Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier
For trucks, reliability is a high priority, right alongside a powerful drivetrain and sturdy off-road traction. Both the Tacoma and Frontier display these features in excess, so we figured a 2020 Toyota Tacoma vs. Nissan Frontier comparison was in order. While on the surface they share some similarities, the more you dive into the Tacoma and Frontier, the more you realize how unique each one is.
Since your lifestyle around the Gastonia, Charlotte, and Lincolnton, areas is specific to you, you want a truck that can keep up. At Toyota of Gastonia, our goal is to deliver the insight you need to make the proper call!
Choosing Your Engine: Tacoma vs Frontier
When selecting the truck you’re most eager to hop behind the wheel of, engine performance will be important. The ideal mix is a reliable yet strong motor that can handle any job you come across—traits found in both the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.
With the Frontier, you can stick with the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and 152 horsepower, or you can move up to the 4.0L V6 engine and 261 horsepower. With the Toyota, you’ll get more horsepower at both the standard and optional level. The base motor is a 2.7L 4-cylinder that gives 159 horsepower, while the alternative option is a Atkinson-cycle 3.5L V6 with direct injection that generates 278 horsepower!
Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier: Towing Capacity
One of the long-standing strengths of the truck segment is the ability to effortlessly tow large trailers, boats, and other equipment. Modern models like the 2020 Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier showcase impressive towing capacities relative to their size.
For example, properly configuring your Tacoma with the right engine and exterior equipment means you can tow a maximum of 6,800 pounds. The Nissan Frontier, while coming close, can’t quite match the overall output of the Toyota—it peaks at a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds.
A Truck For Adrenaline Junkies
If your weekends often consist of exhilarating off-roading, the Toyota Tacoma will prove itself a more worthwhile companion than the relatively staid Nissan Frontier.
First, there’s the selectable drive modes, a feature which gives you the chance to personalize the performance dynamics of each truck while behind the wheel. The selectable modes for the Frontier include 4WD High, 4WD Low, and 2WD. The Tacoma’s Multi-terrain Select provides 5 options that are more varied and specific.
There are other optional features for the Tacoma you won’t find available for the Frontier as well. The Tacoma’s optional Multi-terrain Monitor gives you a thorough view of your surroundings on its 8-inch navigation screen, while its available Bilstein® shocks soak up impacts from bumpy trails—keeping you comfortable and active.
Toyota Tacoma Easily Surpasses the Nissan Frontier
In the end, those near the Gastonia, Charlotte, and Lincolnton, areas will find a lot more to like in the Toyota Tacoma. If you want, you can test out the results of this comparison by coming to Toyota of Gastonia!