Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma: Which Truck Is More Reliable?
There is one thing you always hear about the Toyota Tacoma, and it’s that it will run forever. But what about the Nissan Frontier? Is the Nissan Frontier a reliable truck that can rival the Tacoma? Which one will last longer?
Is the Nissan Frontier more reliable than the Toyota Tacoma?
To get to the bottom of whether the 2022 Nissan Frontier is more reliable than the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, we had to rely on what actual drivers reported based on surveys sent out by J.D.Power. This allows real owners to share their experiences with everything from the paint to the engine.
The 2022 Tacoma earned a score of 83 out of 100, placing it in the above-average category. Scores between 81 and 90 are above average, while anything between 91 and 100 is best.
The 2022 Frontier also scored 83 out of 100. What a coincidence! They both got the same rating on the 100-point scale based on independent and unbiased reviews. At the moment, we have a tie but don’t worry. We did more digging to discover a winner.
What potential trouble areas do the Frontier and Tacoma face?
The data for the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma seems to vary. The Frontier has a higher concentration of more severe issues for the 2015 – 2018 models, including transmission problems, paint and trim issues, brake trouble, body integrity issues, and power equipment problems.
It looks like the Toyota Tacoma has less severe issues spread out across more model years. The problems still involve power equipment issues, body hardware problems, paint and trim issues, and transmission issues. But both trucks have fewer reports of these problems on newer models, meaning they could have been corrected.
According to VEHQ, the Frontier is expected to last around 100,000 miles. But with the proper care and maintenance, Frontiers can easily make it past 200,000 miles. VEHQ’s information suggests that earlier Frontier models from 2006 to 2010 struggled with transmission issues. This could have put a dent in its predicted longevity.
According to 4WHEELDRIVEGUIDE, the Tacoma is expected to last beyond 200,000 miles. A Tacoma isn’t considered to have too many miles until it reaches the 150,000-mile mark. But this also depends on how well the truck was taken care of. Common issues include frame rot and clutch problems.
Is the Frontier or Tacoma the better option to buy?
If you want a used Nissan Frontier or a used Toyota Tacoma, you will have to do your research. While some sources list the Tacoma as more reliable, RepairPal actually lists the Frontier as the slightly more reliable option.
The Tacoma got a refresh in 2016, but the Frontier was pretty much the same from 2008 until the 2021 model received significant upgrades. Both trucks should provide their value’s worth, and the Frontier might have cheaper options available.
Before buying a Frontier or Tacoma, do your due diligence by adequately inspecting the truck, giving it a test drive, and reviewing the vehicle’s history. Knowing how well the truck was cared for can help you determine if it’s a good investment.
