Nissan Frontier Vs. Toyota Tacoma: Which Off-Roading Midsized Pickup is Right for You?

The Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma have been rivals in the midsized pickup segment for decades, soldiering on through the years even as competitors from other automakers fell to the wayside. And whether you’re a contractor hauling equipment to the job site or an adventure seeker towing small trailers to the campsite, it can be hard to tell which truck is best for meeting your needs. Thankfully, the team here at Marianna Nissan is here to give you the lowdown as we pit the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma head-to-head. Keep reading to see which model comes out on top!

Performance

Performance-wise, both the Frontier and the Taco do not disappoint, with enough power to handle all your midsized jobs. In the current-generation Frontier, you’ll find a V6 engine backed by a 9-speed automatic transmission. Nissan equips 4WD Frontiers with a 2-speed transfer case, and the non-turbocharged 3.8-liter engine delivers a robust 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the Toyota Tacoma starts with a 159-horsepower, 2.7-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine. This spirited engine provides 180 lbs. ft. of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the Tacoma offers an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 278 hp and 265 pound-feet of torque. Nissan Frontier offers a much higher-horsepower V6 as its base engine versus the Tacoma’s 4-cylinder. Not to mention, the Nissan V6 is significantly more potent than the Tacoma’s 278-hp optional engine. 

Towing

Whether you’re towing heavy job site equipment or heading to Christoff Landing with a toy hauler, your truck’s towing capabilities are an important factor to consider when choosing the right pickup for your needs. The Frontier’s King Cab model boasts a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds, while the Crew Cab version has a slightly lower maximum towing capacity of 6,570 lbs. While the Tacoma does offer an ever-so-slightly higher towing capacity at 6800 lbs., the Frontier’s impressive tow/haul mode enhances its sense of control when towing close to its limit. This mode maintains gears during acceleration and incorporates engine braking on downhill stretches, contributing to a more stable towing experience. On the other hand, the TRD Pro, with its bouncier shocks and a simpler “ECT Power” mode that only adjusts shift points, is more prone to feeling underpowered and less steady when towing a medium-sized camper.

Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices on the rise, it’s no secret that truck lovers are looking for more efficient models that can help keep fuel costs low. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel-economy ratings for the Nissan Frontier are in line with those of the V6-powered Toyota Tacoma. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the Frontier achieves an EPA-estimated average of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway/20 mpg combined. With 4WD, the figures see a slight decrease to 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. Even the off-road-focused Pro-4X maintains EPA estimates of 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

In comparison, according to the EPA, a Tacoma with RWD and the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine attains an estimated 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. When equipped with the V6, the rear-wheel-drive Tacoma has an EPA-estimated average of 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. The combined economy figure drops by approximately one mile per gallon overall when Tacoma is equipped with 4WD.

Safety Features

Both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). On the passive safety front, both trucks not only meet but exceed all federal vehicle safety regulations, incorporating features like crush zones, airbags, and seat belts.

Every Nissan Frontier model includes standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. For additional safety features, the optional Nissan Safety Shield 360, which encompasses various ADAS functionalities, can be added. This package includes lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control is also available. The Toyota Tacoma features a standard set of ADAS grouped under the Toyota Safety Sense umbrella. Although the list may not be as extensive as what you’d find in a new car or SUV, all the systems come as standard features. Toyota Safety Sense includes adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Verdict: Nissan Frontier FTW!

While both the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma offer an array of quality capabilities when it comes to performance, towing, fuel efficiency, and safety, we believe the Frontier to be the superior pickup. If you are interested in testing the formidable Frontier out for yourself, browse our inventory online and contact us at Marianna Nissan today to find the right new or used Frontier model for your needs!