New Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier

Price and Trim Levels

Far more trim levels and customizations are available with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. This Toyota truck has a lower starting price than the 2023 Nissan Frontier.

Price & Trim Levels | Toyota Tacoma

• SR | $29,585
• SR5 | $31,375
• TRD Sport | $36,495
• TRD Off-Road | $37,775
• Limited | $42,340
• Trail Edition | $46,570
• TRD Pro | $49,020

Price & Trim Levels | Nissan Frontier

• S | $30,525
• SV | $33,225
• Pro-X | $37,055
• Pro-4X  | $40,055

Exterior Styling & Colors

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is slightly larger than the Nissan Frontier, with dimensions measuring 212-226″ L x 74-75″ W x 71-72″ H, versus 210-224″ L x 73-75″ W x 71-73″ H. With both trucks, you can have 16" to 18" wheels and various color choices. 

Engine

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma comes with two different motor options. The base engine is a 2.7L turbo-four, but there's also a 3.5L V6 available. On the other hand, the new Frontier only comes with a V6 engine, leaving fewer options for drivers.

Performance & MPG

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma returns a rating of 20/23 mpg with the base engine and 19/24 mpg with the V6. Frontier models are rated at 18/24 mpg with RWD and 17/22 with 4WD.

Horsepower

The base engine of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma pushes out 159 horsepower. Yet, the V6 is rated for 278 horsepower. On the other hand, the V6 in the Nissan Frontier outputs 310 horsepower. 

Transmission

What's interesting about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is that you can still buy it with a manual transmission. Choose between the six-speed manual and the automatic. 2023 Nissan Frontier trucks only come with a nine-speed automatic.

Payload

The payload ratings of both trucks are very similar. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is rated for up to 1,685 pounds, while the Nissan Frontier can haul up to 1,697.

Curb Weight

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma's curb weight measures 3,915 to 4,550 pounds. In comparison, the curb weight of the 2023 Nissan Frontier is 4,321 to 4,773 pounds.

Towing Capacity

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma features a max tow rating of 6,800 pounds. Just shy of that figure is the 2023 Nissan Frontier tow rating at a maximum of 6,720 pounds.  

Safety Features

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma includes standard forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, forward automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Frontier includes standard forward collision warning, a rear seat alert, forward automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, pedestrian detection, and driver-attention monitoring.

Seating & Interior Design

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has an Access or Double Cab with room for five people. With the 2023 Nissan Frontier, you get a King Cab, with space to hold four people, or the Crew Cab, which holds five.

Infotainment & Technology

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a 7" touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, three USB ports, voice recognition, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. With the 2023 Nissan Frontier, you get a standard 8" touch screen, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Ratings & Reviews

The IIHS honored the 2023 Toyota Tacoma with good safety reviews. Car and Driver also says it is "a mid-size pickup that will oblige any adventure." The IIHS hasn't had all positive reviews of the 2023 Nissan Frontier. Plus, Car and Driver further adds, "its old-school formula lacks the refinement of rival mid-size pickups that are both more capable and more polished."