Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma.
In comparing the Nissan Frontier's and the Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. The Toyota Tacoma has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Frontier's and the Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Nissan Frontier ranges from $33,998 to $47,374 while a used 2024 Toyota Tacoma is priced between $42,393 to $57,585. For a new model, the Nissan Frontier's price is between $32,528 and $48,271, with the Toyota Tacoma priced between $38,704 and $55,362.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Frontier loses 32.7 percent of its value and the Toyota Tacoma loses 22.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Tacoma retains 10.4 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 8.3 out of 10 while the Toyota Tacoma's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Frontier being ranked 5 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Toyota Tacoma being ranked 2 out of 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Frontier is 8.4 out of 10. For the Toyota Tacoma the reliability rating is 9.2 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 Nissan Frontier’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Toyota Tacoma base engine makes 228 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are comparable in regards to front head room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: Both the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma are available in Crew Cabor an Extended Cab configuration. The Nissan Frontier offers bed lengths of 58.9, 59.5, 72.7, and 73.3 inches, and the Toyota Tacoma offers bed lengths of 60.3 and 73.5 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma have the same average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
An all-new Nissan Frontier arrived for the 2022 model year, replacing an aged midsize truck design whose only competitive advantage was its value pricing. While no spring chicken itself, the Toyota Tacoma is better in almost every way compared to the previous-gen Frontier. However, the new Frontier has leapfrogged the Tacoma in several key areas, including horsepower, ride quality, seat comfort, and interior storage. That said, the Tacoma possesses its own virtues, including a reputation for quality and reliability, legendary off-road ability, a healthy aftermarket offering numerous upgrades, and strong resale values. A new, base-model Frontier costs about $1,500 more than the entry-level Tacoma, but the top TRD Pro version of the Toyota will set you back nearly $9K more than the most expensive Frontier PRO-4X. While the fuel economy for the 4-cylinder Tacoma is slightly better than the Frontier’s standard V6, the latter offers much more power. If you prefer to shift your own gears, your only choice is the Tacoma.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$32,528 - $48,271
Starting MSRP:
$30,510
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$38,704 - $55,362
Starting MSRP:
$31,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,974
Price Range:
$33,998 - $47,374
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3,649
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
946
# Good or Great Deals:
142
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$48,981
Price Range:
$42,393 - $57,585
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
17,812
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
468
# Good or Great Deals:
516
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,322
Depreciation %:
33.8%
Resale Value $:
$20,188
Residual Value %:
66.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$7,210
Depreciation %:
22.9%
Resale Value $:
$24,290
Residual Value %:
77.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
36.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Tacoma
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
79.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
Nissan 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 / 7Toyota 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
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
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 / 7Summary 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’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.
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
- 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
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)
58.9 inches, 59.5 inches, 72.7 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
60.3 inches, 73.5 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
PRO-4X, PRO-X, S, SL, SV
Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels
Limited, SR, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 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:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
243 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1460 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
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
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
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:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
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
Overall Interior Volume:
85.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4367 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:
4200 lbs
Width:
76.9 inches
Height:
74 inches
Length:
213 inches
Wheelbase:
131.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
10.8 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
245/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Red Alert
White
Glacier White
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Underground
Red
Supersonic Red
White
Ice Cap
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Interior Colors
Black
Black
