Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota 4Runner
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Frontier and Toyota 4Runner 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 Nissan Frontier and the Toyota 4Runner.
When we compare the Nissan Frontier's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Frontier's and the Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner is a better car than the Nissan Frontier.
Pricing: A used 2025 Nissan Frontier ranges from $31,989 to $46,505 while a used 2025 Toyota 4Runner is priced between $55,901 to $79,696. For a new model, the Nissan Frontier's price is between $31,247 and $49,199, with the Toyota 4Runner priced between $54,469 and $72,842.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Frontier loses 39.6 percent of its value and the Toyota 4Runner loses 32.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota 4Runner retains 7.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Frontier.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Frontier is 7.8 out of 10 while the Toyota 4Runner's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Frontier being ranked 6 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 1 out of 36 Best Hybrid SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Frontier is 7.9 out of 10. For the Toyota 4Runner the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Frontier.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Frontier’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 326 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Frontier and Toyota 4Runner are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: The Nissan Frontier has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31247 - 49199
Starting MSRP:
32050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
35074
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
31590 - 40150
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
54469 - 72842
Starting MSRP:
51990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37741
Price Range:
31989 - 46505
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
43288
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
37741 - 49219
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
65239
Price Range:
55901 - 79696
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
51507
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
40518 - 65239
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.33159181
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.26729184 - 0.42710395
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17028
Depreciation %:
0.32753242
Resale Value $:
34962
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 16.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.251
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8729070191713277
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.4 - 9.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4967415681961866
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
14 out of / 14Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
34 out of / 36Summary 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.
Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
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
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
58.9 inches, 59.5 inches, 72.7 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
PRO-4X, PRO-X, S, SL, SV
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited HV, Platinum HV, Trailhunter HV, TRD Off-Road HV, TRD Off-Road Premium HV, TRD Pro HV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1590 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
326 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
465 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
399 / 504 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4 / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
26.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.4 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
85.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
42.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
82.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4376 lbs
Width:
84.1 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5225 lbs
Width:
78 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
265/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/70R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Red Alert
White
Glacier White
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Underground
Red
Supersonic Red
White
Ice Cap
Blue
Heritage Blue
Green
Everest
Silver
Cutting Edge
Interior Colors
Gray
Charcoal
Interior Colors
Gray
Black/Boulder w/ Anodized Blue / Black/Boulder w/ Smoke Silver
