Frontier vs Tacoma
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Nissan’s Frontier and Toyota’s Tacoma target the same midsize pickup space in different ways. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 2 areas go to the Frontier, and the gap is widest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Frontier wins
- Off-road & Towing Frontier wins
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Off-road & Towing9.1
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Frontier has 82 hp more power
Big gap, real consequences. The Frontier’s 310 hp versus the Tacoma’s 228 hp changes how the two compare in daily use. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Frontier has 3,650 lb more towing capacity
The Tacoma is clearly behind on max towing (3,500 lb against 7,150 lb), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. If you tow regularly, the Frontier’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Frontier has 38 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the Frontier is in a different league: 281 lb-ft, next to 243 lb-ft for the Tacoma. The Frontier’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 126 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,376 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Frontier leads
This section belongs to the Frontier. In engine & performance, it leads the Tacoma by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Frontier gives you 82 hp more power. The Frontier’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If engine & performance is your priority, the Frontier is the car to pick.
Total system output
Frontier: 310 hp Tacoma: 228 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Frontier: 281 lb-ft Tacoma: 243 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Off-road & Towing
Frontier leads
No contest in off-road & towing: the Frontier is the stronger of the two. The Frontier wins here with 3,650 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the Frontier.
Max towing
Frontier: 7,150 lb Tacoma: 3,500 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Frontier and the Tacoma each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 310 hp (winner) | 228 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft (winner) | 243 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,150 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 126 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,376 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Frontier | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $32,050 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Frontier if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (310 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,150 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (281 lb-ft vs 243 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Frontier or the Tacoma?
On the specs compared here, the Frontier makes more sense for most buyers; the Tacoma doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Frontier against the Tacoma: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. The Frontier wins me over with 82 hp more power. And if that weren’t enough, the Frontier has 3,650 lb more towing capacity.
The Frontier is for you if engine & performance tops your list; the Tacoma is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture does.
My pick: the Frontier.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.