2017 Honda Ridgeline vs 2017 Nissan Frontier near Washington, DC
Who Will Win This Powerplay?
When you’re looking for a pickup truck, you want power – you want to hear that engine sing. Here at Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg, we empathize with that desire, so, to help you find the perfect tune, we’ve put together this comparison between the 2017 Honda Ridgeline vs the 2017 Nissan Frontier near Washington, DC.
The Ridgeline comes, standard, with an impressive 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces a solid 280 horsepower1 and 262 lb.-ft. of torque1, making it a versatile tower. With 2WD, you’ll find a stalwart 3,500-lb. towing capacity2, but, if you’re needing a little bit extra, the AWD can handle a whopping 5,000-lb. towing capacity2 without breaking a sweat. These numbers are applicable to any trim level, which is primarily where you’ll find a huge problem with the Frontier.
The Frontier comes standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides a measly 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque – the kind of numbers you’d see more on a large sedan rather than a pickup truck. To top it all off, this engine can handle only a 3,500 lb. towing capacity3. Maybe if you could upgrade a trim level and get some more towing power, but you have to shell out for a model two trim levels higher to even get a V6 engine.
Numbers between the 2017 Honda Ridgeline vs the 2017 Toyota Tacoma near Washington, DC, break apart even further when it comes to discussing payloads. The Ridgeline can haul around a mighty 1,465 payload capacity2 even with its 2WD configuration, a 1,584 lb. payload capacity2 with AWD. The Frontier can barely manage half of that number with its 2WD drive iteration, maxing out with a 913 lb. payload capacity3. It improves when equipped with the V6 engine plus AWD, capable of a 1,381 lb. payload capacity3, but is it too little, too late?
You won’t find the inside of the Nissan Frontier much more impressive. Not available with any sort of touchscreen, and with even an AM/FM/CD audio system that’s “optional”, you’d be correct in saying that there’s not Bluetooth®4 connectivity until higher trims. The Ridgeline, however, is the total opposite. Standard with a 5-inch color LCD screen and Bluetooth®4 HandsFreeLink, as well as audio streaming, and SMS Text Message Function5, it’s clear that Honda designers know that it’s important to stay in contact and entertained even when you’re on the go.
When it comes to power, capability, and connectivity, there’s a clear winner when you pit the 2017 Honda Ridgeline vs the 2017 Nissan Frontier near Washington, DC. We at Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg have this amazing pickup on our showroom floor, so swing by and take this beauty for a spin!
1. SAE net.
2. 5,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity for AWD models; 3,500 lbs. for 2WD models. Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your dealer for details.
3. When towing at or near Maximum Trailer Weight, the allowable vehicle cargo and/or number of passengers is reduced because it is necessary to stay below the Gross Combined Weight Rating and the Gross Axle Weight Rating. If the vehicle has cargo and passengers, the allowable Maximum Trailer Weight is reduced. See your Towing Guide and owner’s manual for proper use.
4. The Bluetooth wordmark and logo are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use is under license.
5. Compatible with select phones with Bluetooth. Your wireless carrier's rate plans apply. State or local laws may limit use of texting feature. Only use texting feature when conditions allow you to do so safely.
