2025 Toyota Tacoma Vs. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma has long been a debate among midsize truck fans, but the 2025 Tacoma makes a strong case as the clear frontrunner. While the Frontier supplies respectable power and everyday practicality, the Tacoma goes further with multiple powertrain choices, proven reliability, superior gas mileage, and legendary 4x4 prowess – and that's only the start. At our Tom Wood Toyota dealership, we're diving into this head-to-head showdown to reveal why the Tacoma continues to set the benchmark for the segment.
2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. Nissan Frontier Comparison Chart
| 2025 Toyota Tacoma | 2025 Nissan Frontier | |
| Trim Levels |
| 5 |
| Engine |
| 3.8L V-6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Max. Horsepower |
| 310 |
| Max. Torque |
| 281 lb-ft |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) |
| 19 / 24 / 212 |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 6,500 lbs3 | 7,150 lbs4 |
| Max. Payload Capacity | 1,705 lbs5 | 1,620 lbs6 |
| Drivetrain | RWD or 4WD | RWD or 4WD |
| Bed Length | 60.3 in or 73.5 in | 58.9 in or 73.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 11.5 in | Up to 9.5 in (front) and 9.8 in (rear) |
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma: Off-Road
The Nissan Frontier off-road specs have certainly improved over the years, especially with the PRO-4X model featuring Bilstein® shocks, skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires. However, the Toyota Tacoma continues to dominate this category.
Select Tacoma models not only provide aggressive all-terrain tires, rear lockers, FOX®-tuned shocks, and skid plates but also go further with advanced systems like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. While the Frontier presents only two dedicated off-road trims, the Tacoma provides a broader range of choices – mirroring its versatile performance – with models like the TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro.
To top it all off, the Toyota Tacoma ground clearance boasts up to a towering 11.5 inches, giving drivers the confidence to tackle even the most challenging trails. By comparison, the Nissan Frontier ground clearance reaches only 9.5 inches in the front and 9.8 inches in the rear, limiting the pathways and terrain it can travel.
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma: Performance & MPG
The Nissan Frontier proves its grit with a 3.8-liter V-6 that produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. While that's a solid output, the new Toyota Tacoma takes it a step further by bringing truck enthusiasts two potent engine options.
The first Toyota Tacoma engine is the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering up to 278 horsepower and an impressive 317 pound-feet of torque in its gas-powered models – already surpassing the Frontier in torque. The second choice, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, raises the bar even higher with 326 horsepower and a commanding 465 pound-feet of torque, easily outshining the Nissan Frontier engine across all categories.
When comparing Nissan Frontier MPG vs. Toyota Tacoma MPG, the Tacoma delivers better fuel economy than the Frontier – and you don't even need the hybrid setup to do it. The Frontier tops out at an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 while the Tacoma achieves up to an EPA-estimated 21/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with its gas engine and up to an EPA-estimated 23/24/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid.
An even closer look also reveals more customization for Tacoma drivers. The Frontier comes standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Tacoma offers either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. For outdoor enthusiasts, the manual transmission provides greater control and a more engaging driving experience – perfect preparation for our next section.
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma: Interior & Exterior
On the outside, both midsize pickups are handsome trucks, showcasing a sporty and rugged appearance, along with an array of striking exterior color hues, alloy wheels, LED lighting, and bold grille designs that command attention.
However, when it comes to practicality, both trucks can be configured with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed, but the Toyota Tacoma bed size is slightly larger, measuring 60.3 inches and 73.5 inches compared to the Nissan Frontier bed size options of 59.5 and 73.3 inches. The larger Tacoma bed is also paired with a greater maximum payload rating of 1,705 pounds,5 exceeding the 1,620-pound capacity6 on the Frontier.
Moving to the inside, the Nissan Frontier interior is straightforward and functional, while the Toyota Tacoma has a more modern, upscale, and tech-focused cabin with upscale materials and larger displays. Both trucks come standard with an 8-inch infotainment screen, but the Tacoma offers an available 14-inch touchscreen, compared to the maximum of 12.3 inches on higher Frontier trims.
The Tacoma also provides upgradable features such as a Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror, and a JBL® Premium Audio System, while the Frontier provides the available Intelligent Around View Monitor and Fender® Premium Audio System.
Seating materials are similar, ranging from cloth to leather, with available heated front seats, but the Tacoma goes a step further with optional ventilated seating, a comfort amenity the Frontier lacks. Contact us for a tour of the Tacoma and experience how these cabin conveniences treat you when you're behind the wheel.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Nissan Frontier: Safety & Reliability
Comparing Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma in reliability and safety, the Tacoma consistently comes out ahead. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is recognized for its outstanding reliability and lasting value. The Toyota Tacoma safety rating surpasses the Frontier in multiple IIHS categories, and it has earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award – an honor the Frontier did not receive.7,8
On the reliability front, Toyota ranks third in Consumer Reports' list of "Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars," while Nissan is ranked 12th.9 The 2025 Tacoma also tops J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study for midsize trucks10 and has a higher predicted reliability score from Consumer Reports compared to the Frontier.11,12
Combine these accolades with our new Toyota specials, and you get a durable midsize truck that keeps you safe, whether navigating narrow passages or handling your daily commute.
Discover the Might of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma
When stacked up against the Nissan Frontier, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma proves why it's the top choice in the midsize truck category. With superior engines, off-road capability, and higher safety and reliability ratings, the Tacoma conclusively outperforms the Frontier at every turn. And with Toyota financing, taking home this long-lasting and versatile truck is easier than ever. Test drive the 2025 Tacoma today and see why it continues to lead the pack.
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
1Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
22025 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 19 City MPG / 24 Highway MPG / 21 Combined MPG for Frontier S, SV, PRO-X, SL 4x2. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
3Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
4Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.
5Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.
6Maximum payload capacity when properly equipped. Payload capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information.
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/tacoma-crew-cab-pickup/2025
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/nissan/frontier-extended-cab-pickup/2025
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/2025-toyota-tacoma-vs-2025-nissan-frontier-comparison
11Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/tacoma/2025/overview/
12Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/frontier/2025/overview/
