Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma

By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-05 · Specs from the manufacturers and fueleconomy.gov · Prices paid from CarWhere verified deals

The short answer

The Frontier starts slightly lower ($32,490 vs $32,545), and its standard 310-hp V6 out-muscles the Tacoma's 228-hp base engine and tows up to 7,150 lb versus 6,500. The Tacoma has the broader lineup, up to $64,750 with a 326-hp hybrid and a manual option. Both offer 5- and 6-ft beds and available four-wheel drive.

Key differences

  • The Nissan Frontier starts $55 lower (base MSRP $32,490 vs $32,545, before destination).
  • The Toyota Tacoma is 2.8 in longer (210.2 vs 213 in).
  • The Nissan Frontier tows up to 7,150 lb, 650 lb more.
  • Best combined fuel-economy rating: 21 vs 23 mpg (Toyota Tacoma leads).
  • Most powerful version: 310 hp (Nissan Frontier) vs 326 hp (Toyota Tacoma).

Frontier vs Tacoma specs side by side

Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma specifications
Nissan FrontierToyota Tacoma
Model year compared20272026
Base MSRP range (excl. destination)$32,490–$42,690$32,545–$64,750
Destination charge$1,775Not published
Powertrains (hp / torque)3.8L V6: 310 hp / 281 lb-fti-FORCE 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder (SR): 228 hp / 243 lb-ft · i-FORCE 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder: 278 hp / 317 lb-ft · i-FORCE 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder (manual): 270 hp / 310 lb-ft · i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder hybrid: 326 hp / 465 lb-ft
Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined)3.8L V6 4x2: 19/24/21 mpg · 3.8L V6 4x4: 17/21/19 mpg · 3.8L V6 PRO-4X 4x4: 16/20/18 mpgi-FORCE 228 hp 4x2 (SR): 20/26/23 mpg · i-FORCE 228 hp 4x4 (SR): 19/24/21 mpg · i-FORCE 4x2 (SR5): 21/26/23 mpg · i-FORCE 4x2 (TRD PreRunner/TRD Sport): 20/24/22 mpg · i-FORCE 4x4 (SR5): 19/24/21 mpg · i-FORCE 4x4 (TRD Sport/TRD Off-Road): 19/23/21 mpg · i-FORCE 6-speed manual 4x4: 18/23/20 mpg · i-FORCE MAX 4x4: 22/24/23 mpg
Seating4–52–5
Bed lengths5 ft, 6 ft5 ft, 6 ft
Max towing7,150 lb6,500 lb
AWD / 4WDAvailableAvailable
Length210.2 in213 in
Width73 in76.9 in
Height71.5 in74 in
Wheelbase126 in131.9 in
Ground clearance9.3 inNot published
  • Nissan Frontier: King Cab (S only, 6-ft bed, 4 seats) or Crew Cab (5 seats, 5- or 6-ft bed). Part-time 4x4 available. Base values are S King Cab 4x2: wheelbase 126.0 in (Crew Cab long bed 139.8), length 210.2 in (long bed 224.1), height 71.5 in (up to 72.9), width 73.0 in (PRO-4X 74.7). Ground clearance 9.3 in at rear differential for S 4x2 (front-diff clearance 8.6–9.5 on 4x4 crew cabs). Max towing 7,150 lb (S King Cab 4x2); payload up to 1,590 lb. Sport Edition is a $990 SV package.
  • Toyota Tacoma: 2026 is the newest Tacoma on toyota.com. Base MSRPs as currently listed on toyota.com (the Nov 2025 release quoted a $32,145 start). Destination not stated as a dollar amount on the pages used, so null. Base dimensions are SR XtraCab 4x2 long bed; Double Cab long bed 226.2 in long on a 145.1 in wheelbase; width up to 79.9 in and height up to 75.8 in (TRD Pro/Trailhunter). Toyota lists running clearance (9.9-11.5 in by configuration) rather than ground clearance, so null. Inside bed length 60.3 in (5-ft) or 73.5 in (6-ft). XtraCab (SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner) seats 2; Double Cab seats 5. Towing 6,500 lb max (SR 3,500; i-FORCE MAX 5,950-6,000). Trailhunter rated 323 hp; Limited i-FORCE MAX 23/24/23 mpg. MPG figures are Toyota-published estimates.

What buyers actually paid

Median discount off MSRP from CarWhere's verified, buyer-submitted deal sheets for new Frontier and Tacoma purchases. Each model is matched exactly, so no other nameplate is mixed in. Use the median as a target discount when you negotiate.

Nissan Frontier

5.6% off MSRP (median)

Middle half of buyers: 4% to 7.8% off · 0% paid over MSRP

5 verified deals · model years 2027

Toyota Tacoma

6.9% off MSRP (median)

Middle half of buyers: 5.4% to 9% off · 1.3% paid over MSRP

76 verified deals · model years 2025–2027

Snapshot 2026-11-05. Approved, de-duplicated deals only; shown when each side has at least 5 deals. % off MSRP is before rebates. Methodology

Reliability and known issues

More on each model

FAQ

Which is better, the Nissan Frontier or the Toyota Tacoma?

The Frontier starts slightly lower ($32,490 vs $32,545), and its standard 310-hp V6 out-muscles the Tacoma's 228-hp base engine and tows up to 7,150 lb versus 6,500. The Tacoma has the broader lineup, up to $64,750 with a 326-hp hybrid and a manual option. Both offer 5- and 6-ft beds and available four-wheel drive.

Is the Nissan Frontier cheaper than the Toyota Tacoma?

The Nissan Frontier has the lower starting price: the 2027 Nissan Frontier starts at $32,490 and tops out at $42,690, and the 2026 Toyota Tacoma starts at $32,545 and tops out at $64,750. Those are base MSRPs before destination, from the manufacturers.

Is the Nissan Frontier bigger than the Toyota Tacoma?

The Nissan Frontier is 210.2 in long on a 126-in wheelbase; the Toyota Tacoma is 213 in on a 131.9-in wheelbase. Seating: 4–5 vs 2–5.

Which tows more, the Nissan Frontier or the Toyota Tacoma?

The Nissan Frontier: up to 7,150 lb vs 6,500 lb, properly equipped, per the manufacturers.

Which gets better gas mileage?

Combined ratings: 18–21 mpg for the Nissan Frontier and 20–23 mpg for the Toyota Tacoma, depending on powertrain and drivetrain. Figures are EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov, or the manufacturer's estimate where the EPA has not yet listed the new model year (see notes under the table).

How much off MSRP are buyers getting on the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma?

In CarWhere's verified deals, the median Nissan Frontier buyer paid 5.6% below MSRP (5 deals) and the median Toyota Tacoma buyer paid 6.9% below MSRP (76 deals). Use those as a target discount when you negotiate; results vary by trim, region and month.

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Sources

"Not published" means the manufacturer has not released that figure for this model year; CarWhere does not estimate missing specs.

Cite this page: CarWhere Research, "Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma," carwhere.com/car-comparisons/nissan-frontier-vs-toyota-tacoma.