Talk about arch-rivals! As two of the relatively few midsize trucks that stayed the course when other brands dropped their smaller pickups, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma have been going at it for what seems like forever. After fielding the same basic Frontier for more than a decade, Nissan gave the model a complete makeover for the 2022 model year. Now, Toyota is doing the same for its Tacoma for 2024.
Both pickup trucks are part of a market suddenly rejuvenated with new designs after a long lull. General Motors gave the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon complete makeovers for the 2023 model year. Ford has already shown the press an all-new version of the Ford Ranger, and it will go on sale as a 2024 model. Honda gave the Ridgeline a significant makeover for the 2021 model year, and the off-road-oriented Jeep Gladiator came to market in 2020.
While the mainstream manufacturers were busy in the midsize truck realm, so were relative newcomers Tesla and Rivian. Rumors say Tesla is ready to market its long-awaited Cybertruck as a 2024 model. Meanwhile, Rivian is enjoying current sales success with its R1T truck. Both vehicles bring battery-electric power to the segment for the first time.
As you'll see in this detailed comparison of the 2023 Nissan Frontier and 2024 Toyota Tacoma, these two Japanese-brand pickups match up very closely, trim to trim and cab type to cab type. If you're in the market for a midsize truck, it could pay to take a long look at both.
2023 Nissan Frontier
Nissan offers midsize truck buyers the choice of two cab styles: the 4-door Crew Cab and the 2-door King Cab (extended cab). Two bed lengths are available: 5 feet and 6 feet. Nissan offers the Crew Cab in short- and long-wheelbase forms. Rear-wheel drive (2WD) is standard across much of the lineup, but 4-wheel drive (4WD) is widely available.
Nissan keeps the trim levels simple: S and SV for the King Cab and S, SV, PRO-X, and PRO-4X for the Crew Cab. The least expensive 2023 Nissan Frontier is the rear-drive S trim King Cab with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $30,705, including the $1,335 destination charge. A midrange rear-drive Frontier SV Crew Cab has a suggested starting price of $34,805. At the top of the scale, a 2023 Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X 4x4 has a suggested base price of $40,235.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma gives shoppers the choice of two cab styles—a 4-door Double Cab (crew cab) and a 2-door XtraCab (extended cab)—and two bed lengths—5 feet and 6 feet. The XtraCab seats two without attempting to wedge passengers into the rear cabin area. The Double Cab, on the other hand, will accommodate five with a 3-position rear bench. The Tacoma has eight trims: SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and the new Trailhunter.
Toyota has yet to announce pricing for the 2024 Tacoma, but it will likely keep the base price of the least-expensive SR under $30,000. With a destination fee, you can expect the high-volume SR5 trim to have a starting price of about $32,000. Zooming to the top of the lineup, the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims will likely have base prices of about $50,000.
Advantage: Nissan Frontier
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Nissan Frontier does not rank among the top three models in the Midsize Pickup segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Frontier does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2023 Nissan Frontier has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Toyota Tacoma ranks highest in the Midsize Pickup segment in the 2023 VDS. The Tacoma does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2023 IQS.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Toyota Tacoma
2023 Nissan Frontier
Nissan makes the Frontier powertrain choices simple for the 2023 model year. The only real decision is whether to purchase a 2WD or 4WD model. A 310-horsepower, 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine powers all 2023 Nissan Frontiers. Nissan pairs that engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 281 pound-feet of torque.
The 4WD models feature a part-time system with a 2-speed transfer case, giving the Frontier genuine off-road capabilities. Electronic shift-on-the-fly allows drivers to switch between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low. All Frontier 4x4 models offer a steel front skid plate, front tow hooks, hill-descent control, and a 4-wheel limited-slip system—the last transfers power to the drive wheels with the most grip on low-traction surfaces.
The PRO-4X is the Frontier's premier off-road grade. It adds Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an electronic-locking rear differential, and additional underbody skid plates. The rear-drive PRO-X has the look of the PRO-4X, and it includes Bilstein shocks and 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most fuel-efficient 2023 Nissan Frontier—a rear-drive King Cab—offers 21 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving. At the other end of the scale, the off-road PRO-4X gets 19 mpg combined.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma offers two turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines and a hybrid system incorporating a 2.4-liter engine. The base SR trim uses a 228-hp version of the turbocharged 2.4-liter. All other trims feature a more highly tuned version of the same engine. It delivers 278 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque when paired with a new 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. With a 6-speed manual transmission, it produces 270 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. The most potent drivetrain adds a 48-hp electric motor to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Toyota rates it at 326 hp and 465 pound-feet of torque.
Base Tacomas are rear-drive, and Toyota fits them with an automatic limited-slip differential. Most 4WD models get an electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case, electronic traction control, and an automatic limited-slip differential. The upscale Limited trim is unique with its full-time 4WD system with a center locking differential. An electronic-locking rear differential is standard on TRD PreRunner, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.
As of this writing, the EPA has not published fuel-economy estimates for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
Advantage: Nissan Frontier
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD PreRunner
The 2023 Nissan Frontier offers a robust roster of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Every 2023 Frontier includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. In addition, the Nissan Safety Shield 360 array of electronic safety systems is available on every trim and grade. It includes lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear automatic braking. Some competing brands require you to purchase the last two items separately or don't offer them at all. Nissan makes adaptive cruise control available as a stand-alone option.
