2025 Ford Maverick vs. 2025 Nissan Frontier Comparison

Are you in the market for an affordable pickup truck but don’t want to spend – or refuel – a full-size model? The 2024 Ford Maverick and Nissan Frontier are easier to park, kinder on your budget, and capable of performing truck-related tasks. 

They are fresh and have updated safety equipment, powertrains, and onboard technology. Using the same chassis that underpins the Ford Escape compact SUV, the Maverick first burst onto the small truck scene in 2022, the same model year Nissan gave the Frontier a complete redesign. 

Are you curious to see how they compare? Let’s take a look at the highlights of each truck. 

2025 Ford Maverick

Because it uses a platform shared with a family-friendly SUV, the Maverick has more car-like ride and handling characteristics than you typically find in a truck. This compact truck received a significant refresh for 2025. This refresh includes updated styling, the addition of the Tremor off-road trim and Lobo street truck trim, and the availability of all-wheel drive with the hybrid powertrain.

For the 2025 model year, a 191-hp 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder is the base engine. However, the 238-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder costs only $125 more — and that difference is the bundled cost of adding all-wheel drive. 

The Maverick has five trims: XL, XLT, Lobo, Lariat, and Tremor. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The Tremor comes standard with 4-wheel drive (4WD).

Ford Maverick Highlights

Fuel economy: You won’t find a pickup truck with better fuel mileage than the Ford Maverick Hybrid. When fitted with its optional hybrid powertrain, it returns an EPA-reported 38-mpg rating. The Frontier doesn’t come anywhere close to this figure. Even the punchier standard engine is good on gas at 25 mpg combined. 

Rugged Tremor trim level: For Maverick shoppers intending to do some off-road driving, we suggest the Tremor. Now its own separate trim level, the Tremor includes a lifted suspension that is better tuned for all-terrain driving. The Tremor gets trim-specific front and rear bumpers for better approach and departure angles, locking 4WD, and underbody skid plates.

Back-friendly cargo bed: Compared to the Frontier, the lower ride height of the Maverick means you don’t need to lift things as high when loading up the 4.5-foot-long cargo bed. Not needing painkillers after getting a tough job done is always a good thing. 

Low base price: The numbers speak for themselves. The Maverick not only sits lower to the ground, its price is significantly less than the Frontier. Even going wild with options on a range-topping Lariat model results in a Maverick with a price hovering around $42,000.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Maverick models near you. 

2025 Nissan Frontier

After what seemed like an eternity, Nissan finally gave its midsize pickup truck a complete makeover for the 2022 model year. This latest version of the Frontier isn’t the bargain that its predecessor once was, but it’s also more up-to-date and has much-improved driving dynamics. 

Fitted with a strong V6 engine and a choice of RWD or 4WD, the Frontier can be a daily runabout for commuting or a rugged go-anywhere truck for outdoor adventures. 

Nissan Frontier Highlights 

Strong V6: During miles of road tests, we’ve enjoyed the acceleration and passing power of the 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 fitted to every Frontier. This engine also gives the added grunt needed to scale obstacles during all-terrain driving.

Pro-4X model: Speaking of all-terrain, the Pro-4X is the trim that will appeal to anyone who likes venturing where paved roads end. It has 4WD, extra underbody skid plates, an electronic locking differential, upgraded shocks, and off-road tires at each corner. 

Front seat comfort: During our test drives of the Frontier, we’ve discovered that the front seats deliver exceptional levels of support and comfort. This comfort is excellent for truck owners who routinely travel long distances and spend hours behind the wheel.

Towing capacity: The Frontier doesn’t have class-leading towing, though it outguns the Maverick in this department. When properly equipped, the Nissan can tow 6,640 pounds, versus 4,000 pounds with the Ford.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Frontier models for sale near you. 

Similarities

The Maverick and Frontier deliver a lot of truck for your buck. They can each be optioned for off-road driving, though they’re equally adept at zipping through city traffic or providing plenty of comfort for long highway voyages.  

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Ford Maverick vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

There are many reasons to recommend each of these pickup trucks. We love the agility and fuel economy of the smaller unibody Maverick, not to mention its affordable price and some decent off-road prowess. No surprise, it has been our Compact Truck Best Buy award winner for four years in a row. 

With the midsize Nissan Frontier, you pay a little more, though you also get more truck. It’s taller, wider, and sits higher than the Maverick, and it’s available with a long bed behind either cab. It is a body-on-frame truck, engineered for off-roading and towing on a regular basis. 

We wish the Frontier offered more than one engine choice. While it provides a selection of King Cab or Crew Cab, the latter is more comfortable for adults perched in the second row. Take both for a test spin, but we think if you are shopping based on value, the Maverick is the truck to beat.