VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 6400
228hp @ 6000
Torque
281lb-ft @ 4400
243lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
20 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
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 228hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Frontier returns 20 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $36,550 for the Frontier and $34,105 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 4x4 S 2026 - From $36,550
Toyota TacomaSR Double Cab 5' Bed AT (Natl) 2026 - From $34,105
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 6400
228hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
281lb-ft @ 4400
243lb-ft @ 1600
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
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.1gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.2in
213in
Width (in)
73in
76.9in
Height (in)
72.4in
73.8in
Wheelbase (in)
126in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4627lbs
4280lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
40.1cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Tacoma
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Frontier
Fuel Economy
Tacoma
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Nissan Frontier
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($34,105)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Frontier or Tacoma?
The Frontier gets 20 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tacoma 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 228hp @ 6000 and 243lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Frontier is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Frontier and Tacoma?
The Frontier starts from $36,550 and the Tacoma from $34,105. The Tacoma is cheaper by $2,445 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 3500lbs. 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