What To Know
- The Frontier gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the D-Max gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- In terms of safety, the Frontier has received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the D-Max has received a four-star overall safety rating from the Australian NCAP.
- If you need a truck with a powerful engine and high towing capacity, the Nissan Frontier is the better choice.
The midsize pickup truck segment is fiercely competitive, with automakers vying for market share with their offerings. Two of the most popular choices in this segment are the Nissan Frontier and the Isuzu D-Max. Both trucks offer a blend of capability, versatility, and value, making them attractive options for a wide range of buyers. However, each truck has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one for your needs requires careful consideration.
Key Differences: Nissan Frontier vs Isuzu D-Max
| Feature | Nissan Frontier | Isuzu D-Max |
| — | — | — |
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.0L Turbo Diesel |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 6,720 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,610 lbs | 2,060 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/24 mpg | 22/28 mpg |
| Price Range | $30,590 – $43,090 | $32,990 – $44,990 |
Engine and Performance
The Nissan Frontier is powered by a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Isuzu D-Max, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.0L turbo diesel engine that produces 190 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. While the Frontier has a significant advantage in horsepower, the D-Max’s turbo diesel engine provides more torque, which is beneficial for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Isuzu D-Max has a higher towing capacity of 7,700 lbs compared to the Nissan Frontier’s 6,720 lbs. Similarly, the D-Max has a higher payload capacity of 2,060 lbs compared to the Frontier’s 1,610 lbs. This makes the D-Max a better choice for buyers who need a truck that can handle heavy loads.
Fuel Economy
The Nissan Frontier has a lower fuel economy rating compared to the Isuzu D-Max. The Frontier gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the D-Max gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This difference in fuel economy is due to the D-Max’s more efficient turbo diesel engine.
Interior and Features
The Nissan Frontier and Isuzu D-Max offer similar levels of comfort and convenience in their interiors. Both trucks come with a range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and air conditioning. However, the D-Max has a slight edge in terms of interior space, especially in the rear seats.
Off-Road Capabilities
Both the Nissan Frontier and the Isuzu D-Max are capable off-road vehicles. The Frontier comes with a standard four-wheel drive system, while the D-Max offers a choice between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Both trucks also have a variety of off-road features, such as skid plates, hill descent control, and electronic locking differentials.
Reliability and Safety
The Nissan Frontier and Isuzu D-Max have both earned good reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates. In terms of safety, the Frontier has received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the D-Max has received a four-star overall safety rating from the Australian NCAP.
Which Truck is Right for You?
The Nissan Frontier and the Isuzu D-Max are both excellent midsize pickup trucks that offer a blend of capability, versatility, and value. However, each truck has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one for your needs depends on your specific requirements.
If you need a truck with a powerful engine and high towing capacity, the Nissan Frontier is the better choice. However, if you prioritize fuel economy and payload capacity, the Isuzu D-Max is the better option. Ultimately, the best way to decide which truck is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one best meets your needs.
In a nutshell: The Ultimate Midsize Pickup Showdown
The Nissan Frontier and Isuzu D-Max are two of the most popular midsize pickup trucks on the market today, and for good reason. Both trucks offer a compelling blend of capability, versatility, and value. However, each truck has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one for your needs requires careful consideration.
If you need a truck with a powerful engine and high towing capacity, the Nissan Frontier is the better choice. However, if you prioritize fuel economy and payload capacity, the Isuzu D-Max is the better option. Ultimately, the best way to decide which truck is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one best meets your needs.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which truck has a better engine?
A: The Nissan Frontier has a more powerful engine with 310 horsepower, while the Isuzu D-Max has a more efficient turbo diesel engine with 332 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which truck has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Isuzu D-Max has a higher towing capacity of 7,700 lbs compared to the Nissan Frontier‘s 6,720 lbs.
Q: Which truck has a better fuel economy?
A: The Isuzu D-Max has a better fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, compared to the Nissan Frontier‘s 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.