Jeep Gladiator vs. Nissan Frontier: Which is Better?

Jeep Gladiator and Nissan Frontier are popular SUV pick-ups known for their versatile use cases and incredible performance. Today, at CarBike360, we’ve compared these two promising pick-ups so that you can decide on which model can be the right choice for your adventurous journey. However, before we start our comparison, it's important to know that the Jeep Gladiator is costlier than the Nissan Frontier, with a starting price of AED 199,900.

Jeep Gladiator Vs. Nissan Frontier: Which is Better?

Powertrain

A power-pack machine, Gladiator is equipped with a robust powertrain and heady-duty tires, making it a reliable mid-size pick-up in the segment. It's fitted with a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder petrol engine that churns out 285 HP of power output and 260 pound-feet of torque. Though the vehicle's aerodynamics are not similar to highway cars, it looks more rugged and capable off-roader. The pick-up has a longer wheelbase, delivering equivalent performance to the Jeep Wrangler, the iconic and most purchased off-road car in the region.

According to the company, it provides 17 mpg of fuel economy on city roads and 22 mpg on highways while maintaining 19 mpg of combined fuel economy. On the other hand, the Nissan Frontier has a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes it ideal for rugged road operations and allows it to drive well on highways. Its engine is configured with a nine-speed automated transmission, further extending its performance.

Owing to Nissan’s aerodynamics, one can easily notice some noise when driving on a highway at high speed. There are heavy steering wheels, which might not be an ideal fit for some drivers. Frontier is offered in the market by stating to provide 19 mpg of combined fuel economy.

Exterior

Gladiator looks almost similar to the Jeep Wrangler from the front and side profile; it features circular headlamps, a signature grille, and a heady front bumper.

It is much likelier to the Jeep Wrangler, with an added bed on the back profile, a larger wheelbase, and identical design and dimensions.

In comparison, Frontier comes with a slightly modern and rugged look. It features clamp-shaped headlights, similar to Nissan’s other SUV lineups. The pick-up also features larger cargo space than Gladiator, so passengers can carry necessary luggage conveniently. Further, the Nissan Frontier is available in AWD and RWD variants.

Related: Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry: Which is Better?

Interior

Identical to the Wrangler SUV from the front seat and dashboard, the Jeep Gladiator features a simple dashboard and upright windshield. However, the view from the driver's seat is fine but might not offer as much visibility as other city cars in the segment. The carmaker has offered an 8.4-inch infotainment screen with some exciting features. All controls are larger in size and easily accessible with buttons and dials, which also include the window switches. The cloth seats are adequate and offer comfortable rides for shorter distances. However, the drive wouldn’t be so effective during long distances. The second-row seat has good headroom and legroom space, which can easily accommodate adult passengers even if they are tall. There is a 5.0-foot bed to carry 2,041 to 3,470 kg of luggage.

The interior of Frontier is spacious and justifies the price point at which it is offered in the market. There are easy-to-use drive features with buttons and dials for most of the vehicle controls. The pick-up has a lot of plastic material used in the rear side of the interior. It comes mated with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with several touch and physical controls. The pick-up also packs wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and heated front seats. There are leather seats equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity technology, claimed by the company to reduce fatigue. It has less head space than Gladiator, but the leg, hip, and shoulder space are proper.

Moreover, Nissan’s front and rear seats are comfortable and can deliver a relaxed travel experience. Doors can open wider, making them adult-passenger-friendly. The maximum cargo capacity of Frontier ranges from 2,839 kg to 3,048 kg, depending upon the model you choose. In terms of interior and technology, Nissan offers a more relaxed, user-friendly, and comfortable interior.

Price

The ex-showroom price of the Jeep Gladiator starts from AED 199,900 and reaches up to AED 244,900 for top-spec variants. On the other hand, Nissan Frontier has a starting ex-showroom price of AED 129,900 to AED 159,900.Why Buy Jeep Gladiator?If you are looking for an ultimate off-road and capable SUV with rear cargo space, Gladiator is the best choice. It's also more affordable than Jeep’s iconic Wrangler series and offers identical performance and drive experience.

Pros

• Off-road capabilities
• Powerful engine
• Convertible top
• Iconic styling

Cons

• Expensive maintenance cost
• Poor mileage
• Not for highway and city drives

Related: Nissan Patrol vs. Toyota Land Cruiser: Which SUV is Better?

Why Buy Nissan Frontier?

If you are looking for an affordable and reliable truck to commute in the city and also enjoy off-road driving in challenging terrains, the Nissan Frontier is a great choice. It has easy-to-use drive features and a modern exterior design.

Pros

• Affordable
• Fuel efficient
• Comfortable seating
• Reliable performance

Cons

• Not as good as Gladiator in off-road needs
• Lacks in advanced safety features

Conclusion

While both mid-size pick-up trucks are good for long-distance adventure trips and long-day hauling, the Jeep Gladiator has more seating capacity than the Nissan Frontier; the pick-up also has greater head and leg room to properly and comfortably accommodate the tall driver or passengers. In comparison, the Nissan Frontier gets more cargo space, making it ideal for gardening supplies or hauling lumber. The Frontier can also be a trusted ally in your adventure trips thanks to its more powerful powertrain that ensures reliable performance on a variety of terrains.