In its crash-test program, the 2023 Nissan Frontier received 4 stars (out of a possible 5) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Frontier a Good rating in the moderate overlap front crash—the only rating the Institute reported.
All 2024 Tacomas include Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0, a roster of ADAS. Toyota adds lane-centering assistance, traffic-sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist to the Tacoma's capabilities for the first time in 2024. Proactive Assist uses the Tacoma's camera and radar to institute braking and steering support when conditions warrant it.
Toyota engineers revised other TSS systems for use in the new-generation Tacoma. The lane-departure warning adds steering assist and can better detect important road boundaries. The adaptive cruise control adds full-speed-range capabilities. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection gets new system sensors, allowing it to detect a motorcyclist. Note that blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are not part of TSS 3.0 but are widely available options.
The Tacoma's Multi-Terrain Select mode system offers several settings tailored for special conditions, including mud, dirt, and sand. The Crawl Control functions like ultra-low-speed off-road cruise control. Downhill-assist control limits speed on descents. Additionally, hill-start assist is standard—an advantage for off-roaders and those who encounter slippery ascents.
Advantage: Toyota Tacoma
2023 Nissan Frontier
Nissan infotainment systems are typically above average, which describes the Frontier's system well. While not state-of-the-art, it is easy to understand and use without coaching or a trip to the owner's manual.
Nissan makes an 8-inch touchscreen display standard, and a 9-inch screen is available. Both screens are well-integrated into the center of the dash, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs—a major positive for those who appreciate convenience and clarity.
The systems offer the typical array of Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come in the PRO-X and PRO-4X models. Those uplevel models also offer occupants a wireless device charging pad. A 10-speaker Fender premium audio system is available—a definite upgrade over the standard system.
The 2023 Nissan Frontier's instrument panel features an excellent combination of a 7-inch information display and a traditional round tachometer and speedometer. A surround-view monitor is available to aid parking, and the PRO-4X trim adds an off-road mode to its display. A Wi-Fi hotspot requiring a subscription fee is available, too.
Proud of its work, Toyota equips the 2024 Tacoma with new 8- or 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays engineered by Toyota's Texas-based Connected Technologies team. Easy to use and understand, the Toyota Audio Multimedia system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota integrates a USB-C data and charging port into the displays and includes dual USB-C charging ports up front, available to rear passengers. A Qi wireless charging pad is optional.
Using available cameras, drivers can view potential obstacles looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor on the 14-inch touchscreen in TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.
A 7-inch instrument cluster is standard on lower trims of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, while a 12.3-inch digital cluster with four different display styles graces higher trims. All 2024 Tacomas feature an intelligent key system incorporating push-button start. The digital key, which requires a trial or subscription, connects smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle start. An available Smart Card key allows Tacoma owners to share their vehicles without giving up their physical key.
Advantage: Toyota Tacoma
2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
The 2023 Nissan Frontier King Cab offers four seats, while the Crew Cab offers seating for five. The accommodations for all passengers in the Crew Cab are more than adequate, but the two rear-seat passengers in the King Cab must deal with a short seat cushion and a nearly upright backrest. Nissan designed those seats for occasional use or kids in child seats. An advantage to the extended King Cab is its lockable interior storage. No complaints about the front seats in both King Cab or Crew Cab models are likely. Nissan installs its vaunted Zero Gravity seats in both cab styles, and they are supportive and comfortable after hours behind the wheel.
The Frontier engineers did an excellent job with the pickup bed. It offers a locking tailgate with dampened opening and closure assist. There are four tie-down hooks, and for those who want to take that further, the Nissan Utili-track system offers two adjustable tie-down cleats. It's optional on all but the S trim. A factory spray-in bedliner and a 120-volt outlet with a 400-watt capacity are optional in SV, PRO-X, and PRO-4X trims.
The Frontier Crew Cab has a maximum tow rating of 6,470 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,480 pounds. The King Cab has a maximum tow rating of 6,720 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma's two body styles offer two different experiences. The 2-seat XtraCab offers sports car-like feel with added practicality. In the XtraCab, the driver's seat slides forward to enable access to the rear, and the passenger seat can fold flat for use as a workspace or lunch table. The area behind the two front seats offers a sizable cargo space, and lockable storage on the back panel can accommodate long items.
The 4-door Double Cab feels much more like a compact sedan. It offers three times more under-seat storage than the previous generation, and the rear seatback folds flat to provide an additional load surface. The door panels include storage cubbies, and the dashboard has an open shelf.
According to Toyota, the new Tacoma offers a 7-percent increase in bed volume. The aluminum tailgate features an available power open-and-close function with jam protection. Most Tacomas give buyers the option of a 400-watt AC inverter outlet in the bed and on the rear of the center console, while hybrid trims have a standard 2,400-watt AC inverter. Twelve-volt DC power access is also available in the bed and cabin.
The maximum towing capacity for the Tacoma is 6,500 pounds, and the maximum payload is 1,709 pounds.
Advantage: Toyota Tacoma
If you'd like to learn more about these midsize pickups, be sure to read our expert review of the Nissan Frontier and preview of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on June 22, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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