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The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling midsize pickup truck and is rated very highly. Other midsize trucks aim to take the Tacoma’s crown, including the Nissan Frontier, which received a redesign for the 2022 model year. To see how the two trucks stack up, we made a head-to-head comparison. We found that the 2022 Toyota Tacoma destroys the 2022 Nissan Frontier.

2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Nissan Frontier

Gray 2022 Toyota Tacoma with mountains in the background
2022 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

For our comparison between the 2022 Toyota Tacoma and 2022 Nissan Frontier, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, fuel economy, towing, off-road capabilities, interior technologies and features, and price/value. In nearly every area, the Tacoma has the advantage over the Frontier.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Performance, fuel economy, and towing

Gray 2022 Nissan Frontier parked on some rocks
2022 Nissan Frontier | Nissan

The Nissan Frontier has a higher power output, but the Toyota Tacoma offers more engine options and has a higher fuel economy and greater towing capabilities. All Frontier models come standard with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which doles out 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The base-level 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine in the Tacoma generates 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.5-liter V6 engine churns out 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

For efficiency rating, the Frontier gets an estimated combined fuel economy of up to 20 mpg. The Frontier edges this with an estimated combined gas mileage of up to 21 mpg.

On the towing front, the Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, compared to 6,720 pounds for the Frontier. Also, the Tacoma can haul a heavier load in the pickup bed. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds, compared to 1,610 pounds for the Frontier.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Off-road capabilities

The Tacoma really shines when heading off the beaten path, especially for the off-road-focused TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. With the multitude of off-road features, you can conquer challenging terrains with ease. This includes Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, and an electrically locking rear differential. While the Frontier offers a Pro-4X off-road model, it doesn’t match the off-road prowess of the Tacoma.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Interior technologies and features

Both the Tacoma and Frontier offer many of the same multimedia technologies, including an infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. However, the infotainment system in the Tacoma is much more user-friendly. Also, unlike the Frontier, the Tacoma has a steering wheel that can be telescopically adjusted. While the Tacoma and Frontier offer similar types of driving assistance technologies, more of them come standard for the Tacoma. Furthermore, the Tacoma has more rear-seat legroom than the Frontier.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Price/value

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma costs less than the 2022 Nissan Frontier. The starting price for the Tacoma is $26,500 for the Access Cab models and $27,330 for the Double Cab models. In comparison, the starting price for the 2022 Frontier is $27,840 for the King Cab models and $29,340 for the Crew Cab models.

2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Nissan Frontier: The Tacoma Dominates the Frontier

The redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier made a spirited challenge to the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. However, despite it not getting a redesign since 2016, the Tacoma still held its ground vs. the Frontier. It has many advantages, including more engine options, higher fuel economy, higher towing and payload capacities, more standard technologies, and a lower price. 

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