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The Ford Maverick is in high demand, and the popular compact pickup truck has proven to be an incredible success. Find out how it measures up against the Nissan Frontier midsize truck. Check out this 2023 Ford Maverick vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier pickup truck comparison.

2023 Ford Maverick vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier: What are the differences?

Front angle view of Area 51 2023 Ford Maverick compact pickup truck
Area 51 2023 Ford Maverick | Ford

In this 2023 Ford Maverick vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier pickup truck comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, payload, off-road capabilities, passenger space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Maverick vs. Frontier: Performance

Front angle view of Tactical Green Metallic 2023 Nissan Frontier midsize pickup truck
Tactical Green Metallic 2023 Nissan Frontier | Nissan

For performance, the 2023 Nissan Frontier outmuscles the 2023 Ford Maverick with its more powerful engine. All Frontier models have a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which churns out 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the Maverick offers two engine options. Its standard hybrid engine produces 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, while its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. 

While the Frontier has a more powerful engine, the Maverick is more maneuverable. This is because it has a smaller size, lower weight, and tighter turning circle. 

Maverick vs. Frontier: Gas mileage

The Maverick is more efficient than the Frontier. The Maverick Hybrid gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 42 city/33 highway mpg, while the fully gas-powered Maverick gets a fuel economy of up to 23 city/30 highway mpg. In comparison, the Frontier has an estimated gas mileage of up to 18 city/24 highway mpg.

Maverick vs. Frontier: Towing

The 2023 Frontier can tow more than the 2023 Maverick. It has a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds, compared to 4,000 pounds for the Maverick. Also, the Frontier can haul a heavier load in the pickup bed. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,610 pounds, compared to 1,564 pounds for the Maverick.

Maverick vs. Frontier: Off-road capabilities

For off-road capabilities, the Maverick has the advantage. For one, the four-wheel drive system offered for the Frontier is more effective at driving over rough terrain compared to the all-wheel drive system for the Maverick. Also, all-wheel drive isn’t offered for the Maverick Hybrid. Additionally, the Frontier has higher ground clearance than the Maverick (up to 9.8 vs. 8.6 inches). Furthermore, while the Maverick offers off-road packages, they don’t match the capabilities of the Frontier PRO-4X trim.

Maverick vs. Frontier: Passenger space

The 2023 Frontier is bigger than the 2023 Maverick in terms of exterior dimensions. However, this larger size doesn’t result in more passenger space than the Maverick. Both pickup trucks can seat up to five people, with a total passenger volume of 100.3 cu-ft for the Maverick and 100 cu-ft for the Frontier. 

Maverick vs. Frontier: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Maverick and Frontier have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Frontier has a slight edge for reliability. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 83/100, compared to 81/100 for the Maverick.

Maverick vs. Frontier: Price

Which pickup truck costs more: the 2023 Maverick or the 2023 Frontier? The 2023 Maverick is considerably cheaper, with a starting price of $22,195 MSRP, compared to $29,190 MSRP for the 2023 Frontier.

2023 Ford Maverick vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier: Which pickup truck is better?

In this 2023 Ford Maverick vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier comparison, each pickup truck has various advantages. For the 2023 Maverick, advantages include maneuverability, gas mileage, and a lower price. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Frontier include a more powerful engine, towing, off-road capabilities, and reliability.

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