Victorville drivers looking for their next rugged pickup truck often find themselves choosing between the Nissan Frontier and the Honda Ridgeline. Both of these trucks offer plenty of capability for the toughest High Desert jobs, while providing cabins comfortable enough for long commutes around Hesperia and Apple Valley. Which is the better fit for your Apple Valley lifestyle? Find out in this comparison from Valley Hi Nissan covering the 2027, 2026 and 2025 model years, then contact us to schedule a test drive of your favorite in Victorville!
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Standard engine
Horsepower
Torque
Transmission
Maximum Towing Capacity
Gross Combined Weight Rating
Seating
Bed Cargo Volume
Honda’s current Ridgeline is the 2026 model, and Honda has said a new generation is still to come, so here is the 2027 Nissan Frontier alongside the 2026 Honda Ridgeline. On paper, the Frontier is rated for more horsepower, more torque and a higher maximum towing capacity:
You also need to know how much room you and your crew have to spread out on High Desert drives, and how much you can haul in the bed. Both trucks offer five-passenger seating in the Crew Cab. The Frontier also offers a King Cab on the S grade and a choice of a 5-foot or 6-foot bed, while the Ridgeline has one bed size and adds a lockable In-Bed Trunk:
Nissan’s 2027 Frontier news includes a Sport Edition package for the SV grade, an All-Terrain Tire package, Alpine Metallic paint, and a Qi2-compatible wireless charger in the PRO Convenience package.
The 2026 Nissan Frontier and 2026 Honda Ridgeline carry the same engine ratings as the year before. The Frontier is rated for more horsepower, more torque and a higher maximum towing capacity:
For 2026, Nissan added a Dark Armor package with blacked-out styling, an enhanced PRO grade, a drive mode selector on the SV 4×4 and PRO-4X grades, and Citrus Strike paint. Honda added a Black Edition with a contrasting black roof and an exclusive Ash Green Metallic paint on the TrailSport.
Between the 2025 Nissan Frontier and the Honda Ridgeline, the Frontier engine is rated for more horsepower, more torque and a higher maximum towing capacity:
Of course, you need to know how much room you and your crew have to spread out on High Desert drives, as well as how much you can haul in the bed, before making a purchase on your next truck. While the Nissan Frontier interior has less space for rear-seat passengers than the Honda Ridgeline, it offers more bed volume:
Both trucks have their strengths, and the best way to decide is to drive them. Visit our Victorville dealership to test-drive the Nissan Frontier for yourself! Give us a call at 760-241 1700 to schedule your visit, or drop by when you’re in the area. In the meantime, browse our new Frontier inventory and apply for financing!
* Towing varies by configuration. Nissan lists the 7,150-pound trailering rating for the Frontier S King Cab 4×2. See the Nissan Towing Guide and Owner’s Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.
