Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma

The Frontier doesn’t waste time. It comes standard with a 3.8L V6 engine that cranks out 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque—no premium upgrade or trim package required. Whether you’re merging onto the highway with a trailer in tow or crawling down a muddy access road, you’ll feel the immediate difference in throttle response and sheer pull.

That power is matched with a 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers crisp, confident shifts even under a heavy load (more about that in a bit), so you don’t deal with lag, lurching, or second-guessing gears.

Compare that to the Tacoma’s standard turbocharged 4-cylinder and 8-speed setup that delivers just 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. It’s fine for light commutes, but stack in concrete mix, mountain bikes, or a steep incline, and the gap becomes clear. With the Frontier, you're not crossing your fingers; you're getting the job done.

A trailer full of decking boards. A twin-axle camper with two dirt bikes. A buddy’s broken-down SUV. Your brand-new fishing boat. When you’re pulling serious weight, you need a truck that won’t hesitate—and won’t make you reconsider.

When properly equipped, the Frontier and the Tacoma bring the muscle, with a noticeable difference. . .

• Nissan Frontier Max Towing Capacity: 7,150 lbs.^*
• Toyota Tacoma Max Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs.

That extra 650 pounds is the difference between making one trip or two. The Frontier’s brawny engine and rugged chassis give it real-world strength, while features like standard Trailer Sway Control and available Tow-Haul Mode keep your load steady and your drive smooth, even on steep grades or winding backroads.

Toyota offers similar towing tech but with less pulling power to back it up. When every pound counts, the Frontier gets the job done without breaking a sweat.

While some trucks shrink where it matters most, the Nissan Frontier thinks bigger. With a bed that’s 61.4 inches wide—one of the widest in its class—the Frontier is built to swallow gear whole. That means more room for full-size sheets of plywood, awkwardly shaped tools, or the family’s weekend camping gear, all laid flat without wrestling straps or forcing angles.

The Tacoma’s bed measures just 56.4 inches across. Five inches might not sound like a deal-breaker—until you’re loading up bikes, coolers, or stackable storage bins. In the Frontier, that extra width gives you options instead of workarounds.

Add in the Frontier’s optional Utili-track® Channel System with adjustable tie-down cleats and bed lighting, and you’ve got secure cargo solutions day or night. The Tacoma responds with its deck rail system, but when every inch counts, the Frontier brings more to the bed.

Tight cabins might be fine for short hops—but long days demand real room for legs, heads, and all the gear that rides with you. Both trucks come in two cab versions, but the Frontier’s King Cab seats four, while the Tacoma’s Xtra Cab only seats two. That’s more flexibility for passengers—and more ways to mix people and payload—when you choose Nissan. Fold-up rear seats with under-seat storage let you adapt on the fly.

Compare their 5-seaters—Frontier Crew Cab vs. Tacoma Double—and Nissan pulls ahead in passenger comfort. No need to negotiate for front-seat space; the Frontier makes sure everyone’s ride is a good one.

With front legroom of 42.3 inches, the Frontier gives you more room to stretch out than the Tacoma. That’s a game-changer for taller drivers or anyone logging serious hours behind the wheel.

Add in NASA-inspired Zero Gravity® Seats, designed to reduce fatigue on long drives, plus available features like a moonroof and clever under-seat storage, and the Frontier starts to feel less like a pickup and more like a mobile command center. The Tacoma tries to match it, but cramped back seats and a less versatile cabin tell a different story.

The Frontier and the Tacoma pack a suite of safety features designed to support your instincts behind the wheel. From automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance to lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control, these systems work in sync with your driving habits to help protect you, your crew, and your cargo.

Where the Frontier stands out is with its available Intelligent Around View® Monitor. It offers a bird’s-eye view and even displays terrain angles when crawling, making it easier to park precisely, hitch a trailer, or take on tough trails. The Tacoma counters with a Panoramic View Monitor, but only the Frontier adds standard Driver Attention Alert, a smart feature that helps you stay sharp during long days and late nights.

The Frontier and the Tacoma deliver what drivers really want: intuitive infotainment that keeps you connected, engaged, and in control. Each comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, SiriusXM®, and available Wi-Fi Hotspot connectivity.

When the skies turn, the Frontier’s available real-time traffic and weather updates help you steer clear of delay, whether you’re dodging a storm or avoiding the Friday backup. In the Frontier, staying informed means staying ahead mile after mile, no matter where the road leads.