On paper, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are two of the most popular pickup trucks on the road today. But which one is better? We’re going to find out by comparing them head-to-head in this review.
2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Nissan Frontier
In the mid-size pickup truck segment, two of the most popular models are the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. While both offer similar benefits in terms of capability and versatility, only one model comes out on top when it comes to powertrain offerings. The Toyota Tacoma has a higher fuel economy than its competitor, with an EPA estimated rating of 19 mpg city/26 highway for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) two-wheel-drive (2WD) model versus 17 mpg city/23 highway for a 2WD Frontier. In addition to offering more engine options, which can help cut down on maintenance costs over time due to fewer moving parts in each option available for drivers, the Tacoma offers more hauling capacities than its competition as well as greater towing capabilities—it’s rated at up to 6800 pounds for FWD four-cylinder models versus up to 5000 pounds for V6 Frontier models.
2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Nissan Frontier: Performance, fuel economy, and towing
The cost of the Toyota Tacoma is less than the cost of the Nissan Frontier.
– The starting price for the Tacoma is $26,500 for the Access Cab models and $27,330 for the Double Cab models.
– In comparison, the starting price of a base King Cab model in 2022 is $27,840 while a base Crew Cab model starts at $29,340. Both Frontier versions – King and Crew – offer 4×4 as an option which adds to their pricing. The lowest trim level available in both trucks will be S with a manual transmission that has four doors on double cabs equipped with a 2WD drivetrain. There’s no word yet whether there will be any more options or trims offered to customers besides this one but it’s likely we’ll see some sort of higher-end version later down the road when sales really start taking off (the same happened with Toyota Tundra).
Tacoma vs Frontier: Interior technologies and features
As The Car Connection wrote in its review of the 2022 Tacoma, “In a complete redesign for 2021, the Toyota Tacoma emerged as one of our favorite compact pickup trucks.” The truck has a high-tech interior with a lot of technology available at the driver’s fingertips. The head unit can be adjusted to suit individual tastes and needs, with many different options available such as:
– Navigation – Rear Vision Camera – Smart Cruise Control – Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) – App Suite for Apple iOS or Android devices that includes Toyota Safety Connect, Drive, and Apps Plus. The heart of the Tacoma is its four-cylinder engine which is mated to an automatic transmission. It delivers power through either FWD or 2WD models but only one type of drivetrain is available in each trim level, so if you’re looking for more power than what’s offered in the base model then you’ll have to pay up for one of the other trims.
2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Nissan Frontier: The Tacoma Dominates the Frontier
The Tacoma offers more engine options than the Frontier, including a V6 that provides more power and better fuel economy. It also has a higher towing capacity and payload capacity but is less expensive than the Frontier. The Tacoma comes standard with lots of technology features, such as automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and navigation. Meanwhile, extras for the Nissan—such as adaptive cruise control—must be purchased through packages or separately from dealer add-ons. Though both trucks have come in for praise from Consumer Reports testers (with ratings ranging from Very Good to Excellent), it’s clear which one Consumer Reports recommends: “With its roomy interior and comfortable ride,” says CR’s Tom Mutchler “the new Toyota Tacoma is an excellent choice if you’re shopping at this price point.”
What the Toyota Tacoma Gets Right
The Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier have a lot in common. They’re nearly identical in size, are built on the same platform, and are similarly priced. But when it comes to towing capacity, there’s not much difference between them at all. When properly equipped (as most Tacomas will be), they have a similar tow rating: 6,800 pounds for the Tacoma versus 6,720 pounds for the Frontier.
What the Nissan Frontier Gets Right
Besides being larger, the Nissan Frontier offers additional features that aren’t available in other small pickups. A power sliding rear window is standard on all models, as is an audio jack input for MP3 players and CD capability. The Frontier also has a tow package with a hitch receiver and trailer wiring harness that are included at no extra charge.
