The Toyota Tacoma is outpowered by the Nissan Frontier in terms of horsepower. The Tacoma produces either 159 horsepower with its regular four-cylinder engine or 278 horsepower with its optional V-6, but the Frontier produces 310 horsepower with its standard V-6 engine.
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Cabin layouts and powertrain
Both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are available with both manual and automatic transmissions, as well as short or long beds, extended or crew cabins, two or four wheel drive, and 4 or 6 cylinder engines. They might appear to be equals on paper. Frontier still has some definite advantages over the Tacoma, though.
- Nissan Frontier outperforms Tacoma in base trim in terms of pickup box width (61.4″ vs. 56.7″) and front and rear legroom (55.7″ vs. 42.9″ front and 25.4″ vs. 24.6″ rear).
- All variants of the Frontier come equipped with a pickup cargo box light, a feature not present on any Toyota Tacoma.
- In terms of base trims, the Toyota Tacoma 4X2 Access Cab SR has merely 85.6 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to the Nissan Frontier 4X2 King Cab S’s 88 cubic feet.
- All Frontier models have four-wheel disc brakes as standard, however Tacoma owners are limited to front and rear drum brakes.
- The base Frontier and Tacoma 4X2 versions both use a 4-cylinder engine and receive 23 MPG on the freeway. Frontier, however, has a curb weight that is 214 lbs lower than Tacoma (3,766 lbs vs 3,980 lbs).
Value & Conclusion
Given that Tacoma and Frontier are direct competitors, it is not unexpected that their prices are very similar. The stronger V6 engine that comes standard on all Nissan models gives it an advantage in terms of value.
Buyers will take into account factors like dependability, resale value, and aftermarket support in addition to the initial purchase price.
Despite the Nissan’s more potent engine and cutting-edge transmission, it might be tough to match the Tacoma’s storied resale value. We’ll also have to wait and see how dependable the Nissan’s V6 and nine-speed auto are.
Even though the Tacoma is the elder, more seasoned competitor here, both trucks should have plenty of aftermarket support for weekend warriors.
More than anything, we appreciate Nissan’s genuine consideration of the Frontier and the fact that it is now a worthy rival to the Tacoma, which is a fan favorite.
We strongly advise personally inspecting both vehicles before choosing one if you’re shopping for a new midsize pickup.
Due to its slightly higher towing capacity, the Toyota Tacoma will enable you to draw bigger loads than the Nissan Frontier.
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma: Cabin Climate
The interiors of the two trucks could not be more dissimilar, with the Frontier’s modernized cabin embracing modernity and the Tacoma feeling archaic. The Frontier has a spacious interior and excellent outside vision because to its lofty, upright driving position, lower beltline, and huge window and sunroof apertures. With strong A-pillars, a low roofline, and a huge schnoz of a hood to peer over, the Tacoma feels enclosed by comparison. Not much better than in many full-size vehicles is the visibility.
While Nissan brings the Frontier into the twenty-first century with piano-black accents, a tastefully updated gauge cluster with large center info screen, and strategically placed soft-touch surfaces and buttons, the Tacoma continues the old-truck theme with its grainy infotainment screen, expanses of matte plastic trim, and old cartoon font of its gauge cluster.
Although the seats themselves are a touch narrow and upright, it seems less crowded and there is more room for your feet than in the Tacoma because the Frontier makes better use of its internal space. This is especially noticeable in the second row. With a fold-down center armrest, USB and USB-C charging outlets, and a 110-volt outlet, none of which are offered by Toyota, the Frontier’s rear is likewise better furnished for passengers.
Other than the heated steering wheel and additional 110-volt outlet (the Tacoma’s sole 110-volt outlet is in the bed), the Frontier is significantly better equipped than the Tacoma. Strangely for a modern car, the steering column on the Frontier tilts but does not telescope. Despite the buzz around Nissan’s “zero-gravity” seats, which are incredibly comfortable on models like the Rogue, the Tacoma’s front seats are also the more pleasant of the two.
article substance
JM: These two engines are excellent. While I prefer the nine-speed automatic in the Frontier because it has more power, the Tacoma is undoubtedly no wimp when it comes to acceleration and cruising. Although the automatic is more likely to be chosen by purchasers, the manual transmission is nevertheless enjoyable to drive thanks to its excellent, clumsy shifter. When they do, their combined fuel efficiency will be better than the Frontier’s: 11.8 L/100 km as opposed to 12.3 in the Frontier.
The Tacoma’s payload is 97 pounds less than that of the Frontier’s payload of 1,230 pounds, but the Toyota can tow 6,400 pounds more than the 6,260 pounds the Frontier can pull. And then there’s the cost: As tested here, our 2021 Tacoma costs $2,962 more, and if you choose a 2022, the price will rise much further. Who wins our midsize truck competition after taking into account all these considerations, Elliot?
Inside, fresher is better
The Tacoma may have more available powertrains and off-road features, but the Frontier currently boasts one of the best interiors in the market. The instrument panel, doors, and surfaces were previously constructed of a cheap, plasticky, industrial-grade material that has been replaced by high-quality plastic, really fine leather, and a completely new, attractive design.
