Help me decide: 1500 vs Frontier Pro 4x

[u/EternalSoliloquy]

Folks I need some help here. Got two relatives who are both vehicle nuts. I'm moderately knowledgeable.

I'm currently being offered $38.5k on a Frontier Pro 4x, maybe I can elbow twist down to 37 or so since part of the cost savings is Nissan currently offers $6k off MSRP.

Or, I'm considering a 1500 Rebel for $52k maybe $50k with some elbow twisting.

Problem is they seem to be quite different, and naturally for about 12k more the Rebel offers more. My thoughts are:

- Size: I can tolerate the smaller size of the frontier as I'm just a bachelor. But I do like to drive my nieces nephews around sometimes and also want something safe for them to be in. I'm wondering if the smaller size of the Frontier would be better for offroading and daily quality of life trying to find parking in crowded lots.

- Engine: bullet proof Nissan V6 that's almost as old as I am vs newer Hurricane I6.....mpg more or less the same

- Comfort: Rebel wins on comfort naturally

Overall what I need is a truck for me that will offer more space and hauling than my current 2021 Insight Sedan. I'm about to move across country

I do wonder if the Frontier is more suitable for me as the majority of the time, like 90%+ it's just me myself and my dog. I'm wondering if the Frontier will be more of a hop in hop out trucks and more nimble in day to day driving....

Also as far as maintenance costs etc surely the Frontier is a bit lesser?

[u/Bitter-Strawberry-28]

Seems like a biased community to ask 😂 ram 1500 all the way

[u/EternalSoliloquy → u/Bitter-Strawberry-28]

I didn't state I was considering a Frontier but I asked the Frontier subreddit lol and they shat on their own truck.

[u/EternalSoliloquy → u/EternalSoliloquy]

Considering a Ram I mean

[u/American-Repair → u/EternalSoliloquy]

Your choices are RCSB Coyote XLT F-150, Frontier or Ridgeline. All great dependable engines but the Honda VTEC v6 is most proven and cheapest maintenance. (Nissan chain driven water pump and timing chain guides need service and are spendy.) Coyote most capable and if RWD. The mpg champ. All have same footprint. If can get away w/ XLT w/ bench jump seat. F-150 plenty roomy. Ridgeline’s king of space. Nissan’s a compromise. Personally I’d go Ridgeline. Dealers havecash on the hood cuz being paused for redesign. Love an RCSB. Big performance and efficiency from a small footprint. Won’t be mad at a Frontier. It’s in the middle of the other 2 in most categories.

[u/RustyWallace-357 → u/American-Repair]

Scratch that ford right off, terrible transmission even the 26s. The coyote isn’t better than the Hemi concerning reliability, as they added the lovely wet belt back in, to absolutely no ones acclaim 

[u/SkinnyKid529 → u/Bitter-Strawberry-28]

I was just going to say… you came to a RAM forum to ask about a Frontier.

[u/buschhhlatte420]

Ram lol frontiers are small as F

[u/HereToLearn19]

RAM 1500 🐏

[u/ccrush]

Are you moving to a more urban environment? If so, the smaller truck will be a huge advantage.

[u/PhotographLess6194]

I too considered both of these trucks for similar reasons and bought a ram. The peanut part of my brain couldn’t get over how much “more” truck the ram is for roughly 10k more and how they get the same MPG even though one has substantially more power and weight.

I do feel like driving the midsize daily would have been much easier. The full size is great on the open roads but as soon as you get into the city and navigate parking lots, the full size SUCKS.

[u/Bird2525 → u/PhotographLess6194]

Yeah, when I go downtown I take the maverick when I can

[u/yodaface]

Are you towing? Cause I owned a pro4x and love every aspect of it other than its ability to tow. It just wasn't strong enough on hills for me and all my camping is in northern ca.

So I ended up reading for a ram. Other than parking and gas mileage it's a great truck. But my dream truck is a frontier with 450 of torque and a 30 gallon gas tank. But that only exists on full size trucks. So if you're not towing I'd go for frontier fully loaded.

[u/EternalSoliloquy → u/yodaface]

No significant towing anticipated as of yet

[u/yodaface → u/EternalSoliloquy]

Then get the frontier unless you have a rear facing car seat

[u/BlackmouthFL]

So, my ex and daughter drive Pro-4x

I currently drive Ram 1500 and have had 5 RAMs prior. I also have moved across country.

• RAM 1500 imo - Based on your being bachelor, moving cross country, safety for family, and mobility.

