Taking on a Champ! 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2026 Nissan Frontier

The mid-sized truck segment has seen a large resurgence in recent years, with almost every entry in the segment being redesigned or refreshed. But, in turn, there’s been a loss of some of the tried-and-true features many owners have always appreciated from this segment. So, today we are placing one of the best sellers, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2026 Nissan Frontier. After all is said and done, is change truly the best way forward?? Let’s dive in and find out!

Exterior Design

While these two have many differences, one thing both models agree upon is having a tough and boxy design. Both the Frontier and Tacoma generously use matte black plastic to convey their ruggedness, and the PRO-4X Frontier even has bright orange accents throughout for this model.

However, we do score the individual features differences, so let’s address those, starting with the lighting. Both feature LED units for the main headlamps and even LED fog lights on these models. In terms of advantages, the Tacoma uses a more premium projector-style LED light, while the Frontier includes an LED turn signal.

As far as ground clearance, at its maximum, the TRD Sport Tacoma has the edge here, with up to 10.7-inches versus the PRO-4X Frontier’s 9.5-inches. However, the Frontier includes a full metal skid plate in case of any accidents.

The Tacoma has a larger wheel, at 18-inches compared to the Frontier’s 17-incher, which is wrapped in a more capable All-Terrain Tire. All of this affects the ride quality, which we will be discussing later in the test drive. At the sides, both are locked into a 4-Door cab configuration on these models but also offer the convenience of a longer 6-foot bed, over the 5-foot ones we have as equipped.

Headed to the rear of each, the boxy designs continue, accented by very premium full LED rear lighting units. And there’s no missing the model designation, as it’s stamped prominently into the tailgates of each.

Speaking of the tailgates, let’s discuss the important bed features and capabilities. To access the beds, the Tacoma has the class-exclusive power tailgate on this model, which allows for easy entry, even with your hands full.

After the gates drop down, both feature plenty of features, including LED lighting, tie downs, rail systems, and even 400W Outlets to keep things powered up. But, the Tacoma offers even more outlets in the rear, including a USB, for added usability.

When it comes to hauling potential, the Tacoma has an edge here. While towing and gross vehicle weight ratings are within the 5% difference required to score a point, the Taco has an almost 16% better payload capacity, as equipped.

Frontier: Towing: 6,270 | Payload: 1,220 | GVWR: 6,012 lbs

Tacoma: Towing: 6,400 | Payload: 1,430 | GVWR: 6,005 lbs

Moving past the beds to the mirrors, both have heated mirrors with BSM, [p] and as far as the other active safety features, the Tacoma once again has an advantage with all of them as standard. While the Frontier has Lane Keep Warning, it does not offer Lane Keep Assist since it doesn’t have electric power steering.

Well, that was a lot to cover! But let’s hop into the cabins before we talk about the all-important engines.

Interior Design

To enter the cabins, both have smart entry systems with remote start on the fob, but only the Tacoma has a sensor built into the handle, while the Frontier has a button to push.

Peeking inside the cabins, it’s obvious both models recognize truck buyers want both utility and some luxury from their utilitarian trucks. Starting with the seats, there are quite a few differences. Each offers 8-ways of power adjustment to their heated seats, but that’s where the differences stop. The Frontier uses real leather compared to the Tacoma’s leatherette, but the Taco adds 2 more ways of lumbar support and ventilation to keep cool.

Once seated, we can evaluate the overall cabin quality, which we divide into both solidity and materials choice. While both are very solidly built, the Frontier has the lead when it comes to cabin materials. It uses more leatherette wrapping throughout, as opposed to the rubberized coverings in the Tacoma. This makes the Frontier a more inviting place to be.

After startup, the Tacoma utilizes a more advanced and customizable gauge cluster, which is fully digital across 12.3-inches, up from 7 on the Frontier.

However, both steering wheels are leather wrapped, manually adjustable, and heated.

Storage and Technology

Now let’s evaluate interior storage, where we score both the center console and additional cubbies throughout the cabin. Starting with the center console, the Frontier fits four more donuts in our signature console value test, at 14 compared to 10 in the Tacoma. But, the Tacoma strikes back with a passenger storage shelf, in addition to the cupholders, front cubbies, and wireless charging pads that both possess.

Shifting into reverse, both have 360 cameras to help you park, but the Taco’s has better video quality and more views, which will help when it comes to hooking up a trailer.

Fortunately, both have dual zone automatic climate controls, with easy-to-use chunky knobs. But let’s sample the audio systems. While both have pretty good audio quality from their branded sound systems, the Taco does have a trick up its sleeve. It has a removable and rechargeable speaker that you can take with you on the go.

