2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn vs 2025 Nissan Frontier SV

2 mpg better and 22.7″ longer vs $12,445 less. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 305 vs 310 hp, 21 vs 19 MPG.

The short answer

The 1500 Big Horn leads on 2 MPG better, 22.7″ longer. The Frontier SV leads on $12,445 less. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
5 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn
Starts at $51,535
VS
Vehicle B
2025 Nissan Frontier SV
Starts at $39,090

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
3.6L V6 mild-hybrid
vs
3.8L V6
Horsepower
305 hp
vs
310 hp
Torque
269 lb-ft
vs
281 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
21 MPG combined
vs
19 MPG combined
Curb Weight
5,083 lbs
vs
4,641 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$51,5351500 Big Horn
$39,090Frontier SV
Engine
3.6L V6 mild-hybrid1500 Big Horn
3.8L V6Frontier SV
Horsepower
305 hp1500 Big Horn
310 hpFrontier SV
Torque
269 lb-ft1500 Big Horn
281 lb-ftFrontier SV
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic1500 Big Horn
9-speed shiftable automaticFrontier SV
City MPG
191500 Big Horn
17Frontier SV
Highway MPG
241500 Big Horn
21Frontier SV
Combined MPG
211500 Big Horn
19Frontier SV
Curb Weight
5,083 lbs1500 Big Horn
4,641 lbsFrontier SV
Wheelbase
144.5"1500 Big Horn
126.0"Frontier SV
Length
232.9"1500 Big Horn
210.2"Frontier SV
Width
82.1"1500 Big Horn
73.0"Frontier SV
Height
77.6"1500 Big Horn
72.0"Frontier SV
Bed Length
5.6 ft1500 Big Horn
5.0 ftFrontier SV
Corrosion
5yr/100k1500 Big Horn
5yr/unlimitedFrontier SV
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60k1500 Big Horn
3yr/36kFrontier SV

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn2025 Nissan Frontier SV
Pricing
MSRP$51,535$39,090
Powertrain
Engine3.6L V6 mild-hybrid3.8L V6
Horsepower305 hp310 hp
Torque269 lb-ft281 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain4WD4WD
Fuel Economy
City MPG1917
Highway MPG2421
Combined MPG2119
Fuel TankNo published data21.0 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$2,100/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight5,083 lbs4,641 lbs
Wheelbase144.5"126.0"
Length232.9"210.2"
Width82.1"73.0"
Height77.6"72.0"
Truck Specs
Cab TypeCrew CabCrew Cab
Bed Length5.6 ft5.0 ft
Safety
NHTSA OverallNo published data4/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/100k5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn and 2025 Nissan Frontier SV?

The 2025 Nissan Frontier SV starts at $39,090, $12,445 less than the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn at $51,535. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $220/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn?

The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Who should choose the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV?

The 2025 Nissan Frontier SV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $12,445 in your pocket and the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV covers your needs; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn or 2025 Nissan Frontier SV?

The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn rates 21 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn or 2025 Nissan Frontier SV?

The 2025 Nissan Frontier SV produces 310 hp, 5 more than the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn at 305 hp. The 2025 Nissan Frontier SV also leads in torque at 281 lb-ft vs 269 lb-ft. The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn runs a 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid; the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV uses a 3.8L V6.

Is the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn bigger than the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV?

The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn is 22.7″ longer at 232.9″ vs 210.2″. The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn has a 18.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Ram trims, Ram 1500 trims, Nissan trims, Nissan Frontier trims

Official sources

The 1500–Frontier Decision

Truck buyers cross-shopping the 1500 and Frontier are comparing more than price. Bed size, powertrain, and tow rating all factor in. The $-12,445 gap adds up to $220/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn runs a 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid; the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV uses a 3.8L V6. The 5 hp difference (310 vs 305) is marginal in daily driving. Both use 4WD.

The Ownership Math

The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn saves roughly $211/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,055.

Living With the 1500 vs the Frontier

The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn is 22.7″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn has a 18.5″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn weighs 442 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

The Decision

Choose the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel. Choose the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV when you want to keep $12,445 in your pocket and the 2025 Nissan Frontier SV covers your needs.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ram or Nissan or any dealership.

Keep Exploring