Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma

Power & Performance

In checking out a midsize pickup, you’ll of course want to find an option with a powerful engine. Here, you’ll find that the Nissan will outperform the Toyota. While the Tacoma comes with a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, the Frontier comes configured with a 3.8L V6 engine. The Tacoma doesn’t come standard with this large of an engine, nor does it offer an available one with this much displacement.

As the Frontier’s engine is larger, it is able to produce more output in terms of horsepower and torque. The Frontier pumps out 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, while the Tacoma only produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

Similarly, the Frontier comes ready to tow a large haul. The Frontier features a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds when properly equipped, allowing you to hitch up a fairly large trailer.1 

Interior & Amenities

On the inside, these two trucks will compare closely. Both come with cabins that will allow you to seat at least four passengers. However, the Nissan will do so more comfortably with 92 cubic feet of interior passenger volume, compared to only 85.6 cubic feet of passenger volume for the Toyota.

Aside from space, these pickups will also both provide you with the ability to keep your productivity high as you hit the open roads. This is thanks to the expansive multimedia system found inside each cabin. Behind the wheel of the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma, you’ll have a 7-inch multimedia display that’ll allow you to control features like Bluetooth connectivity. Using this, you’ll be able to:

     •    Send texts

     •    Make calls

     •    Play music

You will find, however, that the Frontier comes outfitted with an added Siri Eyes Free feature. Using this, you’ll be able to seamlessly and safely make calls and send texts with the system acting as a hands-free personal assistant. This feature isn’t available on the Tacoma.