Between early morning fishing trips, hauling the boat to Charlotte Harbor, and spontaneous beach runs to Englewood or Boca Grande, your mid-size pickup truck needs to do more than just make your friends and neighbors envious in the driveway.
The 2025 Ford Ranger and the 2025 Nissan Frontier are two mid-size trucks that offer power, versatility, and the rugged capability to tackle whatever the Gulf Coast throws at you. However, only one can be the ultimate salt-life sidekick. Whether you're towing jet skis, hauling coolers, or chasing redfish, this head-to-head breakdown will help you figure out which truck is ready for weekend mode.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2025 Ford Ranger mid-size truck lineup features four models: XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor.
- The Ford Ranger offers power performance and excellent fuel efficiency.
- The new Ford Ranger models feature the Ford Co-Pilot driver assistance technology, including Adaptive Cruise Control.
What's the difference between the 2025 Ford Ranger and the 2025 Nissan Frontier truck?
The 2025 Ford Ranger and the 2025 Nissan Frontier are both mid-size pickup trucks with similar dimensions, but the Ford Ranger is wider and has a longer wheelbase. The Ranger’s wider body style provides more legroom and personal space for you and your passengers compared to the Frontier, as it allows for a more spacious cabin.
The Ford Ranger lineup offers three engine options:
- 2.3L EcoBoost
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6
The 2025 Nissan Frontier lineup includes eight models but offers only one engine: the 3.8L V6, which produces the same horsepower as the 2.3L EcoBoost engine found in the Ranger. Overall, the Ranger's engines deliver more power and have a higher towing capacity than the Nissan Frontier. The Ford Ranger has a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, while the Nissan Frontier can tow up to 7,150 pounds.
The 2025 Ford Ranger and the 2025 Nissan Frontier both offer a range of exterior and interior upgrades and enhancements. They feature leather seats in the higher trims, along with large infotainment displays and digital dashboards. The Ford Ranger features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the 12.0-inch infotainment display in the Nissan Frontier. Both models also include power-adjustable seats, but the Ranger offers ten-way and eight-way power, while the Frontier only has six-way adjustable driver seats and four-way adjustable passenger seats.
Does the 2025 Ford Ranger Get Good Gas Mileage?
When comparing the EPA fuel economy of the 2025 Ford Ranger with that of the 2025 Nissan Frontier, it is clear that the Ford Ranger offers better gas mileage, which means less money spent on putting gas in your truck compared to the Nissan Frontier.
The 2025 Ford Ranger 2WD has a total driving range of 460 miles. The Ford Ranger is expected to achieve 26 MPG on the highway. The Nissan is close to the Ranger in fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 24 MPG on the highway, which is slightly less.
Why should I buy a new 2025 Ford Ranger truck?
The new Ford Ranger lineup, featuring four models—the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor—has been rated as the best mid-size trucks by Edmunds and Car and Driver. When you buy the best mid-size truck with a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, off-road capability, and selectable drive modes including Mud/Ruts and Sand, which is especially useful in Port Charlotte. From bumper to bumper, the Ranger is equipped with outboard-mounted rear shocks, zone lighting, LED bed lighting, LED projector headlamps, and a 120V outlet for in-bed power.
Inside the 2025 Ford Ranger, comfort and convenience are evident in every row for up to five passengers. From the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel to the leather seats, USB ports, power outlets, armrests, and additional cargo space with the foldable seats, the Ranger interior also includes wireless charging, Bluetooth, a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, a 360-degree camera, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Remote Keyless Entry, and Remote Start in select trims.
Other 2025 Ford Ranger features include the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance technology, which aids driver focus through warnings and alerts, such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane-Keeping System. The Ford Ranger Lariat and Raptor have Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition.
Is the 2025 Ford Ranger Best For Me?
The 2025 Ford Ranger is the ultimate salt-life sidekick ready for fishing trips, towing gear, and beach runs. With undeniable power and an impressive range of capabilities, the Ford Ranger makes every trip memorable for all the right reasons.
Visit Jarrett Ford, the best place to shop for trucks in Charlotte County. Our friendly staff is happy to help you find the perfect vehicle. We also offer financing and have a fantastic service department. With our quick and easy process, you’ll be off to your next adventure before the next sunrise.