Medium-sized pickups can tackle a lot of tasks, but they can’t quite match the capabilities of their larger, pricier full-size counterparts. When such extensive capability isn’t required, medium-sized trucks offer a more agile, budget-friendly alternative.
The compact trucks have garnered a strong following, evident in the popularity of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Toyota’s medium-sized truck boasts a diverse array of models, including multiple off-road variants and a hybrid powertrain.
On the flip side, the 2025 Nissan Frontier presents a more concise lineup with just a solitary powertrain. While it does offer an off-road option, it is limited to one. It appeals as a more economical option, though, and provides greater towing capacity.
Both trucks compete against rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger. When pitted against each other, however, which proves to be the superior selection: the Frontier or Tacoma?
Frontier vs. Tacoma pricing and features
- Initial Frontier price hovers around $31,000
- Base Tacoma starting price is approximately $33,000
- Highlighted selections: Frontier SV, Frontier Pro-4X, Tacoma SR5, Tacoma TRD Pro
How much does a Nissan Frontier cost?
Nissan offers the Frontier in various trims like S, SV, SL, and Pro-X/Pro-4X. The base Frontier S King Cab (extended cab) kicks off around $32,000 and includes essential features such as cloth upholstery, manual front seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, power amenities, urethane steering wheel, a four-speaker sound system, a sliding rear window, a composite front skid plate, and 16-inch steel wheels.
Opting for the Crew Cab style adds $1,300 while four-wheel drive tacks on an additional $3,200.
The 4×4 SV model with crew cab appears to offer good value at about $39,000. It adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, an eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar adjustments, a six-speaker audio system, a satellite radio trial, a steel front skid plate, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Also catching the eye is the crew cab Pro-4X surpassing $41,000. Designed for off-road adventures with Bilstein shock absorbers, an aluminum front skid plate, skid plates for the transfer case and fuel tank, and all-terrain tires.
At the top of the range, the 4×4 crew cab SL model reaches about $45,000. It includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a 120-volt outlet, a 10-speaker Fender audio system, remote start, a Class IV tow hitch, under-rail LED cargo bed lights, a bed tie-down system with two adjustable cleats, a sunroof, and a surround-view camera system.
The Frontier warranty covers 3 years/36,000 miles.
How much for a Toyota Tacoma?
Toyota’s assortment of Tacoma models is significantly broader than the Frontier’s. It encompasses the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro.
The base Tacoma SR variant is priced around $33,000 and comes equipped with cloth upholstery, manual seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power features, and 17-inch steel wheels. Toyota offers four-wheel drive for $3,200, and the crew cab style (paired with the short bed) adds another $2,200.
For a suggested $39,195, consider the 4×4 SR5 crew cab with the longer bed. It features LED fog lights, alloy wheels, a deck rail system, a coil-spring rear suspension, and blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts. The TRD Sport is also alluring at $48,800. With this price, you get the hybrid powertrain and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, LED bed lighting, 18-inch wheels, and the option for cooled synthetic leather seats, a sunroof, and a towing package.
The Tacoma range extends much higher compared to the Frontier. The TRD Pro jumps to $65,985, adding a 14.0-inch touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats, premium audio, and a host of off-road enhancements. Toyota provides the Tacoma with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, along with an additional 2 years/24,000 miles for free scheduled maintenance.
Verdict: Toyota Tacoma wins for features, variety, and choices, while the Frontier excels in affordability.
Frontier vs. Tacoma performance
- The Tacoma boasts hybrid performance
- The Frontier is solely equipped with a potent V-6 engine
- Towing and hauling capabilities are evenly matched
The Tacoma comes with a less powerful base engine, a 2.4-liter turbo-4 producing 228 hp, which is respectable for a medium-sized truck. It is matched with a responsive 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. Upgraded versions provide 270 or 278 hp in higher trims. Despite emitting some diesel-like noise, it delivers the necessary power for most buyers, meshes well with the automatic transmission, and features a responsive throttle.
Toyota also offers a hybrid iteration of the enhanced turbo-4 generating 326 hp and a robust 465 lb-ft of torque. It enhances power and towing confidence, although it achieves only 23 mpg combined.
The Frontier is powered by a single 3.8-liter V-6 producing 310 hp and 281 lb-ft. It’s
paired with a 9-gear automatic gearbox. It offers robust, uniform power that simplifies overtaking, and the gearbox provides seamless gear changes.
The towing capacity for the Frontier elevates to a maximum of 7,150 pounds for 2025, which is 500 more than before. Payload reaches up to 1,620 pounds. In comparison, the Tacoma can tow 6,500 pounds and carry 1,710 pounds. Consequently, the Frontier triumphs in the towing capacity category, while the Tacoma excels in payload capacity.
Equipped with a leaf-spring rear suspension and front double wishbones, the Frontier differs from the Tacoma, which also sports rear leaf springs and a solid rear axle in its base variants, resulting in a bumpy ride. However, the Toyota showcases a multi-link rear suspension and rear coil springs in all crew cab models for a smoother ride. Both models offer off-road suspensions, but Toyota provides a more extensive selection of off-road options.
Advantage: Tacoma for innovative powertrain and suspension alternatives.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on both trucks, and they both offer a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a 2-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road capabilities. The Frontier’s four-wheel-drive mechanism is managed via a knob on the center console. For optimal off-road performance, opt for the Pro-4X variant, which includes a locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, and 9.5 inches of ground clearance compared to the 8.9 inches of a rear-wheel-drive base model.
The Tacoma touts a wider array of off-road selections, including a hybrid Limited model with a full-time four-wheel-drive system. It also features various off-road modes, an electronic locking rear differential, and a crawl function.
The TRD Off-Road boasts an 11.0-inch ground clearance, rides on 32-inch all-terrain tires, and offers an optional disconnecting front sway bar. For added robustness, the TRD Pro incorporates reinforced skid plates, Fox shocks, and raised ground clearance. Contrarily, the Trailhunter is tailored as a slow rock crawler compared to the TRD Pro’s high-speed desert cruiser.
Advantage: Toyota Tacoma for greater capability and selection of features.
Image Source: woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock
