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The Toyota Tacoma continues to be very popular for midsize pickup truck shoppers, as it leads the sales charts for the segment. One of the Tacoma’s rivals is the Nissan Frontier. Find out how the two trucks measure up in this 2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier comparison.

2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier: What are the differences?

Front angle view of Lunar Rock 2023 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck
Lunar Rock 2023 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

In this 2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier midsize pickup truck comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, payload, off-road capabilities, passenger space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Performance and gas mileage

Front angle view of Tactical Green Metallic 2023 Nissan Frontier midsize pickup truck
Tactical Green Metallic 2023 Nissan Frontier | Nissan

On the performance front, the 2023 Nissan Frontier outmuscles the 2023 Tacoma. All Frontier models come equipped with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the Tacoma offers two engine options — and they are both weaker than the one in the Frontier. Its base 2.7-liter four-cylinder produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.5-liter V-6 generates 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

For gas mileage, the Tacoma has a slight edge. It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 21 combined mpg, compared to 20 combined mpg for the Frontier.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Towing and payload

The 2023 Tacoma can tow slightly more than the 2023 Frontier. It 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 and Frontier boast impressive off-road capabilities. Both pickup trucks offer a traction-enhancing four-wheel drive system for driving over challenging terrain, as well as off-road-focused models. The best off-road model in the Tacoma lineup is the TRD Pro trim, while the Frontier has the adventure-ready PRO-4X trim.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Passenger space

Which pickup truck is bigger: the 2023 Tacoma or the 2023 Frontier? The two trucks have a similar size, resulting in nearly the same amount of total passenger space, with up to 100.3 cu-ft for the Tacoma and 100 cu-ft for the Frontier.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Tacoma and Frontier are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Frontier, the Tacoma offers a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

The Tacoma and Frontier and very reliable. Both pickup trucks earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 83/100.

Tacoma vs. Frontier: Price

Which pickup truck costs more: the 2023 Tacoma or the 2023 Frontier? The starting price of the 2023 Tacoma is $27,250 MSRP, compared to $29,190 MSRP for the 2023 Frontier.

2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier: Which pickup truck is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Nissan Frontier pickup truck comparison, the Tacoma has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for gas mileage, towing and payload capacity, a free maintenance plan, and a lower base price. Conversely, the 2023 Frontier has the advantage for its more powerful engine options.

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