Nissan Frontier vs Ford Ranger: towing
For 2026, the Ford Ranger has the higher printed conventional maximum, by 350 lb. Comparing the best row for the same cab and drivetrain, the Nissan Frontier is higher in 0 of 2 setups and the Ford Ranger in 2. Across 12 model years where both are cited, the Nissan Frontier led 4 times, the Ford Ranger 8 times.
Every figure is a printed manufacturer chart value for its own model year. Maximums need specific equipment; the same-setup table is the fairer comparison.
2026: same cab, same drivetrain
2026 is the newest year with substantial chart coverage for both trucks. Best printed conventional rating for each body style; “No row” means the transcribed chart has none for that setup. Extended cab groups SuperCab, Double Cab, Quad Cab, King Cab and Access Cab; crew groups SuperCrew, CrewMax and Mega Cab.
| Setup | Nissan Frontier | Ford Ranger | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extended cab 2WD | 7,150 lb 3.8L V6, King Cab, Standard bed, S | No row | — |
| Extended cab 4WD | 7,000 lb 3.8L V6, King Cab, Standard bed, S | No row | — |
| Crew cab 2WD | 7,070 lb 3.8L V6, Crew Cab, Standard bed, S | 7,500 lb 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, SuperCrew, 3.73 axle, Trailer Tow Package (53R) | Ford Ranger +430 |
| Crew cab 4WD | 6,960 lb 3.8L V6, Crew Cab, Standard bed, S | 7,500 lb 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, SuperCrew, 3.73 axle, Trailer Tow Package (53R) | Ford Ranger +540 |
2026 rating ranges
| Hitch | Nissan Frontier | Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 6,270–7,150 lb | 5,510–7,500 lb |
2026 Nissan Frontier by engine
- 3.8L V66,270–7,150 lb
Source: Nissan, 2026 Frontier U.S. brochure: specifications and capacities
2026 Ford Ranger by engine
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-47,500 lb
- 2.7L EcoBoost V67,500 lb
- 3.0L EcoBoost V65,510 lb
Year by year
Highest cited conventional rating for each model year. A blank means that year is not cited or the model was not sold, never zero.
| Year | Nissan Frontier | Ford Ranger | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7,150 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2025 | 7,150 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2024 | 6,640 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2023 | 6,720 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2022 | 6,720 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2021 | 6,720 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2020 | 6,720 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2019 | 6,720 lb | 7,500 lb | Ranger |
| 2018 | 6,710 lb | — | |
| 2017 | 6,710 lb | — | |
| 2016 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2015 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2014 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2013 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2012 | 6,500 lb | — | |
| 2011 | 6,500 lb | 5,960 lb | Frontier |
| 2010 | 6,500 lb | 5,940 lb | Frontier |
| 2009 | 6,500 lb | 6,000 lb | Frontier |
| 2008 | — | 6,000 lb | |
| 2007 | — | 6,000 lb | |
| 2006 | 6,500 lb | 6,000 lb | Frontier |
| 2005 | — | 5,980 lb | |
| 2004 | — | 5,980 lb | |
| 2003 | — | 5,960 lb | |
| 2002 | — | 6,020 lb | |
| 2001 | — | 6,070 lb | |
| 2000 | — | 6,060 lb |