Nissan Xterra vs. Toyota Tacoma
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra and the Toyota Tacoma.
When comparing the Nissan Xterra's and the Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, 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's and the Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Xterra is a better car than the Toyota Tacoma.
Pricing: A used 2015 Nissan Xterra ranges from $9,500 to $23,484 while a used 2015 Toyota Tacoma is priced between $13,988 to $28,600.
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. This gives the Toyota Tacoma the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Xterra. 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: The Toyota Tacoma has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
23660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
23173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
20150 - 26255
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
20965
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
20008
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
17990 - 20965
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
16031
Price Range:
9500 - 23484
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
11537
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7970 - 16031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
41
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
126315
# Good or Great Deals:
20
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
21415
Price Range:
13988 - 28600
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
18146
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
15029 - 21415
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
356
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
131988
# Good or Great Deals:
110
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
9.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
0.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.2 - 5.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.154
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Tacoma
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
3.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.7 - 6.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.511
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.8784198306377157
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 9.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.056162444115028
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
4.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.9 - 6.3
Nissan Xterra Rankings
Not yet available
Toyota Tacoma Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
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 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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 Specs
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
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
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
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
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
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
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
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Metallic Blue
Gray
Night Armor
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Blue Ribbon Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Super White
Yellow
Not available
Brown
Pyrite Mica
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Graphite
Beige
Sand Beige
