The 2022 Toyota Tacoma has received high ratings as the best-selling midsize pickup truck. But it’s not without competition, like other similar trucks, including the 2022 Nissan Frontier, attempt to overshadow its capability.

With the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, you can enjoy rugged and off-roading capability, although it offers a less-refined driving experience. It flourishes on the roughest terrains with robust equipment and a versatile suspension. It is also packed with different driver assistance technology.

On the other hand, the 2022 Nissan Frontier impresses users with its confident bodywork and advanced technology features. A huge step up from its predecessor, the vehicle offers a stylish interior, nine-speed automatic transmission, and a beefier suspension on higher trims.

Nissan Frontier

Toyota Tacoma

Differences

Engine Power

While the 2022 Frontier and Tacoma vehicles are fitted with V-6 engines, this is where their similarities end. The latter features a 3.8-liter engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four- or rear-wheel-drive. It also provides 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.

The Nissan Frontier offers a smooth ride quality and enough thrust on and off the road. It has direct steering that makes it feel composed and refined while driving.

On the other hand, the 2022 Tacoma has a 2.7-liter four-cylinder V-6 engine under the hood. It features 180-pound feet of torque and 159 horsepower, and you can choose between rear- and all-wheel-drive. You only get a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. An optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine offers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

The six-speed manual transmission offers better performance on the Tacoma. It can be connected to other features for tackling the roughest terrains with ease. You get even quieter rides on higher trims.

Infotainment and Technology

The 2022 Nissan Frontier offers an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but there’s an optional 9.0-inch engine. This is one inch up from the 7.0-inch touchscreen on the Tacoma base model, and there’s an 8.0-inch on the higher trims.

The Toyota Tacoma offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility for enhanced user experience, and there are wireless charging and USB ports available. The Nissan Frontier offers the same features but physical knobs for stereo volume and tuning.

Similarities

Towing Capacity

The towing and payload capacity of the 2022 Tacoma and Frontier are only different by a few pounds. The 2022 Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6720 pounds with a payload capacity of 1610 pounds.

But, the Toyota tows 6800 pounds with RWD and 6500 pounds with the four-wheel drive, while the payload capacity is 1685 pounds.

Fuel Economy

The 2022 Nissan Frontier offers decent fuel economy on the rear- and four-wheel drives. With the four-wheel drive, you get 17 mpg and 22 mpg for the city and highway. The rear-wheel-drive figures are set at 18 and 24 mpg.

As for the 2022 Tacoma, you get 19 and 24 mpg for city and highway, which is pretty similar to the RWD of the Frontier.

Warranty Coverage

Both Nissan and Toyota offer the same warranty coverage for their midsize pickup trucks. The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles. You also get complimentary scheduled maintenance with the Toyota, lasting two years.

Price

The Nissan Frontier is more affordable than the Toyota Tacoma, probably because it has only four trims. The price range goes between $29,315 and $38,390 for the S to Pro-4X trims. The middle trims are SV and Pro-X, costing $31,690 and $35,390.

But, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma features eight trims which are double what you get with the 2022 Frontier. The price range is between an estimated $28,000 and $46,000, from SR to TRD Pro. The middle trim is the TRD Off-Road model, which costs $36,000.

Verdict

Although the 2022 Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma have their differences, especially in their engine power and performance, the series is also pretty similar in some aspects. Deciding which one is best for you might be a bit difficult, as they both have tight competition.

The Toyota Tacoma is worth its off-road reputation, with rugged suspensions, durable construction, and a configurable design. It also comes with a wide range of standard driver assists. On the downside, the 2022 Tacoma has a clumsy automatic transmission, and the interior space is a bit tight.

But, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is a more modern and stylish truck, with an attractive interior design and less road noise and wind when you go on the highway. With the higher trims, you get a good balance on and off-road, and it’s more affordable too. On the downside, it also has a cramped interior and stiff steering.

If you’re looking for a rugged workhorse, the 2022 Tacoma is the best choice. But for a stylish and tech-forward truck, the 2022 Frontier is the ideal choice.

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Pavlo Prannyk
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