But the cabin space still surpasses the Tacoma (for front-seat occupants, at least) thanks to more headroom than the Tacoma; in a Taco with a moonroof, my head still brushes the headliner, but not in a new Frontier. With your legs extended in the driving position, the Tacoma gives you the impression that you are still sitting on the floor in spite of its lower ceiling and outdated Japanese truck architecture. With one noteworthy exception: You still can’t get a telescopic steering wheel in a Frontier, an almost unjustifiable absence for a 2022 model-year vehicle. It hasn’t been tuned for North American physiques, although it seems that the Frontier has.
Both trucks have insufficient backseat space, although this is true of the majority of the mid-size truck sector (excepting the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline). It suffices to state that you won’t be much more comfortable in the back of a Tacoma than in the back of a Frontier, but you might find it easier to get in and out of the crew-cab Frontier due to its short wheelbase.
Overall, the inside of the Frontier is unquestionably superior to that of the Tacoma in almost every area, including materials, construction, design, comfort, space, storage, and technology. The only things that can be blamed are the odd switch placement (some are by your left knee) and the appalling lack of telescoping steering adjustability. The Frontier seems more powerful, quicker, more confident, more solid, and unmistakably quieter while driving on the road, which is also better.
The Tacoma has the more adaptable 4×4 system with significant electronic assists, but the Frontier travels off-road with significantly less. This is the only area that still requires testing. On my test drive, I was able to tow with the Frontier, but not the Tacoma, so it will have to wait for another comparison test. In this brief head-to-head comparison, I would recommend the Frontier unless you frequently go off-road. Once the Tacoma undergoes its anticipated redesign in the following couple of years, we’ll see if this continues to be the case.
Is the Nissan Frontier more dependable than the Toyota Tacoma?
Consumer Reports will be consulted in order to determine whether the Frontier is more dependable than the Tacoma. To learn about the difficulties faced by vehicle owners, thousands of them are sent surveys.
Drivers can report on 17 distinct potential issue sites using the surveys. Major transmission faults and small electrical system problems are two of the problems. If Consumer Reports receives sufficient information, they will be able to forecast the level of reliability for each model.
The 2021 Nissan Frontier has an average reliability rating of three out of five, according to Consumer Reports.
However, Consumer Reports also provided a three-out-of-five dependability prediction for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. So, this won’t work! We can’t let the game end in a tie.
Is the Frontier a larger vehicle than the Tacoma?
The interior of the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma varies greatly from one another; the Frontier features a modern, high-tech cabin. In every configuration, the Frontier outperforms the Tacoma in terms of horsepower. It also boasts superior payload capacity with V-6 variants, competitive towing capacities, better head and legroom, a bigger bed, and exclusive interior comfort features.
Is a Nissan Frontier a trustworthy pickup?
One of the most dependable mid-size pickup trucks on the market right now is the Nissan Frontier. But you don’t have to take our word for it; J.D. Power and Associates named the 2021 Nissan Frontier the Highest Ranked Mid-Size Pickup. U.S. Power’s 2021 Study on Vehicle DependabilitySM (VDS).
Our new truck shoppers at Universal Nissan in Orlando have a wide range of new Nissan Frontier models to pick from. Your business requirements will be met to a higher standard by the Nissan Frontier, and you’ll be able to enjoy the ride as well.
Are the beds on the Tacoma and Frontier the same size?
A excellent pickup must have a good truck bed. Thankfully, the truck beds of the 2022 Nissan Frontier and 2022 Toyota Tacoma both boast a ton of goodies. Each has a sturdy foundation, a bed extender that is optional, a cargo divider, and a deck rail system with hooks for safely securing cargo.
Between its wheel wells, the Toyota Tacoma truck bed is 41.5 inches broad and 60.5 inches long. It has a handy tailgate that is simple to lower, fashionable bed lighting, and a 120V/400W power outlet.
The Nissan Frontier’s bed is a little bit bigger, measuring 73.3 inches long and 44.5 inches broad in between the wheel wells. With this extra space, you can carry more goods or prepare for a night of camping. Your Nissan Frontier may become your home away from home with an optional bed tent.
Is the Tacoma the most dependable pickup on the market?
This Toyota vehicle is a solid choice if you only consider reliability ratings when making a purchase. Although it isn’t the most reliable truck on the market, it isn’t the least reliable either. You might feel a little duped by Toyota’s reputation for dependability, but at least you now know what three professional perspectives have to say about this truck.
How good are Nissan Frontiers?
With a complete makeover in 2022, the Nissan Frontier will be more competitive in the compact pickup truck segment. It offers a sturdy interior with comfy front seats, a comfortable ride, and some off-road potential.
Does the Nissan Frontier retain its value?
Despite being rebuilt for 2022, the Nissan Frontier still has some of the lowest predicted resale values of any vehicle now on the market. According to IntelliChoice, the average Frontier will only keep 58.0 percent of its value after five years of regular ownership. Due to its cutting-edge technology and safety features, this Nissan Frontier is unquestionably the best it has produced in a while.
How trustworthy is a Toyota Tacoma?
Breakdown of the Toyota Tacoma Reliability Rating. The Toyota Tacoma is rated as having a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, placing it 7th overall among midsize trucks. Its ownership costs are lower than normal because the average annual repair cost is $478.
How fuel-efficient is a Nissan Frontier?
Frontier(r) 4×2 gets 18 city/24 highway/20 combined mpg, while Frontier 4×4 gets 17 city/22 highway/19 combined mpg.