Nissan Frontier Vs. Toyota Tacoma: Choosing the Best Mid-Size Pickup Truck

The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are perfect for any midsize truck fan. The Frontier is known for its simplicity, while the Tacoma leads in reliability. Today, we compare these two pickups to help you find your winner in the Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma battle. 

The difference between the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma is that the newer Frontier models have upgraded LED headlights, fog lights, Lava Red accents, interior lighting, an updated wheelbase, and more. It can boast a capable engine and pleasant handling. 

But the Toyota Tacoma stands out with its high reliability scores, user-friendly infotainment system, and numerous standard features. 

Let’s compare these pickup trucks in more detail:

The modern Toyota Tacoma has an army of fans in the US who appreciate its reliability and  off-road capabilities. The disadvantages of this truck are considered to be a not-too-powerful base engine and a slow gearbox. The pickup lacks smoothness on rough surfaces, and its rivals offer more interior space.

As standard, the Toyota Tacoma has a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower. The available 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 horsepower will delight with better acceleration indicators. A pickup truck with this power unit can more easily cope with high speeds and a significant load. In a pair, both engines have a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, which does not differ in speed or smoothness of operation. The relatively small Tacoma has decent body roll control and surprisingly good steering feedback. Unfortunately, it lacks smoothness, especially when driving on poor road surfaces. 

In 2020, after flirting with fans of off-road adventures with the Overland-Ready Tacoma concept, TRD offered a lift package that included a modified suspension, its own warranty, the preservation of stable operation of all vehicle systems, and other joys of factory equipment.

Experts call the main advantage of the kit its “friendship” with the Toyota Safety Sense complex, which is equipped on all Tacomas starting with the 2020 model year. It includes adaptive cruise control, auto braking, lane departure warning, pedestrian recognition, and high beam control. The package itself features Bilstein monotube shock absorbers, which can mitigate all driving inconveniences.  

The price for upgrading the Tacoma is $1,350, but this will include payment for the installation work itself - approximately 4-5 man-hours. The service is available only from official dealers and is offered only for Tacoma with a 3.5 V6 engine (282 hp, 265 lb-ft) and all-wheel drive. But if you buy a used pickup truck, you may find one already upgraded by the previous owner.

The Nissan Frontier is a classic frame pickup truck produced in the USA since 2004. The first version of this vehicle is well known to European buyers under the name Navara. However, in 2021, the paths of the American and worldwide versions diverged. The new Frontier has nothing in common with the updated Navara - it is an independent model. 

All the external panels of the pickup were changed, and the impressive front end was designed in a futuristic style. The Frontier also received a different body structure, modified chassis, and frame. Hydraulic mounts between it and the cabin have reduced vibrations by 80%. 

As before, the Frontier pickup has a double-wishbone suspension at the front and a solid axle with leaf springs at the rear. However, the struts were supplemented with urethane buffers, which should improve ride comfort and thicker anti-roll bars promise less roll. The steering retained the hydraulic booster but became 16% more responsive. The new generation pickup truck has one power unit - a V6 3.8 naturally aspirated petrol (314 hp, 281 lb-ft), which appeared on the Frontier back in 2020, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

By default, the drive is rear-wheel drive, but a rigidly connected all-wheel drive transmission with a reduction gear and an electronic imitation of inter-wheel locks is also available. 

For more rugged off-road use, there is a Pro-4X version with a beefed-up suspension, extended skid plate, Bilstein shock absorbers, and a Dana rear axle with an electronically controlled differential lock. These models are distinguished by the contrasting decor and richer equipment, which includes eight airbags, an advanced stabilization system with a function to prevent trailer sway, frontal collision warning systems, and monitoring tire pressure. There are also models with adaptive cruise control and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 complex, which includes auto braking with pedestrian detection, monitoring blind spots, and road markings.

As it always happens, the winner in the Tacoma vs. Frontier battle will be the truck that better meets your wishes:

• The Toyota Tacoma is less expensive than the Nissan Frontier, so it is a better choice for those on a budget. But keep in mind, that in the used car market, you can afford better value for your money.
• The Toyota Tacoma has more trim levels, engine, and transmission options, offering greater customization.
• The Nissan Frontier has more bed options, making it a better choice if the truck size matters.
• The Nissan Frontier is also a great choice if you seek comfort and smoothness. 

When choosing a working horse, you should never restrain your choice and consider as many options as possible. Check our inventory of used trucks for sale right now!