The 2022 Nissan Frontier Is Like the Toyota Tacoma, but Cheaper
The mid-size truck wars are in full swing as more manufacturers work to improve their offerings. The 2022 Nissan Frontier is now a serious contender thanks to its recent redesign, and it seems to have its sights set on the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma has long been the kind of mid-size pickups, thanks to its capability and perceived reliability. But now, the 2022 Frontier might be a truck that persuades buyers to consider the Nissan brand.
2022 Nissan Frontier vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma
It’s no secret that the Toyota Tacoma has long been the preferred mid-size pickup for many buyers. But in 2022, if you want a new truck, the Frontier makes a compelling case. Nissan’s truck now comes with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine that is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
This engine makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-foot of torque. In comparison, the 3.5-liter V6 that is optional on the 2022 Tacoma makes just 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Plus, you have to pay extra for it. The Toyota Tacoma still comes standard with a four-cylinder engine. Although, it is worth noting that the base engine on the Tacoma will be more efficient.
Now the 2022 Toyota Tacoma does offer something the Nissan Frontier does not. According to Car and Driver, you can still get certain models equipped with a manual transmission. Although the Frontier used to offer a manual, it was phased out in favor of the new automatic. And that might be a disappointment to some buyers.
How much do these mid-size trucks cost?
In terms of pricing, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma does have the Frontier slightly beat. It comes it with a starting price of $27,250, whereas the 2022 Nissan Frontier has an MSRP of $28,690. That said, every 2022 Frontier has a starting cost of under $40k, even for the PRO-4X model. The same can not be said about the Tacoma.
If you want the off-road variant of the Toyota Tacoma, you will be paying nearly $50,000, which is far more expensive than the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X. And both trucks offer things like a locking differential and offer off-road tech.
Is the Nissan Frontier better than the Toyota Tacoma?
If you have been inside Frontier models of the past, you’ve likely noticed how old-school they are. That is no longer the case for the new Nissan Frontier. Its interior has been updated, its suspension has been improved, and it just looks like a better truck. But, even though the Tacoma is the older mid-size pickup, it does feel more refined than Nissan’s truck. Plus, you get the benefits of the Toyota nameplate.
The best way to determine which mid-size truck is right for you is to test drive both the Frontier and the Tacoma. That is if you can find one. Supply chain constraints make buying a new pickup a difficult task. And, dealerships have been adding markups to popular models. So, just keep that in mind as you look for an automotive improvement.
