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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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.
Payload and Towing Capacity
Towing and payload capability are necessary for carrying out weekend home repair projects and transporting equipment up a mountain. When comparing the towing and hauling capacities of Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma models, the Frontier clearly has some advantages.
- Nissan Frontier has a maximum towing capability of 3,760 lbs. starting with 4 cylinder pickups. The Tacoma 4 cylinder models have a 3,500 lb maximum towing capability, which is 260 lb less than the Frontier.
- The Nissan Frontier 4X4 V6 King Cab SV and Toyota Tacoma V6 4X4 TRD Off-Road Extended Cab both have a maximum towing capability of 6,500 lbs. when comparing similarly equipped vehicles. Frontier’s maximum payload is 1,360 pounds, though. Tacoma offers a maximum payload of 1,295 lbs, which is 65 lbs less than 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.
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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?
Due to its slightly higher towing capacity, the Toyota Tacoma will enable you to draw bigger loads than the Nissan Frontier.
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 new Nissan Frontier an improvement over Tacoma?
In general, these trucks are quite evenly matched. The Tacoma features a wider choice of powertrain options, the potential for better fuel economy, and somewhat higher towing and hauling capacities than the Frontier, which is more powerful. The V6 engine in the Frontier feels strong, and the transmission shifts easily and rapidly.
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 utilize the polls to report on 17 distinct potential issue sites. 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?
Similar amounts of inside space are provided by the Tacoma and Frontier, although the Frontier has a little more capacity in the back. The Tacoma lacks the rear headroom and legroom that the Frontier offers. The Frontier’s interior also features bigger touchscreens than the Tacoma’s.
What would the Nissan Frontier be in the Toyota lineup?
Interior, performance, and dimensions of the Toyota Tacoma. With our Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma comparison guide, learn why the Nissan Frontier ought to be your next pickup.
The Nissan Frontier is a dependable pickup, right?
The Nissan Frontier: Is it a Reliable Truck? The Nissan Frontier is an excellent pickup, yes. It has a respectable payload capacity and a powerful V6 engine. It also has a comfortable ride and good handling for a pickup.
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.
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 far can a Nissan Frontier travel?
Your Nissan Frontier should last up to 100,000 miles, but with proper maintenance, it might last up to 200,000 miles.
Maintenance is the secret to your truck’s lifespan. Your Frontier could last 200,000 miles or longer if you are careful with maintenance.
Is the Nissan Frontier’s 3.8-liter engine reliable?
3.8-L V6 engine The Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, which are best-in-class numbers. Quick reaction is provided by direct injection up to 6,720 lbs. maximum towing capacity, and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway
Toyota Tacoma dependability
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.
What exactly does SV on a Nissan Frontier mean?
The Nissan Frontier SV is a step up from the Frontier S and has a number of noteworthy features. The SV in its name stands for “Standard Vehicle.” A motorized driver’s seat, a folding back window, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are among the features of the 2022 Nissan Frontier SV. These aid in making this mid-size truck more useful and fashionable.
The Frontier no longer has the standard four-cylinder engine and manual transmission that it once did. Even the Nissan Frontier SV will get a 3.8-liter V6 engine as standard for 2022, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque.