Are you out there for an inexpensive pickup truck however don’t wish to spend – or refuel – a full-size mannequin? The 2024 Ford Maverick and Nissan Frontier are simpler to park, kinder in your funds, and able to performing truck-related duties.
They’re contemporary and have up to date security gear, powertrains, and onboard know-how. Utilizing the identical chassis that underpins the Ford Escape compact SUV, the Maverick first burst onto the small truck scene in 2022, the identical mannequin 12 months Nissan gave the Frontier a whole redesign.
Are you curious to see how they examine? Let’s check out the highlights of every truck.
2025 Ford Maverick
As a result of it makes use of a platform shared with a family-friendly SUV, the Maverick has extra car-like journey and dealing with traits than you usually discover in a truck. This compact truck obtained a big refresh for 2025. This refresh contains up to date styling, the addition of the Tremor off-road trim and Lobo road truck trim, and the provision of all-wheel drive with the hybrid powertrain.
For the 2025 mannequin 12 months, a 191-hp 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder is the bottom engine. Nevertheless, the 238-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder prices solely $125 extra — and that distinction is the bundled price of including all-wheel drive.
The Maverick has 5 trims: XL, XLT, Lobo, Lariat, and Tremor. Entrance-wheel drive (FWD) is normal; all-wheel drive (AWD) is non-obligatory. The Tremor comes normal with 4-wheel drive (4WD).
Ford Maverick Highlights
Gas economic system: You gained’t discover a pickup truck with higher gasoline mileage than the Ford Maverick Hybrid. When fitted with its non-obligatory hybrid powertrain, it returns an EPA-reported 38-mpg ranking. The Frontier doesn’t come anyplace near this determine. Even the punchier normal engine is nice on gasoline at 25 mpg mixed.
Rugged Tremor trim stage: For Maverick buyers meaning to do some off-road driving, we recommend the Tremor. Now its personal separate trim stage, the Tremor features a lifted suspension that’s higher tuned for all-terrain driving. The Tremor will get trim-specific entrance and rear bumpers for higher method and departure angles, locking 4WD, and underbody skid plates.
Again-friendly cargo mattress: In comparison with the Frontier, the decrease journey peak of the Maverick means you don’t must elevate issues as excessive when loading up the 4.5-foot-long cargo mattress. Not needing painkillers after getting a tricky job executed is at all times factor.
Low base value: The numbers converse for themselves. The Maverick not solely sits decrease to the bottom, its value is considerably lower than the Frontier. Even going wild with choices on a range-topping Lariat mannequin leads to a Maverick with a value hovering round $42,000.
Test this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Maverick fashions close to you.
2025 Nissan Frontier
After what appeared like an eternity, Nissan lastly gave its midsize pickup truck a whole makeover for the 2022 mannequin 12 months. This newest model of the Frontier isn’t the discount that its predecessor as soon as was, but it surely’s additionally extra up-to-date and has much-improved driving dynamics.
Fitted with a robust V6 engine and a selection of RWD or 4WD, the Frontier generally is a every day runabout for commuting or a rugged go-anywhere truck for outside adventures.
Nissan Frontier Highlights
Sturdy V6: Throughout miles of street exams, we’ve loved the acceleration and passing energy of the 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 fitted to each Frontier. This engine additionally provides the added grunt wanted to scale obstacles throughout all-terrain driving.
Professional-4X mannequin: Talking of all-terrain, the Professional-4X is the trim that may enchantment to anybody who likes venturing the place paved roads finish. It has 4WD, further underbody skid plates, an digital locking differential, upgraded shocks, and off-road tires at every nook.
Entrance seat consolation: Throughout our check drives of the Frontier, we’ve found that the entrance seats ship distinctive ranges of assist and luxury. This consolation is superb for truck homeowners who routinely journey lengthy distances and spend hours behind the wheel.
Towing capability: The Frontier doesn’t have class-leading towing, although it outguns the Maverick on this division. When correctly outfitted, the Nissan can tow 6,640 kilos, versus 4,000 kilos with the Ford.
Test this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Frontier fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The Maverick and Frontier ship numerous truck on your buck. They’ll every be optioned for off-road driving, although they’re equally adept at zipping by way of metropolis visitors or offering loads of consolation for lengthy freeway voyages.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue E-book Truthful Buy Value for any particular person used car can range enormously in accordance with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here replicate what patrons are at the moment paying for New 2025 Ford Maverick automobiles and New 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s steered retail value (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2025 Ford Maverick | 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab | |
| Widespread Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | FWD | 2WD |
| All-Electrical Vary | N/A | N/A |
| Complete Vary | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capability | N/A | 7,040 kilos |
| Payload Capability | N/A | 1,460 kilos |
| Floor Clearance | 8.1 inches | 9.3 inches |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 310 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 281 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Computerized, CVT | automated, 9-speed |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Guarantee | N/A | N/A |
| NHTSA Total Security | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 126 inches |
| Total Size | 199.8 inches | 210.2 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 83.5 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Width With out Mirrors | 77.9 inches | N/A |
| Top | 68.8 inches | 71.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 ft | 42.7 ft |
| Headroom, Entrance | 40.2 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, third Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Entrance | 42.8 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 35.9 inches | 33.2 inches |
| Legroom, third Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.3 inches | 58.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, third Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Final Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | N/A | N/A |
Specification desk displays the standard configuration of automobiles proven.
Conclusion
There are lots of causes to suggest every of those pickup vehicles. We love the agility and gasoline economic system of the smaller unibody Maverick, to not point out its inexpensive value and a few respectable off-road prowess. No shock, it has been our Compact Truck Greatest Purchase award winner for 4 years in a row.
With the midsize Nissan Frontier, you pay slightly extra, although you additionally get extra truck. It’s taller, wider, and sits larger than the Maverick, and it’s accessible with an extended mattress behind both cab. It’s a body-on-frame truck, engineered for off-roading and towing regularly.
We want the Frontier provided a couple of engine selection. Whereas it supplies a choice of King Cab or Crew Cab, the latter is extra comfy for adults perched within the second row. Take each for a check spin, however we expect in case you are purchasing primarily based on worth, the Maverick is the truck to beat.
