Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma
At a Glance: Frontier vs. Tacoma
Life moves fast around Indianapolis, Lawrence, and Speedway, IN, with job site deadlines, school drop-offs, and off-grid getaways on the weekend. To help you keep up, you need a truck that pulls its weight. One with real muscle under the hood, smart storage that actually works, and comfort that doesn’t quit when the pavement does.
The Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma promise power, space, and tech, but only one delivers where it counts. In this head-to-head comparison from Andy Mohr Nissan, we’ll break down how they compare and which one is built for muscle, mind, and more miles ahead.
STANDARD HORSEPOWER
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
BED WIDTH
Built for the Hustle, Ready for the Escape
BRAWN
Some trucks flex. Others pull. The Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma bring bold looks, but when hauling bricks to a remodel or towing your camper into the backcountry, attitude isn’t enough. That’s when real muscle matters. Under load, under pressure, and off the pavement, which truck delivers full-sized strength in a midsize frame and doesn’t back down?
Power That Means Business
The Nissan Frontier doesn’t waste time. It comes standard with a 3.8L V6 engine that cranks out 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque—no premium upgrade or trim package required. Whether you’re merging onto the highway with a trailer in tow or crawling down a muddy access road, you’ll feel the immediate difference in throttle response and sheer pull.
That power is matched with a 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers crisp, confident shifts even under heavy pressure, so you don’t deal with lag, lurching, or second-guessing gears.
Compare that to the Toyota Tacoma’s standard 2.4L hybrid turbocharged engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, and the difference between these trucks becomes clear. This Tacoma configuration delivers just 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. It’s fine for light commutes, but stack in concrete mix, mountain bikes, or a steep incline, and the gap becomes clear. With the Frontier, you're consistently getting the job done.
Tow What Others Won’t—or Can’t
A trailer full of decking boards. A twin-axle camper with two dirt bikes. A buddy’s broken-down SUV. Your brand-new fishing boat. When you’re pulling serious weight, you need a truck that won’t hesitate—and one that won’t make you reconsider.
When properly equipped, the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma bring the muscle but with a noticeable difference:
- Nissan Frontier Max Towing Capacity: 7,150 lbs.*
- Toyota Tacoma Max Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs.
That extra 650 pounds is the difference between making one trip or two. The Frontier’s brawny engine and rugged chassis give it real-world strength, while features like Trailer Sway Control keep your load steady and your drive smooth, even on winding backroads.
Toyota offers similar towing tech but with less pulling power to back it up. When every pound counts, the Frontier gets the job done without breaking a sweat.
SPACIOUSNESS
Whether it’s drywall or a dog crate, cargo space isn’t optional; it's essential. And when it comes to midsize trucks, the way that space is designed makes all the difference. The Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma aim to balance brawn with brains. But look closer, and one of these trucks may surprise you with how well it makes every square inch count.
Built for Real Life
While some trucks shrink where it matters most, the Nissan Frontier thinks bigger. With a bed that’s 61.4 inches wide, the Frontier is built to swallow gear whole. That means more room for full-size sheets of plywood, awkwardly shaped tools, or the family’s weekend camping gear, all laid flat without wrestling straps or forcing angles.
The Toyota Tacoma’s bed measures just 53 inches across. In the Frontier, that extra width gives you options instead of workarounds.
Add in the Frontier’s optional Utili-track® Channel System with adjustable tie-down cleats and bed lighting, and you’ve got secure cargo solutions day or night. The Tacoma responds with its deck rail system, but when every inch counts, the Frontier brings more to the bed.
Cab Comfort Without Compromise
Tight cabins might be fine for short hops, but long days demand real room for all the people and gear that rides with you. Both trucks come in two cab versions, but the Nissan Frontier’s King Cab seats four, while the Tacoma’s Xtra Cab only seats two. That’s more flexibility for passengers—and more ways to mix people and payload—when you choose Nissan.
Compare their 5-seaters—Frontier Crew Cab vs. Tacoma Double—and Nissan pulls ahead in passenger comfort. No need to negotiate for front-seat space; the Frontier makes sure everyone’s ride is comfortable.
| Headroom (front/rear) | Legroom (front/rear) | |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Frontier | 39.9/38.6 in. | 42.3/33.2 in. |
| Toyota Tacoma | 39.7/38.4 in. | 41.8/33.7 in. |
Add in NASA-inspired Zero Gravity® Seats, designed to reduce fatigue on long drives, and the Frontier starts to feel less like a pickup and more like a mobile command center that the Tacoma tries to match but falls short.
BRAINS
From advanced safety systems to real-time navigation and weather alerts, the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma offer modern tech. These trucks are equipped with the tools to keep you informed, connected, and in control every mile of the way.
Driver Confidence Comes Standard
The Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma each pack a suite of safety features designed to support your instincts behind the wheel. From automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance to lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control, these systems work in sync with your driving habits to help protect you, your crew, and your cargo.
Where the Frontier stands out is with its available Intelligent Around View® Monitor. It offers a bird’s-eye view and even displays terrain angles when crawling, making it easier to park precisely, hitch a trailer, or take on tough trails. The Tacoma counters with a Panoramic View Monitor, but only the Frontier adds standard Driver Attention Alert, a smart feature that helps you stay sharp during long days and late nights.
Infotainment That Actually Informs
The Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma deliver what drivers really want: intuitive infotainment that keeps you connected, engaged, and in control. Each comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, SiriusXM®, and available Wi-Fi Hotspot connectivity.
When the skies turn, the Frontier’s available real-time traffic and weather updates help you steer clear of delays, whether you’re dodging a storm or avoiding the Friday backup. In the Frontier, staying informed means staying ahead mile after mile, no matter where the road leads.
Built for It All, Ready for What’s Next
Some trucks are built for someday. The Nissan Frontier is built for every day: the early mornings, the tough jobs, and the weekend escapes in and around Indianapolis, Lawrence, or Speedway, IN. When the job site’s waiting, the trail’s calling, or your kid’s yelling for juice from the backseat, this truck shows up—and steps up. Every time.
The Toyota Tacoma might be the familiar choice, but the Frontier? It’s what’s next: muscle, space, and smarts wrapped in one bold, capable package. Schedule your test drive today at Andy Mohr Nissan and get ready to explore a new Frontier.
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Shop Nissan Frontier Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive* Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information.