If you're shopping for a hardworking midsize pickup truck from a reputable brand, you might be considering the 2024 Nissan Frontier or the 2024 Honda Ridgeline. We know that truck drivers ask a lot of their pickups. From long days on job sites that start before sunrise and last past sundown to navigating dirt roads to remote locations and loading all sorts of tools and equipment into the bed, truck drivers tackle a lot each day and need a midsize pickup that can support their tasks. That's why we believe you should consider a Nissan Frontier for sale rather than a Honda Ridgeline. We conducted an in-depth look at the features of these two models and found that the Nissan Frontier simply has more features that speak to the unique demands of DIYers, construction workers, farmers, and beyond. Let's take a look.
The Frontier's Unique Tie-Down System
From stacks of plywood to toolboxes and materials, there are a lot of important items truck drivers need to store in their truck beds. It's important to know they'll stay right where you put them after a long drive on windy, bumpy roads. That's where tie-down cleats come into place. Any truck driver knows that these are essential to ensure your items don't go flying if you hit a bump in the road, which can not only lead to a moving violation but can also be a major hazard.
So, why do we prefer the Nissan Frontier over the Honda Ridgeline? Well, it's because, while the Ridgeline does have eight standard tie-down cleats, the Nissan Frontier takes things to the next level with its Utili-track Channel System. This unique system consists of rails that line the top and sides of the truck bed. You attach your cleats to the rail system and slide them to any point along the railing system you want, giving you maximum control over where and how you secure your belongings, so you aren't stuck with any stationary cleat locations. Zip these cleats around to literally any point on the rail system, then lock them in place and use your ropes or bungee cords to secure your items.
When you're securing particularly bulky or awkwardly shaped items, you need the power to customize your tie-down job. You just won't have it in the Honda Ridgeline the way you will in the Nissan Frontier. Once you've experienced the Utili-track channel system, you'll never want to return to regular old cleats again.
A Spray-On Bedliner to Prolong the Life of Your Truck Bed
It's no secret that most truck drivers are tough on their truck beds. You're tossing metal tools, sharp objects, dirt bikes, equipment, and all sorts of gear in there. Over time, a truck bed can take a beating, which not only impacts its appearance but can even reduce its resale value down the line. Want to keep your truck bed looking brand new for years to come? Get the Nissan Frontier. Between the Frontier and the Ridgeline, only the Frontier is available with a spray-on bedliner that sticks directly to the surface of the bed.
The liner has a non-skid surface, so your toolboxes and other items won't slide around when you toss them in. It's both fade and weather-resistant, so whether you leave your bed out in the sun with no bed cover or travel through heavy rain storms to get to a job, the bed won't rust. If you have a client-facing job, showing up to meetings with a truck bed that looks brand new makes a difference. It communicates that you take great care of your items, which usually communicates that you'll take care of your customers. A rusty, banged-up truck bed doesn't give the best impression, so keep yours looking brand-new with the Nissan Frontier spray-on bedliner.
A Dampened Assist Tailgate That's Easy on Your Bed (and Ears)
If you've spent your life around pickup trucks, then you know the anxiety that comes with opening a tailgate, fearing it's going to drop down, slamming, and making a noise that hurts your ears. That slamming action is tough on the bed itself, too. You try to remember to gently guide the tailgate down on trucks without dampening, but sometimes you forget. Not to mention, plenty of other people, like coworkers and family members, open the tailgate, and they don't take care of your truck like you do. If this hits home, you'll love the dampened tailgate assist on the Nissan Frontier.
The Nissan Frontier's tailgate self lowers in a smooth, slow motion. So, there will be no huge "thud" noise and no damage to your tailgate over time. The Honda Ridgeline does not have this feature available, so you'll just have to remember to lower your tailgate manually and hope anyone else who uses it does the same. That sounds like a lot to ask of truck owners who are constantly getting things in and out of their truck beds.
An Intelligent Around View Monitor to Help You Command Your Surroundings
Being able to see around your vehicle is useful in any type of car; however, it's even more useful for truck drivers because you're managing a larger frame and might even be towing a trailer. That's why we're big fans of the Intelligent Around View Monitor of the Nissan Frontier. It can provide a virtual composite 360-degree bird's eye view of your truck. So you'll see what's happening around, in front of, and behind your truck—and even get a top-down view for a comprehensive understanding of your surroundings.
The Honda Ridgeline has a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, but it doesn't come close to providing the environmental information that the Frontier's around view monitor does. If you work on busy job sites where tractors, trucks, and trailers are moving around constantly, you need the Frontier's comprehensive camera system to help you avoid accidents. Collisions with other vehicles, equipment, or people are always problematic— but they can come with even greater legal and financial implications on a job site. So, having the Intelligent Around View Monitor can help you avoid costly, stressful situations.
Check Out the 2024 Nissan Frontier Today
The choice is clear if you've been considering the Nissan Frontier versus the Honda Ridgeline. The Frontier is simply loaded with features that meet the particular demands of DIYers, construction workers, agricultural workers and similar professionals in ways the Ridgeline isn't. Nissan went the extra mile with features like its Utili-track Channel System, Intelligent Around View Monitor, and Dampened Assist Tailgate.
We're bringing Frontier models onto our lot daily and have a friendly team that's ready to put you in your ideal trim. We'll hop in the cab with you, show you all the other great features we didn't cover today, and send you home in a model that's ready to tackle your work days with you. Our excellent finance team is here to put together the right lease or loan package for your financial situation, too. Don't forget that we also offer a dedicated service department that's here to help keep your Frontier running great, from routine maintenance to more complex repairs. It's time to experience the well-designed, powerful, and reliable Nissan Frontier, and our team at Rusty Wallace Nissan is here to help!
