Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma Review

Performance
The words “truck” and “power” have become synonymous, and when it comes to the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier trucks, there is plenty of power.  Both come with two different engines with the Frontier having the more powerful of the bunch.  The Frontier has a 152-horsepower I-4 and a 261-hp V-6.  Compare that to the Tacoma’s 159-horsepower I-4 and 236-hp V-6.  The Frontier has an electronically controlled, shift-on-the-fly, part-time transfer case.

Utility
Now, if you’re buying a truck, most likely you are towing, hauling and transporting a variety of heavy objects.  The Tacoma and Frontier have the same towing capacity (6,500 pounds) and are extremely close with their maximum payload capacity.   The Tacoma’s maximum payload capacity is 1,570 pounds compared to the Frontier’s 1,547 pounds.  The Frontier has 87.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and seats up to five, while the Tacoma seats four and has 55.6 cubic feet of passenger volume.  Both cargo beds are approximately the same length.  The Tacoma has a 115-volt power outlet in cargo bed.

Fuel Economy/The Green Effect
Both the Frontier and Tacoma have comparable mileage, with the Tacoma having slightly better fuel efficiency.  The Tacoma receives 14-20 mpg in the city and 19-26 mpg on the highway, while the Frontier gets 15-19/19-23 mpg city/highway.   They are also neck-and-neck when it comes to carbon emissions.  The Tacoma emits between 8.3 and 11.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide, while the Frontier emits between 8.7 and 11.4 metric tons.

Technology
The Frontier features an available Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system features 10 speakers, two subwoofers, in-dash CD changers that stores up to six MP3/WMA-encoded CDs.  The Tacoma features a premium JBL audio system with an in-dash 6-CD changer, Radio Data System (RDS), seven speakers (some are mounted in the ceiling) and a subwoofer.  Both trucks have XM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety
The Tacoma receives higher frontal crash and 2WD rollover ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) than the Frontier.

For a thorough comparison between the Frontier, Tacoma and other trucks, checkout our interactive and informative Car Chooser.