2026 RAM 2500 vs 2026 Nissan Frontier

Big, expensive and hard to park in urban confines, but absolutely necessary for a sizable number of buyers who require their stout powertrains and serious capability, heavy-duty trucks such as the Ram 2500 are designed to work hard.

Verdict: Ram has a solid lineup of trucks for all pickup buyers. From off-road enthusiasts to long-haul truckers towing huge loads from one end of the country to the other, there’s a heavy-duty Ram pickup designed for every need. And if you require the biggest interior with a cargo bed attached, the Ram Mega Cab is the truck you’re looking for.

The Frontier is built on bones that date back more than two decades. Nissan re-skinned this midsize pickup truck for the 2022 model year, carrying over its relatively new powertrain and primarily changing only what you can see and touch, which is why it drives more like an old-school truck than most of its rivals. Nevertheless, Nissan has continually improved the Frontier, a process that continues for the 2026 model year with extra standard equipment for some models and new option packages.

Verdict: We like the 2026 Nissan Frontier despite its old-school nature. It feels solid, it's simple, it exudes quality, and it's reasonably fuel efficient. Plus, it can tow more than a Toyota Tacoma. An obtuse digital assistant and a concerning crash-test rating are primary reasons to consider alternatives.