V6 |
Torque269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | Torque281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower305 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City17 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway24 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length76.3 in | Bed Length73.3 in |
Curb Weight4516 lbs | Curb Weight4343 lbs |
Height74.6 in | Height71.7 in |
Length209.0 in | Length210.2 in |
Width79.4 in | Width84.1 in |
Wheelbase120.5 in | Wheelbase126.0 in |
Maximum Payload1510 lbs | Maximum Payload1600 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity9210 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity6720 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity4950 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 RAM 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Nissan Frontier scores 8.3 out of 10. While both trucks offer strong features, the higher rating for the Nissan Frontier suggests it provides better overall value based on this comparison. Buyers looking for a combination of modern amenities, performance, and a slightly better safety performance might find the 2023 Nissan Frontier a more appealing choice.
Choose the 2023 Nissan Frontier if:
Shop Now- You appreciate a truck with strong off-road capabilities and a design that respects classic truck aesthetics.
- A vehicle with standard safety features across all trims that can be customized to your preference is important.
- You are looking for a more affordable option that still offers modern comforts and decent performance.
Choose the 2022 RAM 1500 if:
Shop Now- You value a mix of luxury and functionality with advanced interior features and versatile cargo solutions.
- Higher towing capacity is crucial for your work or lifestyle, necessitating robust performance.
- You prefer advanced technology integrations for both entertainment and driving assistance.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $29,650 | $29,570 |
Average price | $39,113 | $32,734 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 8.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | In 2021, the Ram pickup line overtook the Chevrolet Silverado as the second-best-selling truck in America. That’s the headline. The nuance is that sales figures include the previous-generation version, now sold as the Ram 1500 Classic, which remains in production four years after its should have died. Also, General Motors suffered significant production disruptions due to the ongoing chip shortage. Nevertheless, and especially in light of the redesigned Toyota Tundra arriving in the market, we thought it would be good to revisit the most popular of the Ram trucks, the 2022 Ram 1500. | Fortunately, Nissan appears to be happy with it: The automaker’s midsize truck gets just a few minor tweaks, mostly in the form of additional standard features, in the second year of its current iteration. We spent a day putting the 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X through its paces on- and off-road. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 3.8L 310 hp V6 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 3 | 4 |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
MPG City | 17 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 24 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.6L 305 hp V6 | 3.8L 310 hp V6 |
Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 4175 rpm | 281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 17 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 24 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 76.3 in | 73.3 in |
Curb Weight | 4516 lbs | 4343 lbs |
Height | 74.6 in | 71.7 in |
Length | 209.0 in | 210.2 in |
Width | 79.4 in | 84.1 in |
Wheelbase | 120.5 in | 126.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 1510 lbs | 1600 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 9210 lbs | 6720 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 4950 lbs | |
The 2022 RAM 1500 exhibited a luxurious vibe, especially in the Limited trim which featured indulgent amenities like quilted leather upholstery and a premium sound system. The external appearance managed to maintain a balance between contemporary style and understated elegance, reminiscent of the aggressive designs characteristic of earlier models but refined for today's market. In terms of interiors, the RAM 1500 Limited offered a busy but high-quality aesthetic with two-tone color schemes and a mix of textures that enhanced the overall look and feel. Contrariwise, the 2023 Nissan Frontier, with its design homage to the rugged 1986 Nissan Hardbody, brought a more nostalgic exterior look that resonated well with truck enthusiasts. The interior, particularly in the Pro-4X trim, featured striking Lava Red accents and had practical yet modern designs that fused functionality with comfort. Overall, the Frontier maintained a more traditional truck feel that contrasted with the RAM 1500’s luxury approach.
The RAM 1500’s variety of engine options, including the EcoDiesel that offered 260 horsepower and impressive torque, catered to diverse needs from daily driving to heavy towing, supporting up to 12,560 pounds. Notably, the air suspension system contributed to a drive quality akin to luxury SUVs, with excellent ride isolation and dynamic handling in various conditions. On the flip side, the Nissan Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower, upheld strong performance standards but its frequent need for downshifting on highways pointed to less adaptability. While its off-road focused Pro-4X trim provided commendable handling and stability in rough terrains thanks to specialized suspension adjustments, it could not match the RAM's towing capability, maxing out at 6,720 pounds.
In terms of utility and space, the RAM 1500 again shined with its versatile interior featuring expansive storage solutions and comfortable seating, including optional reclining back seats. The multi-function tailgate and the potential addition of RamBox storage significantly enhanced practicality, making it an excellent choice for both work and leisure contexts. The Frontier, while offering a robust and functional design, had a slightly less flexible interior due to the smaller dimensions of the King Cab variant. However, the Crew Cab models provided substantial cargo space with the utility of the hydraulically assisted tailgate enhancing load management. Both vehicles were competent, but the RAM offered a bit more in terms of luxury and adaptability inside the cabin.
Technology in the RAM 1500 was led by the advanced Uconnect 5 system, boasting a 12-inch touchscreen and features such as wireless integration and high-end audio options. It stood out for its breadth of functionalities tailored toward enhancing driver and passenger experiences. Conversely, the Frontier kept pace with modern needs by incorporating a 9-inch touchscreen in higher trims and standardizing wireless Apple CarPlay in the Pro models, yet it still required wired connections for certain features and saw a lesser degree of integration compared to the RAM.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.