3 Ways the 2023 Nissan Frontier Challenges the Toyota Tacoma
It might be time to look closer at the Nissan Frontier as it battles the Toyota Tacoma. It’s hard for any truck to beat the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, but the 2023 Nissan Frontier has some serious leverage to consider.
2023 Nissan Frontier vs. 2023 Toyota Tacoma
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Nissan Frontier are both solid trucks to consider for work and play. However, the Frontier isn’t keeping up. The Tacoma sells between 17,000 to over 22,000 trucks per month, while the Frontier struggles to break 6,000 units each month.
But just because the Tacoma is more popular doesn’t exactly mean it’s better. Both trucks have unique advantages to consider, and the Frontier actually outranks the Tacoma in a few unexpected areas. The more reliable and valuable option may surprise you.
1. Is the 2023 Frontier bigger than the 2023 Tacoma?
Taller folks may enjoy the extra space that the 2023 Nissan Frontier has to offer. The Frontier is up to 224.1 inches long and 74.7 inches wide. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma comes in at 225.5 inches long and 75.2 inches wide.
While the Tacoma has a slightly larger stance, the passenger volume feels more spacious than the Frontier. While the front and rear of these midsize trucks is nearly the same on paper, I found the Frontier feels roomier. Also, you sit lower to the floor in the Tacoma, meaning your knees rest at a higher position.
The Frontier provides more cargo space with generous cubbies and trays around the cabin. The center console and glove box are larger than the Tacoma’s. Plus, the extra room provides easier access to storage under the rear seat. It’s also easier to fold the rear seats flat.
2. The Frontier has a better resale value than the Tacoma
This is shocking, but the 2023 Nissan Frontier actually has a better resale value than the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. You would think that the Tacoma would hold more value due to its reliable reputation.
However, these trucks have the same reliability score of 83 out of 100 from J.D.Power. The Frontier is projected to retain 88.6% of its resale value after five years of ownership, and the Tacoma should retain about 87.6% of its value.
That’s a small difference, but the Frontier still takes the lead. It could be seen as the more valuable option because it has modern tech and fresh upgrades to consider. The 2023 Tacoma is part of the generation that launched in 2016.
3. The Frontier has more power than the Tacoma
The 2023 Nissan Frontier has more standard power than the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The Frontier has a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.3 seconds. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 6,720 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,620 lbs.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the 2.5-liter V6 engine for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 7.7 seconds. The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs, but adding 4wd limits the capacity to 6,500 lbs. Also, it can carry a payload of up to 1,685 lbs.
So, it might be time to reconsider the Frontier over the Tacoma. It’s more spacious, packs more heat, and holds a slightly higher resale value. However, the 2024 Tacoma is brand new, so things could quickly change.
