Nissan Frontier vs RAM 1500

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.

The Hemi V8 is back for the 2026 model year and now marked by what Ram calls a “Symbol of Protest” badge. As much as we’d like to say it’s better than ever, it’s actually the same as it’s ever been. The 5.7-liter Hemi spins out 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, well below the less-expensive Hurricane turbocharged inline-six’s 420 hp and 469 lb-ft, and way behind the optional High Output Hurricane engine’s 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. But the fact that it’s an option at all will be enough to entice some buyers back to the Ram fold.

Verdict: There’s a lot to like about the 2026 Ram 1500, including its characterful Hemi V8. But if you’re looking for the best version of Ram’s popular pickup, you should think long and hard about how you plan to use the truck. With 10 trim levels and two cab sizes and bed lengths to go along with its four powertrain choices, there are plenty of ways to configure a Ram truck to your exact needs.