Home > Nissan Frontier Vs. Toyota Tacoma
2025 Nissan Frontier Vs. Toyota Tacoma Comparison
When you need to compare pickup trucks that can handle the interstate as well as the worksite, you should see how our Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma battle plays out. Both are competent haulers, but while the Tacoma prioritizes hiding its hybrid engine behind paywalls, the Frontier puts you first with a standard 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower. Enjoy up to 7,150 pounds of towing capacity1 and standard two-row seating with the Frontier – two qualities that the Toyota Tacoma is incapable of – at Grainger Nissan of Anderson.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Nissan Frontier at a Glance
- The Nissan Frontier creates 310 horsepower, while the Tacoma only reaches 228 horsepower on the base trim.
- That dedication to engine potency gives the Frontier a maximum towing capacity of 7,150 pounds,1 while the Toyota only has 6,500 pounds.2
- Standard configurations for the Frontier give you two rows to work with, and all Frontier models have better front-row legroom.
- Both trucks offer excellent standard and available features, but the Frontier focuses on better technology immediately, like Remote Key Entry.
- The Nissan Safety Shield 360 is competitive with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, though standard Blind Spot Monitoring gives the Frontier unbelievable value.
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma Specs
To best compare pickup trucks, you'll want to see how the engines affect performance. The new Nissan Frontier has a single, all-encompassing powertrain: the 3.8-liter six-cylinder. This setup comes with a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, creates 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, and can haul up to 7,150 pounds;1 exceptional for a truck of this size.
The Tacoma comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine standard, reaching 228 horsepower on the base model. While it does offer somewhat better fuel efficiency, this system can only reach up to 6,500 pounds of towing capability.2
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma Reliability, Engine & Dimensions Specs, Explored
| Nissan Frontier | Toyota Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.8L 6-cyl | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower (Max) | 310 | 278 |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Standard Transmission | 9-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Standard EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 19 / 24 / 213 | 20 / 26 / 234 |
| Towing Capacity (Max) | 7,150 lbs1 | 6,500 lbs2 |
| Payload Capacity (Max) | 1,620 lbs5 | 1,705 lbs6 |
| Length (Min - Max) | 210.2 - 224.1 in | 213 - 226.2 in |
| Width (Min - Max) | 73 - 74.7 in | 76.9 - 77.9 in |
| Height (Min - Max) | 71.3 - 72.9 in | 73.9 - 74.6 in |
| Cargo Space (Largest Bed) | 49.6 cu ft | Not provided |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) |
|
|
| Ground Clearance (Max) | 9.8 in (Rear differential) | Not provided |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating | 84/1007 | 79/1008 |
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma Dimensions
As the chart shows, these two vehicles sport extraordinarily comparable specs as two midsize trucks. However, the Frontier has some unique advantages that put it in the lead for most crews. Notably, the Frontier and Tacoma have two different baseline cab sizes. The Frontier King Cab is a two-row setup with 26.2 inches of rear-row legroom. The base Tacoma only has one row for two passengers.
2025 Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma Technology
Now that you know which one has a more spacious interior, you might wonder if the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma has a higher-quality cabin. The Frontier has many of the elevated features the Tacoma offers by the time they both reach their highest trim level. For example, both vehicles have an available 10-speaker premium sound system – the Frontier using Fender® and the Tacoma using JBL®. Wireless charging is standard on the Frontier SL and Tacoma Limited.
The Tacoma has a larger front screen between the two, and the best quality seating found in this model is a leatherette option. On the flip side, the Frontier gives you the homey feel of leather upholstery as early as the SL edition. Hard-working crews may prefer the four USBs available for the Frontier instead of the two provided by the Tacoma.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Nissan Frontier Safety
Finally, let's see how these pickups keep you and your crew safe as you tow, carry, or go off-road. The Tacoma is a well-equipped model thanks to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring necessary sensors like Pre-Collision, Proactive Driving Assist, and Lane Departure Assist. The Frontier keeps pace with the state-of-the-art Nissan Safety Shield 360, a highlight of most new Nissan vehicles. This standard suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and more. Unique available benefits, like the Front Parking Sensors in the Toyota truck or the Nissan Driver Attention Alert, create uniquely helpful cabins.
These differences in safety are essential for Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma reviews – and a reason why the Frontier scores some extra wins over its competitor. For example, according to J.D. Power, the Nissan Frontier has a reliability rating of 84/100,7 while the Tacoma only received a 79/100 score.8
Shop the Winner at Grainger Nissan of Anderson
The midsize pickup market is a segment that caters to many preferences – preferences that the Nissan Frontier is uniquely capable of meeting. Relax in optional leather seating, tow up to 7,150 pounds when properly equipped, or off-road using the trail-ready PRO-4X trim; you can lease or finance a new Nissan Frontier that can exceed your expectations.
Schedule an appointment at our Nissan dealer in Anderson, SC, and witness for yourself the storied specs of the 3.8-liter engine, the cozy front-row legroom, and the intuitive technology that makes the Frontier so enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which truck is more reliable: the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier?
According to J.D. Power, the Nissan Frontier is the more reliable model. At a score of 84/100,7 this truck has much higher-than-average reliability, especially in its sector. The Toyota Tacoma only has a score of 79,8 showcasing how, while the Tacoma is a fairly dependable pickup, the Frontier truly excels in the eyes of its drivers.
Does the Tacoma or the Frontier have more legroom?
The Tacoma, in both its standard one-row configuration and available two-row setup, has consistently less legroom than the Frontier. By default, the Frontier has more front legroom, at 42.3 inches, compared to the 41.8 inches of the Tacoma. The competition becomes more even for the Tacoma Double Cab, whose second row has 33.7 inches to the 33.2 inches in the back of the Frontier.
Which truck offers better towing capacity?
The Frontier is your choice if you require higher towing capacity. The Nissan Frontier King Cab 4x2 model reaches a towing limit of 7,150 pounds.1 This is a huge mark for a midsize pickup, making this a great option for those wanting to haul small vehicles or campers. The 6,500-pound limit of the Tacoma can't quite keep up.2
Featured Customer Review
John Thoams
3/10/2025
I recently purchased a Nissan Frontier. I was impressed by how the sales team could make this purchase manageable and how quick they were to accommodate my needs. Avery Hester was the sales representative I dealt with, and he was on point the entire time.
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1Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner’s Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.
2Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
32025 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 19 City MPG / 24 Highway MPG / 21 Combined MPG for Nissan Frontier S 4x2. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
4Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5Maximum payload capacity when properly equipped. Payload capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information.
6Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/nissan/frontier
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/toyota/tacoma