For years, it was the Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma battling it out for mid-size pickup buyers—and it was a close match.
But the Tacoma was treated to a redesign for 2016, and it's much fresher but also a lot pricier.
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, meanwhile, came back from the dead and now offer the best ride and nicest interior in their class among body-on-frame pickups.
They also offer a desirable turbodiesel engine that nets them around 30 mpg on the highway.
The caveat, however, is that you'll pay a lot more for this classiness.
Then there's the Honda Ridgeline, also a reborn pickup.
It's not meant for heavy duty use, but it'll be more than adequate for most users.
Its unibody construction endows it with a roomier interior and a better ride than any rival, too.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
 2017 Nissan FrontierBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Chevrolet ColoradoBrowse Used Listings |  2017 GMC CanyonBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Honda RidgelineBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Toyota TacomaBrowse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||||
|
Thoroughly outpointed by its rivals, the 2017 Nissan Frontier is nonetheless worth a look if you value its nimble feel and its surprisingly good value. |
Don't quite need a full-size truck? The Chevrolet Colorado makes a compelling case for the way most of us truly use our pickups. |
The 2017 GMC Canyon is probably all the pickup truck most buyers will need. |
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a smart alternative to full-size trucks, for drivers content with matching the right tool to the right job. |
A new TRD Pro package further cements the 2017 Toyota Tacoma's reputation as an off-road leader. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $18,390 | $20,000 | $20,885 | $29,475 | $24,575 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Style Name | ||||
| King Cab 4x2 S Manual | 2WD Ext Cab 128.3" Base | 2WD Ext Cab 128.3" SL | RT 4x2 Crew Cab 5.3' Bed | SR Access Cab 6' Bed I4 4x2 AT (SE) |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | 2 | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| King Cab | Extended Cab Pickup | Extended Cab Pickup | Crew Cab | Access Cab |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2017 Nissan Frontier vs. 2017 Chevrolet Colorado | 2017 Nissan Frontier vs. 2017 GMC Canyon | 2017 Nissan Frontier vs. 2017 Honda Ridgeline | 2017 Nissan Frontier vs. 2017 Toyota Tacoma | |
