Compare the2022 Toyota TacomaVS 2021 Nissan Frontier

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/05/03

The Toyota Tacoma has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Frontier doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Tacoma has standard Pre-Collision System, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Frontier doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The Toyota Tacoma has Daytime Running Lights to help keep it more visible under all conditions. Canadian government studies show that driving with lights during the day reduces accidents by 11% by making vehicles more conspicuous. The Frontier doesn’t offer Daytime Running Lights.

The Tacoma’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The Frontier doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Tacoma (except SR/SR5/Double Cab) offers an optional Panoramic View/Multi-Terrain Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Frontier only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Tacoma (except SR/SR5 Access Cab)’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Frontier doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Tacoma (except SR/SR5 Access Cab)’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Frontier doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The Tacoma’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Frontier doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The Tacoma has standard Safety Connect, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Frontier doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Tacoma and the Frontier have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras and available four-wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Tacoma is safer than the Nissan Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
OVERALL STARS	4 Stars	3 Stars
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	3 Stars
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	2 Stars

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Toyota Tacoma Access Cab is safer than the Frontier Crew Cab:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	19 cm	32 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/1%	0%/1%
Lower Leg Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.71/.7	1.77/1.37

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the general design of front seat head restraints for their ability to protect front seat occupants from whiplash injuries. The IIHS also performs a dynamic test on those seats with “good” or “acceptable” geometry. In these ratings, the Tacoma is safer than the Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Restraint Design	GOOD	GOOD
Distance from Back of Head	22 mm	44 mm
Distance Below Top of Head	30 mm	48 mm
Dynamic Test Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Seat Design	Pass	Pass
Neck Force Rating	Low	Medium
Max Neck Shearing Force	0	152
Max Neck Tension	398	645

(Lower numerical results are better in all tests.)

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Tacoma is .7% to 6.5% less likely to roll over than the Frontier.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, its “Acceptable” rating in the new passenger-side small overlap crash test, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Tacoma the rating of “Top Pick” for 2019, a rating granted to only 166 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Frontier was not even a standard “Top Pick” for 2016.

The Toyota Tacoma has a better fatality history. The Tacoma was involved in fatal accidents at a rate 16.5% lower per vehicle registered than the Frontier, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tacoma for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Frontier.

There are over 15 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Nissan dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Tacoma’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. Nissan is ranked 13th.

Engine

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Tacoma V6 is faster than the Nissan Frontier (automatics tested):

	Tacoma	Frontier
Zero to 60 MPH	6.8 sec	7.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.6 MPH	88.1 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Tacoma gets better mileage than the Frontier:

			MPG
Tacoma
RWD	Auto	2.7 DOHC 4-cyl.	20 city/23 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	19 city/24 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.7 DOHC 4-cyl.	19 city/22 hwy
Frontier
RWD	Auto	3.8 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
AWD	Auto	3.8 DOHC V6	17 city/23 hwy

Transmission

The Tacoma offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The Frontier doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Tacoma 4x4’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Frontier:

	Tacoma 4x4	Frontier King Cab	Frontier Crew Cab
Front Rotors	12.48 inches	11.1 inches	11.7 inches

The Tacoma stops much shorter than the Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
70 to 0 MPH	185 feet	199 feet	Car and Driver

Suspension and Handling

The Tacoma has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Frontier base model’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Tacoma has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Tacoma flat and controlled during cornering. The Frontier’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tacoma’s wheelbase is longer than on the Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Extended Cab Standard Bed	127.4 inches	125.9 inches
Crew Cab Short Bed	127.4 inches	125.9 inches
Crew Cab Standard Bed	140.6 inches	139.9 inches

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Tacoma is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Frontier.

The Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4 handles at .71 G’s, while the Frontier Short Bed PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 pulls only .70 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Frontier Short Bed PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 (28.6 seconds @ .58 average G’s vs. 29.4 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Tacoma’s turning circle is tighter than the Frontier’s:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Extended Cab Standard Bed	40.6 feet	43.5 feet
Crew Cab Short Bed	40.6 feet	43.58 feet
Extended Cab Standard Bed 4x4	40.6 feet	43.33 feet
Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4	40.6 feet	43.33 feet
Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4	44.1 feet	47.5 feet

For greater off-road capability the Tacoma has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Frontier (9.4 vs. 8.9 inches), allowing the Tacoma to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The Toyota Tacoma may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 250 pounds less than the Nissan Frontier.

Passenger Space

The Tacoma Access Cab has .5 inches more front legroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room and 1.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Frontier King Cab.

The Tacoma Double Cab has .5 inches more front legroom, 1.6 inches more front hip room and .6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Frontier Crew Cab.

Cargo Capacity

The Tacoma Access Cab has a much larger cargo box than the Frontier King Cab shortbed (42.6 vs. 33.5 cubic feet).

The Tacoma Double Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Frontier Crew Cab shortbed (34.8 vs. 27.1 cubic feet). The Tacoma Double Cab longbed has a much larger cargo box than the Frontier Crew Cab longbed (42.6 vs. 33.5 cubic feet).

The Tacoma’s cargo box is larger than the Frontier’s in almost every dimension:

	Tacoma Access Cab	Tacoma Double Cab	Frontier King Cab
Length (short/long)	73.7”	60.5”/73.7”	73.3”
Max Width	56.7”	56.7”	61.4”
Min Width	41.5”	41.5”	44.4”
Height	19.1”	19.1”	18”

The Toyota Tacoma has a standard tailgate assist feature, which prevents the heavy tailgate from falling with a crash and causing injury. It allows adults and children to easily open and close the tailgate with one hand to better facilitate loading and unloading. The Nissan Frontier doesn’t offer a tailgate assist.

The Tacoma has bed indentations that accommodate 2x4’s for two-tiered loading to help accommodate diverse loads; the Frontier doesn’t offer two-tiered loading.

Payload and Towing

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tacoma V6 uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Frontier doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Tacoma has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Extended Cab	1685 lbs.	1460 lbs.
Crew Cab	1560 lbs.	1020 lbs.
Extended Cab 4x4	1445 lbs.	1340 lbs.
Crew Cab 4x4	1135 lbs.	1020 lbs.

The Tacoma has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the Frontier (1685 vs. 1460 lbs.).

Servicing Ease

The Tacoma has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The Frontier doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Tacoma to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes and tire rotation based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Nissan doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Frontier.

Ergonomics

The engine computer on the Tacoma TRD/Limited Auto automatically engages the starter until the car starts with one twist of the key and disables the starter while the engine is running. The Frontier’s starter can be accidentally engaged while the engine is running, making a grinding noise and possibly damaging the starter and ring gear.

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Tacoma has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Frontier doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

The Tacoma TRD/Limited’s front power windows open fully with one touch of the switches, and the driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Frontier’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

The Smart Key System standard on the Tacoma TRD Automatic/Limited allows you to unlock the driver’s door and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Nissan Frontier’s Push Button Start doesn’t unlock the doors.

Consumer Reports rated the Tacoma’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Frontier’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Tacoma’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Frontier’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Tacoma detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Frontier doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The Tacoma has standard power remote mirrors. The Frontier S doesn’t offer either a remote driver side or passenger side mirror. The driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Tacoma’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Frontier PRO-4X.

The Tacoma’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Frontier SV/PRO-4X’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Tacoma has a standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Frontier doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota Tacoma TRD/Limited has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) for the front seat. The Frontier doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Tacoma TRD/Limited has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Frontier doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Tacoma is less expensive to operate than the Frontier because it costs $527 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Tacoma than the Frontier, including $21 less for front brake pads, $95 less for a fuel pump and $63 less for front struts.

Recommendations

The TRD Off-Road was selected by Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine as their 2016 4x4 of the Year. The Frontier has never been chosen.

The Toyota Tacoma outsold the Nissan Frontier by almost six to one during the 2021 model year.