2018 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2018 Nissan Frontier
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma and 2018 Nissan Frontier contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Toyota Tacoma and the 2018 Nissan Frontier.
In comparing the 2018 Toyota Tacoma's and the 2018 Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2018 Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2018 Toyota Tacoma and 2018 Nissan Frontier have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma's and the 2018 Nissan Frontier's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a better car than the 2018 Nissan Frontier.
Pricing: A used 2018 Toyota Tacoma ranges from $20,480 to $37,722 while a used 2018 Nissan Frontier is priced between $14,526 to $26,857.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma loses 22.4 percent of its value and the 2018 Nissan Frontier loses 32.7 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Toyota Tacoma retains 10.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Nissan Frontier.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Tacoma is 8.8 out of 10 while the Nissan Frontier's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Tacoma being ranked 2 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Nissan Frontier being ranked 5 out of 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Tacoma is 9.2 out of 10. For the Nissan Frontier the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Tacoma a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Frontier.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma’s base engine makes 159 horsepower, and the 2018 Nissan Frontier base engine makes 152 horsepower. Both the Tacoma and the Frontier are rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2018 Toyota Tacoma and 2018 Nissan Frontier are comparable in regards to front head room, and front shoulder room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: Both the 2018 Toyota Tacoma and the 2018 Nissan Frontier are available in Crew Cabor an Extended Cab configuration. The 2018 Toyota Tacoma offers bed lengths of 60.5 and 73.7 inches, and the 2018 Nissan Frontier offers bed lengths of 59.5 and 73.3 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Toyota Tacoma and the 2018 Nissan Frontier have the same average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$23,084
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$18,990 - $29,730
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$18,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$23,084
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$18,990 - $29,730
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,075
Price Range:
$20,480 - $37,722
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$25,975
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$21,237 - $30,075
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
767
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
84,138
# Good or Great Deals:
281
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,237
Price Range:
$14,526 - $26,857
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$25,975
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$21,237 - $30,075
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
278
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
84,683
# Good or Great Deals:
128
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Toyota Tacoma
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
6.2 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
79.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Nissan Frontier
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
6.2 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
36.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 14.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 14.4
Toyota Tacoma Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
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2 out of / 7Ranking
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2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
Toyota’s Tacoma has been the sales leader in the midsize segment for decades. While other brands quit this market, Toyota continued to polish the gem that is the Tacoma pickup.
Summary Review
The Nissan Frontier received a much-needed redesign for 2022, transforming it from the oldest to the newest truck in the midsize category. Its drivetrain, a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, was all new in 2021. Now the rest of the truck has caught up, giving the Frontier a stylishly-aggressive exterior design, high-quality interior materials, and a long list of advanced standard and optional technology.
Pros and Cons
- Wide range of trim levels and styles from affordable barebones to serious off-road
- Best in class retained value
- Strong track record of overall reliability
- Composite bed eliminates corrosion concerns
- Beware the recent few used years with transmission issues with some recent models
- Interior oddities like a low, flat seat
- Not as refined as most competitors, overdue for a full update
- Towing capability less than segment best
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine mates to an advanced, capable transmission
- Appealing style, inside and out
- Wide range of standard and optional high-tech features
- Towing capacity weaker than many competitors
- Resale value not as strong as class leaders
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
60.5 inches, 73.7 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
59.5 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels
Limited, SR, SR V6, SR5, SR5 V6, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, TRD Sport
2018 Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
Desert Runner, PRO-4X, S, SL, SV, SV V6
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years / 25000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
180 foot-lbs @ 3800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.040 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1620 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
152 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.040 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
900 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 23 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
422 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 23 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
401 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
24.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
25.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.9 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
87.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3980 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
212.3 inches
Wheelbase:
127.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3785 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
68.7 inches
Length:
205.5 inches
Wheelbase:
125.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/75R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Super White
Exterior Colors
Black
Magnetic Black
Gray
Not available
Red
Cayenne Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Gray
Cement Gray
Interior Colors
Gray
Graphite / Steel
