Nissan Frontier vs Jeep Gladiator

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.

While this midsize truck can tow up to 7,700 pounds and haul up to 1,725 pounds of payload, those figures apply only to the base Sport trim. The more you spend, the less capable the Gladiator is. The 2025 Gladiator loses its manual transmission, gains a few special-edition models, and adds Fathom Blue, ’41, Joose, and Mojito paint colors. The Sport trim now has standard power windows and door locks as well.

Verdict: Unique among pickup trucks, the Jeep Gladiator is an appealing alternative to the status quo. That’s especially true if you value open-air driving or you plan to tackle untrodden territory. But for serious towing and hauling tasks, there are better choices than the Gladiator.