In the world of mid-sized pickup trucks, two names stand out as leaders in the industry: the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier. Both trucks offer a range of capabilities, from towing and hauling to off-road adventure. But which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Nissan Frontier to help you decide.
The Toyota Tacoma continues to be very popular for midsize pickup truck shoppers, as it leads the sales charts for the segment. The new model features a powerful and efficient engine, with a choice of either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. the base engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine is rated to get up to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The optional 3.5-liter V6 engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is rated to get up to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The 2023 Nissan Frontier, on the other hand offers a similar range of capabilities. But the Frontier outmuscles the 2023 Tacoma with it’s revised 3.8-liter V-6 that has replaced the 4.0-liter and is now the engine to beat. It puts out 310 horsepower and 281 pounds-feet of torque, besting the Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 and its 278 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque. This engine is rated to get up to 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive.
Thankfully, the new Frontier delivers an updated interior design and materials that look like a big improvement over the outdated and plastic abundant cabin that plagued its previous models. The Frontier has Nissan’s famed Zero Gravity front seats, a cabin that is super quiet and packed with lots of features like a dedicated off-road display and turn-by-turn directions to caller ID and the Advanced Drive-Assist Display that shows all the info you need via a 7″ high-resolution display.
When it comes to towing and hauling capabilities, both the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier offer impressive performance. The Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds, while the Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6,710 pounds. Both mid-sized pickup trucks also offer ample payload capacity, making them ideal for work and play.
If you are looking for off-road capabilities, the Toyota Tacoma is a clear winner. The truck features advanced off-road technologies, such as multi-terrain select and crawl control, that make it a top choice for adventurers. The Nissan Frontier, while still capable, does not offer the same level of off-road gadgetry as the Toyota Tacoma.
Nissan Frontier Off-Road Features:
The exact features of the off-road package may vary depending on the trim level, but some common features include:
- Skid plates to protect the undercarriage
- Off-road tires with aggressive tread patterns
- Locking rear differential for improved traction
- Higher ground clearance and approach/departure angles
- Bilstein shock absorbers and reinforced suspension components
- Special off-road-focused graphics and exterior styling elements
Tacoma Off-Road Features:
The specific features of the off-road package vary depending on the trim level, but some common features include:
- Skid plates to protect the undercarriage
- Off-road tires with aggressive tread patterns
- Locking rear differential for improved traction
- Higher ground clearance and approach/departure angles
- Bilstein shock absorbers and reinforced suspension components
- Hill descent control and crawl control systems
- Special off-road-focused graphics and exterior styling elements
- multi-terrain select and crawl control
- Off-road cruise control
- Hill start assist
Both the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Nissan Frontier are excellent mid-sized pickup trucks that offer a range of capabilities and features. The Tacoma is known for its reliability, durability, and high resale value, making it a great option. The Frontier has made significant strides with improved features, such as better fuel economy, advanced interior technology, and superior road manners, setting it apart from its previous model. Furthermore, the Frontier Pro-4X offers a compelling alternative to the Tacoma, especially for those objectively evaluating both trucks. When you consider the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro model can cost upwards of $45,000 and the Nissan Pro-4X model costing around $40,000, the lower price point of the Frontier Pro-4X is an wallet friendly option to consider.
