Nissan Xterra vs. Toyota Tacoma
In comparing the Nissan Xterra to the Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota Tacoma has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Xterra versus the Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Xterra is a better car than the Toyota Tacoma.
Nissan Xterra vs. Toyota Tacoma Pricing
A used 2015 Nissan Xterra ranges from $13,489 to $28,207 while a used 2015 Toyota Tacoma is priced between $16,994 to $31,979.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Nissan Xterra’s base engine makes 261 horsepower, and the Toyota Tacoma base engine makes 159 horsepower. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. The Tacoma is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Nissan Xterra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Toyota Tacoma has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Toyota Tacoma has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$13,489 - $28,207
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$16,994 - $31,979
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
13.8%
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Nissan Xterra Rankings
Not yet available
Toyota Tacoma Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 10Summary Review
The Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
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
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
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
SUV
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
60.3 inches, 73.5 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels
Base, PreRunner, PreRunner V6, TRD Pro, V6
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):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1053 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
180 foot-lbs @ 3800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
1285 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 25 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
443 / 528 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
28.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
88.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3615 lbs
Width:
72.2 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
208.1 inches
Wheelbase:
127.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/70R15