Toyota: 10-speaker JBL Premium audio system

Nissan: 10-speaker Fender audio system

In terms of in-car technology, both have recently been upgraded. But it’s the Tacoma that continues to pull ahead here. It has a 13% larger 14-inch display over the Frontier’s 12.3-inch screen. 

And while both feature functions like Wireless phone connectivity and built-in navigation, the Toyota system runs a bit smoother and is easier to use in the day-to-day.

Up top, both have auto-dimming mirrors with HomeLink remotes, but only the Toyota has the smart camera functionality. Both have standard-sized sunroofs.

Rear Seats and Cargo

Hopping into the rear seats of these 4-Door Cabs, space figures are within the 5% difference needed to make a difference. While not uncomfortable spaces to be, a full-size truck is recommended if you consistently have passengers. 

Nissan: Legroom: 33.2-inches | Headroom: 38.6 inches 

Toyota: Legroom: 33.7-inches | Headroom: 38.4 inches

When it comes to amenities, both offer USBs, a household outlet, and cupholders. And while neither have rear vents, the Frontier does offer a fold-down armrest for added comfort.

Finally, you can fold up the seats themselves to access extra storage, but only the Tacoma offers a power sliding rear window, over the manual one in the Frontier.

Without further ado, let’s take this fight to the streets!

Powertrains

As you’ve seen throughout this comparison, these two have unique takes on the midsize truck, and that perhaps shows the most under the hood. The Nissan keeps its tried and true naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine, whereas the Tacoma is now using a more modern 2.4L Turbo four-cylinder engine. Each has unique benefits, with the Tacoma having much more torque, especially on the low end when taking off.

But, the Frontier offers more raw horsepower & acceleration, accompanied by a more refined V-6 growl.

Frontier: 3.8L V-6: 310 hp | 281 lb.ft

Tacoma: 2.4L Turbo I-4: 278 hp | 317 lb.ft

As far as the transmissions are concerned, the Tacoma and Frontier have smooth 8- and 9-speed automatics, respectively. However, as you saw on the interior, the new Tacoma still offers a 6-speed manual transmission if you’d like to row your own.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

While some truck owners go off-road, all truck owners drive on road, so let’s talk about ride quality. Both have the trucky ride quality you’d expect from a body-on-frame vehicle, so not every bump will be erased from the cabin. Overall, we will call this category even, as the larger wheels on the Tacoma are evened out by the knobbiness of the Frontier’s all-terrain tires.

Here at Car Confections, we measure how quiet all the vehicles are that we test at 55 MPH. Unfortunately, the Tacoma’s reading was taken on a press drive in California, so keep that in mind while comparing.

Tacoma: 58.1 dB @ 55 MPH

Frontier: 55.1 dB @ 55 MPH

Finally, for fuel economy, the Tacoma’s four-cylinder manages to outperform the V-6 by enough to make a difference at the fuel pump.

Frontier 4×4: 16/20/18 MPG

Tacoma 4×4: 19/23/21 MPG

Resale & Reliability

In our reviews and comparisons, we are also adding in reliability and resale information to give you a better picture of the overall value beyond just the original MSRP. 

Beginning with reliability, we developed the Combined Reliability Index, which takes into account several studies from trustworthy sources and combines them in a way that gives a more realistic picture. In this respect, Toyota takes the lead here. They are rated 15 spots above industry average, and Nissan is 1 spot below average. 

Related to that, they have the same general warranty coverage and even offer two years of complimentary maintenance for peace of mind.

Frontier: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: 2yr/24k mi 

Tacoma: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: 2yr/25k mi

We also put Mason’s economics degree to work to develop a detailed Predicted Resale Value tool. After 5 years and 60,000 miles, Toyota is one of the top-rated brands once again, with 64.5% after 5 years and 60,000 miles. Nissan is further behind, at 50.56%.

Price Assessment

Now let’s break down the cost of these two and evaluate how much value each model is delivering. 

While neither of these trucks are as cheap as they used to be, Toyota has really inflated pricing on the Tacoma in recent years. So, if this best-seller is the best pick for you, you will pay a premium over the more value-oriented Nissan. 

Frontier (PRO-4X 4×4): $41,870 | Options: +$6,200 | Destination: $1,695 | Total: $49,765

Tacoma (TRD Sport 4×4): $43,000 | Options: +$8,940 | Destination: $1,595 | Total: $53,535

But when it comes to the exact difference, the Tacoma is $3,770 more expensive than the Frontier.

2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2026 Nissan Frontier Pick!

So, there you have it! Who is the one you’d choose? Here are a couple of things to consider when picking each one for you personally:

Frontier: 

• Traditional V6 Engine
• Better Cabin materials
• Less Expensive

Tacoma: 

• Better fuel economy
• Better resale and reliability
• More features throughout

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!