Nissan Frontier vs Jeep Gladiator

Equipped with a V6 engine, body-on-frame construction, and competitive towing and payload ratings, the 2025 Frontier gets several improvements that should help it to better compete with newer rivals. All Frontiers come with more standard safety features, and most models receive a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Towing capacity is up, more versions offer a long cargo bed option, and Nissan refines the look and feel of its only pickup.

Verdict: Those changes make the 2025 Nissan Frontier more appealing. Not only that, but compared to some alternative models, the Frontier offers more comfortable front seats and a higher sense of quality. The Nissan’s excellent V6 engine is increasingly rare, too. But what the Frontier needs is a more compelling value equation.

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.