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2026 Nissan Frontier vs. 2026 Toyota Tacoma Comparison

See how the 2026 Nissan Frontier and 2026 Toyota Tacoma performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Frontier 2026

Midsized pickup trucks

2026 Nissan Frontier

$32,150 - $42,370

All Test Results

Tacoma 2026

Midsized pickup trucks

2026 Toyota Tacoma

$32,445 - $64,650

All Test Results
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About
About
The Frontier is powered by a 310-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine matched with a nine-speed automatic. The V6 is smooth and punchy, and the transmission shifts with fluidity. Fuel economy of 18 mpg overall is not a standout among midsized pickup trucks. Handl...
 
This new-generation Tacoma has quicker acceleration, shorter stopping distances, slightly better fuel economy, and a less awkward driving position than its predecessor. But it remains a crude truck with a stiff ride and clumsy handling. Most Tacomas ...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Controls
 
Green Checkmark Icon User-friendly controls
Green Checkmark Icon Off-road ability
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Ride
Red 'X' Icon Tight rear seat
 
Red 'X' Icon Stiff ride
Red 'X' Icon Clumsy handling
Red 'X' Icon Rough-sounding engine
Red 'X' Icon Tall step-in height
Red 'X' Icon Low-rent cabin
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

extended cab, crew cab

 

extended cab, crew cab

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

SV, PRO-X, S, PRO-4X, Dark Armor

 

TRD PreRunner, TRD Pro, SR, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport, Trailhunter, SR5, Limited

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$32,150 - $42,370

 

$32,445 - $64,650

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

4WD, RWD

 

4WD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3.8-liter V6 (310 hp)

 

2.4-liter 4 turbo (270 hp); 2.4-liter 4 turbo (278 hp); 2.4-liter 4 hybrid (326 hp); 2.4-liter 4 turbo (228 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

9-speed Automatic

 

8-speed Automatic, 6-speed Manual

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.