VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 6400
270hp @ 5400
Torque
281lb-ft @ 4400
310lb-ft @ 2800
Fuel
21 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Towing
—
6400lbs
Engine
3.8 L/231ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 270hp @ 5400. On fuel, the Frontier returns 21 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $36,190 for the Frontier and $42,715 for the Tacoma. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Nissan FrontierCrew Cab 4x2 SV 2026 - From $36,190
Toyota TacomaTRD Sport Double Cab 5' Bed MT (Natl) 2026 - From $42,715
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 6400
270hp @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft)
281lb-ft @ 4400
310lb-ft @ 2800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.8 L/231ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.1gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.2in
213in
Width (in)
73in
77.9in
Height (in)
71.4in
74.4in
Wheelbase (in)
126in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4492lbs
4605lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
40.1cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
6400lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Frontier
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Frontier
Fuel Economy
Frontier
Value
Frontier
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Nissan Frontier
Better fuel economy (21 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($36,190)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Tacoma
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Frontier or Tacoma?
The Frontier gets 21 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Frontier is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Frontier or Tacoma?
The Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 270hp @ 5400 and 310lb-ft @ 2800 of torque. The Frontier is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Frontier and Tacoma?
The Frontier starts from $36,190 and the Tacoma from $42,715. The Frontier is cheaper by $6,525 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Frontier or Tacoma?
The Frontier has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Tacoma can tow 6400lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Frontier or the Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider