2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

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 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent a complete redesign, presenting a visual evolution rather than a revolution. It was offered in six trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The XL trim, while a work truck, included comforts like a Wi-Fi hotspot and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Lariat trim introduced modern amenities such as leather upholstery and a 12-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim, a luxury option, featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a two-tone paint job. The interior boasted two-tone brown leather and a premium stereo system. The Platinum and Limited trims offered additional luxury features, with the Limited trim including nearly every package and option available.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It used a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was shared with the Nissan Titan and Nissan Z. The Frontier offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with an available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system. The Pro-X models shared styling and shocks with 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. The EPA rated its fuel economy at up to 20 mpg combined for RWD models, with slightly lower figures for 4WD versions.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 6.8-liter gas V8 producing 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. A 7.3-liter V8 was also available, delivering 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. The F-250's diesel option, a 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, produced 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque, with a high-output version offering 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque. The truck featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard on the base XL trim and 4WD available. The F-250's towing capacity maxed at 22,000 pounds with the right configurations, and it included features like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and onboard scales for easier towing.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab and the King Cab. The Crew Cab, standard on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, offered four full-sized doors and a 5-foot bed, with a 6-foot bed option on the SV Crew Cab. The King Cab, standard on S and SV trims, featured two full-sized doors and two rear access doors, with a standard 6-foot bed. The Frontier's cargo bed volume was increased, with the 5-foot bed offering 40.1 cubic feet and the 6-foot bed offering 46.4 cubic feet. The interior featured Zero Gravity seats and ample storage, including under-seat storage in the second row.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was offered in regular cab, SuperCab, and Super Crew configurations, with either a 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed. The SuperCab featured rear-hinged clamshell doors, providing a wide opening. The F-250 included features like a soft-opening tailgate and bed steps for easier access. Inside, the truck offered numerous cupholders, a massive center storage bin, and dual glove boxes. The Super Crew model's rear seats folded up to create a large cargo area.

For 2023, the Nissan Frontier's Pro-X and Pro-4X trims featured wireless Apple CarPlay, while S and SV trims required a wired connection. The Pro trims also included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, with a wireless charging pad available. The Frontier's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen on S and SV trims, and a 9-inch touchscreen on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims. A 10-speaker Fender premium sound system was available on the Pro trims. The truck also offered a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and Nissan’s Intelligent Around-View Monitor.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model featured a 12-inch screen with wireless connectivity options. The F-250 offered multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. The truck's navigation system included Trailer Navigation, optimizing routes based on trailer weight and dimensions.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier came standard with forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, a driver-attention monitor, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control were available as options. The NHTSA gave the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with a five-star rating on the side crash test.

Starting at the XLT trim, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty included the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, with specifics varying by trim. Features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The truck also offered a trailer blind-spot monitoring system and a backup camera for when the tailgate is lowered. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the F-250.