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.
2024 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.
For the 2024 model year, a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is the standard powertrain.
Previously, a 162-hp 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder was the base engine. It’s still available but is now a $1,500 option. Maverick has three trims – XL, XLT, and Lariat – and pricing begins at $25,410, including destination fees. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) are optional.
Ford Maverick Highlights
Fuel economy: You won’t find a pickup truck with better fuel mileage than the Ford Maverick. When fitted with its optional hybrid powertrain, it returns an EPA-reported 37-mpg rating. The Frontier doesn’t come anywhere close to this figure. Even the punchier standard engine is good on gas at 26 mpg combined.
Rugged Tremor off-road package: For Maverick shoppers intending to do some off-road driving, we suggest the Tremor package, which includes a lifted suspension that is better tuned for all-terrain driving. The package gets trim-specific front and rear bumpers for better approach and departure angles, locking 4WD, and underbody skid plates. The Tremor package is available starting with the mid-level XLT model.
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 $40,000.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Maverick models near you.
2024 Nissan Frontier
After what seemed like an eternity, Nissan finally gave its smallest 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 rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4WD, the Frontier can be a daily runabout for commuting or a rugged go-anywhere truck for outdoor adventures. Pricing starts at $32,020, including destination fees.
Nissan Frontier Highlights
Strong V6: During miles of road tests we’ve enjoyed the acceleration and passing power that comes courtesy 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.
Conclusion
There are many things to recommend with both of these pickup trucks. We love the agility and fuel economy of the Maverick, not to mention its affordable price and some decent off-road prowess. No surprise, it won our Compact Truck Best Buy award last year.
With the Nissan Frontier, you pay a little more, though you also get more truck. It’s taller, wider, and sits higher than the Maverick. Truck shoppers with a nostalgic streak will enjoy the newly added and retro-themed Hardbody package.
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 the Maverick is the truck to beat.
| 2024 Ford Maverick | 2024 Nissan Frontier | |
| Starting Price | $25,410 | $32,020 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 310 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 281 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/ 26 mpg combined | 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter gas-electric 4-cyl., CVT, AWD, 4WD | 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 star | 4 star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 126.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.7 inches | 210.2 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 71.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 43.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.8 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 35.9 inches | 26.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.3 inches | 58.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 52.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.3 cubic feet | 49.6 cubic feet |
