VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 6400
278hp @ 6000
Torque
281lb-ft @ 4400
317lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
—
6400lbs
Engine
3.8 L/231cc
2.4 L/146cc
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 278hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $35,150 for the Frontier and $44,315 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 6400
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
281lb-ft @ 4400
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.8 L/231cc
2.4 L/146cc
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
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.1gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.2in
226.2in
Width (in)
73in
77.9in
Height (in)
72.1in
74.7in
Wheelbase (in)
126in
145.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4543lbs
4650lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
49.6cu 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
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
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Frontier
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Nissan Frontier
Lower starting price ($35,150)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Tacoma
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Frontier or Tacoma?
The Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Frontier and Tacoma?
The Frontier starts from $35,150 and the Tacoma from $44,315. The Frontier is cheaper by $9,165 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