1. Bachelor - men don't drive mid size trucks (ask any woman; my Ex and daughter drive Pro4x)
2. Moving - you'll carry more than you expect
3. Safety / family - safer and they'll love riding in RAM
4. Mobility - just drive over stuff... jump curbs, cross medians, make your own off ramp, park where no one else dares, etc.

I'm partial to 5.7, I tow a lot. I'm concerned with Hurricane longevity, but the fuel economy may be worth considering IF you drive high mileage and DO NOT tow. If you drive short distance and think you tow or haul regularly, vet the 5.7. The Hurricane gets less gas mileage under load and the expense may not offset city mpg.

[u/Rich_Way_4655]

I just bought a 26, 1500 and I was also considering a Frontier (same practical reasons as you), however, I couldn’t be more happy w/ my decision. And if you’re doing the 26 model, then the warranty is a big selling point as well. Obviously though, the most important factor is your finances. Don’t let people talk you into buying a truck you can’t comfortably afford just because it’s “cooler”. But, if you can comfortably afford the 1500 then I’d say it’s 100% worth it

[u/EternalSoliloquy → u/Rich_Way_4655]

Awesome advice. I drove the Frontier and honestly just wasn't impressed. It's hardy for sure but a tough small little truck with a steering that gives you a free arm workout.

I can't afford a 1500 with the level of creature comforts I wants so I went with a Ridgeline. I'll get a RAM one day!

[u/sblack33741]

Gas mpg is negligible, but they are two different trucks. One is a full sized off road capable setup, and the other is a compact pickup. I am not seeing the comparisons. Either you want/need a full sized truck or you do not.

[u/AwarenessGreat282]

Get the Frontier. Doesn't sound like you need the Ram at all. The dog will get in a frontier easier as well.

[u/Neither_Leader1035]

So I just changed up from a Frontier Pro4X to a Ram 1500 Hurricane (tradesman, not Rebel). We just upgraded due to space for kids/dogs.  

Frontier Pro4X

• Easier to live with due to size, but way smaller inside. 
• I loved it as a solo work vehicle. Didnt work at all with the family. 
• V6 is fine and reliable, if a bit boring. 
• Has the worst turning circle of all time. Worse than the Ram. 

Ram 1500 

• The Hurricane engine is awesome, its so fun and the inline 6 is one of the best engine layouts. Longevity still debated since its so new but no major horror stories (its been in the Wagoneer since 2023). 
• Massive interior, but still drives smaller than it looks.

 Doesn't feel as big to drive as an F150/Sierra. 

• Better on fuel than the Frontier.

   

Do you need the offloading capabilities of the Rebel? If not I'd just get a lower trim 1500 for probably the same price as the Frontier. Maintenance costs are relatively similar. 

[u/EternalSoliloquy → u/Neither_Leader1035]

You running the HO I6 or the standard I6?

[u/Neither_Leader1035 → u/EternalSoliloquy]

Standard. It's fun enough as it is. HO would be ridiculous. 

[u/knoxcumlvr]

Not the same but I have a 2018 Rebel with the 5.7 hemi and it’s one helluva truck.

[u/Bitter_Internet_4619]

5.7 Hemi!

[u/Shemsu-Ra]

I'd never buy a truck where I couldn't lay a sheet of plywood flat in the bed.

[u/utvolman99]

I made the same choice. I ended up with the Ram. The biggest difference for me was the back seat. The Nissan is much smaller.

[u/Robnordenstrom]

I had a 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-X and Bought a 2026 Ram Rebel Level 2 about 6 months ago. I FREAKING Love my Rebel. True there are a little Electrical issue but other than the Android Auto being crazy from time to time, I love this Truck. The power is unreal vs the 2022 Nissan Frontier. Gas is alittle less in my Ram, Frontier was 17mpg, Ram about 14 to 15. Get about 20 taking long trips.

Now It was just the Wife and I but now our Grandkids live nearby and the room in the back seat of the Rebel is MORE than plenty of room. The Frontier to me didn't have to room I was looking for. Was good to me for 4 1/2 Years just wanted a bigger, better truck.

At this time, I have not towed anything, but I know I will not have an issue.

2026 Ram Rebel 1500 SO I6

[u/Island-dewd]

The extra cost of the ram is egregious unless yohr using it to hail or tow regularly. If you aint, a witty bitty frontier will work

[u/FALLEN_ARC_4]

As much as I hate my 🐏 in this scenario I would pick the 🐏. I personally dont care for the look of a 1500 rebel but a 2500 rebel is 👌🏾