2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Nissan Frontier

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline approached design with an aim to blend rugged functionality with a hint of sophistication. A few years back, Honda decided to give the Ridgeline a facelift which included a bolder front end, sizable dual exhaust outlets, and attractive new wheels shod with aggressively treaded tires. Despite its more masculine appeal, the optional comically oversized fender flares from the Honda Performance Development packages might seem excessive to some. The four available trims—Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and the Black Edition—came in various colors, bypassing conventional preferences by offering the Black Edition in not only black but also in white and gray.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier, also available in four trims (S, SV, Pro-X, and Pro-4X), stayed true to its robust heritage. It boasted a styling reminiscent of the 1986 Hardbody, a sentiment well-received by the market. For this year, enhancements like the Midnight Edition package for the SV trim added flair with blacked-out features adding a modern edge. The Frontier kept its functional ruggedness intact, with heated seats available in the upper trims enhancing comfort, mirrored by red accents giving a bit of zest to its interior aesthetics.

Both vehicles provide unique takes on what a modern truck should embody, each stylish yet cater to slightly different aesthetics and needs.

The Ridgeline utilized a shared platform strategy, which included a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine outputting 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The result was a refined driving experience predominantly on paved surfaces, handling light off-road tasks capably albeit with limitations due to its 7.6-inch ground clearance and unibody construction, ultimately restricting heavier off-roading pursuits and capping towing capacity at 5,000 pounds.

The Frontier, resurrected in its design in 2022 and maintained in 2023, houses a potent 3.8-liter V6 engine at 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, standard across all trims. Matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission borrowed from higher-end models, including the Titan, it provides a robust but sometimes busy highway drive with frequent shifts. The Frontier accommodates both rear-wheel and shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive systems, enhancing its off-road credentials which are particularly highlighted in the Pro-4X models.

The 2023 Ridgeline managed everyday utility brilliantly. Its ease of access, comfortable seating, and practical interior storage options reflected its SUV-like characteristics. Though it offered a less roomy rear compared to the Passport, the space was well optimized. Honda included thoughtful features like a dual-action tailgate and a lockable in-bed trunk, offering a distinct advantage in cargo management. However, the unibody design limited more severe utility with its lower towing capacity.

Conversely, the Frontier provided more traditional truck utility. It presented varied bed lengths tied to different cab configurations—the Crew Cab featured a 5 or 6-foot bed option, while the more compact King Cab defaulted to a 6-foot bed. Nissan’s focus on increasing cargo bed volume highlighted a commitment to practical application, combining utility with enhanced in-cab creature comforts, such as multiple storage solutions and advanced seating.