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2025 Nissan Sentra ReviewHead-to-Head: 2022 Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma
Two of the most popular midsize trucks go head-to-head—The 2022 Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma—which one will come out on top?
Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier: Which One Tops the List?
The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma have been around for decades each going through design and performance changes that have kept them at the top of truck buyers’ minds. These midsized trucks have a lot more than price in common, but just what sets each of them apart? We look at the 2022 Nissan Frontier and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma to help you decide which is the better pick.
Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma Specs
The Nissan Frontier has been around over two decades and enters its third generation for 2022. Every Frontier is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive.
The Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds and its maximum payload is 1,610 pounds. Rear-wheel drive Frontiers get an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, but those figures drop with four-wheel drive to 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. We go deep on all the Frontier’s updates in our All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Review.
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is available in two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft of torque or a 3.5-liter V6 producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, but some trims offer a six-speed manual transmission with the V6 engine.
The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 6,500 pounds with four-wheel drive. It has a 1,685-pound maximum payload capacity on two-wheel drive models, and four-wheel drive/V6 engine models have a much lower capacity. The Tacoma fairs slightly better at the pump with four-cylinder engine models getting an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, and V6 models getting 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Driving and Performance
The Nissan Frontier isn’t the quickest truck in its class, but the V-6 engine has what it takes for day-to-day driving and light off-roading. The transmission provides smooth shifts even with the pedal to the floor and the brakes are smooth and responsive as well.
The Frontier handles well, taking turns without any noticeable roll, but the steering is very heavy causing maneuvering in parking lots or other tight spots to be more difficult than it should. The Pro-4X trim is equipped for off-road capabilities and can handle rugged terrain despite not having the more sophisticated off-road software and hardware like the Tacoma.
We said it in our 2022 Toyota Tacoma Review article and we’ll say it again here: The V6 engine is the way to go for the Tacoma as the standard four-cylinder engine is weak and underpowered. What’s the point in owning a truck anyway? The Tacoma is the only truck in its class with an available manual transmission, and most critics prefer it to the standard automatic, which can struggle to find the right gear.
Steering and handling are responsive and smooth in the Tacoma. The TRD-Sport and Limited trims are more city-oriented, but you will notice bumps and uneven pavement. The Tacoma excels at its off-roading capabilities, and its traction, suspension, and clearance set it far above its rivals to tackle the roughest terrains.
Comfort and Interior
The 2022 Frontier features an updated interior with more soft-touch surfaces and more contemporary styling. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats offer a comfortable ride up front, but rear seats are short on leg room and air vents are also non-existent for rear passengers. The front seats have limited adjustment options, and paired with a non-telescoping steering wheel, some drivers might find it hard to find a comfortable position. There is a large, easy-to-read infotainment touchscreen and there are still physical knobs for climate control and other functions.
The 2022 Tacoma suffers an unfortunate demise where interiors are concerned. Even the highest trims are laden with hard plastics and lack any hint of updated styling and materials. V6 models do come with a standard10-way power-adjustable driver seat which aids in more comfortable treks, but the crew cab’s rear seat is tight and not very accommodating for adult passengers. The five- or six-foot cargo bed provides plenty of cargo space in the open air, but carry-on space and storage cubbies are limited on the inside.
2022 Nissan Frontier Trims and Features
The 2022 Frontier is available in a two-door extended cab or a four-door crew cab. The extended cab has a six-foot cargo bed, and the crew cab comes in either a five- or six-foot bed. There are three trim levels available: S, SV, and Pro-4X (crew-cab only). The S trim comes with cloth upholstery, push-button start, a tilt-only steering wheel, 16-inch wheels, a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and forward collision mitigation.
The SV trim adds a power-adjustable driver seat and 17-inch wheels and has two optional packages that are not available on the S. The first is the SV Convenience package that adds heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, a trailer hitch, spray-in bedliner, and cargo bed lighting. The second is the SV Premium package that adds simulated leather upholstery, an upgraded sound system, LED headlights, and a sunroof.
The Pro-4X trim adds a 9-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, LED headlights, all-terrain tires, Bilstein shock absorbers, extra skid plates, and locking rear differential. A Pro Convenience package includes everything in the SV’s Convenience package and adds a 360-degree camera system and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The Pro Premium package takes the SV Premium package and adds leather upholstery and upgraded interior trim. All models have an optional Technology package that adds lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Trims and Features
The Toyota Tacoma comes in six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The SR and SR5 come standard with the four-cylinder engine. The V6 engine is optional on those trims and standard on all the others. Other configurations include an extended cab with a 6-foot bed or a crew cab with a 5- or 6-foot bed.
The SR includes a sliding rear window, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, 16-inch wheels, a composite bed (no bedliner needed), dual-zone automatic climate control (V6 only), keyless entry, a 7-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, three USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The SR5 adds a power-sliding rear window and power-adjustable driver’s seat (V6 only), a leather wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels (V6 only), chrome exterior trim, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The SR5 is available with several packages that add features like navigation, interior and exterior trim upgrades, rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring.
The TRD sport is powered by the V6 engine and all “V-6-only” designated options come standard. Also included are 17-inch wheels, sport suspension, a hood scoop, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a power-sliding rear window, and a wireless charging pad. Several packages are available and add features like navigation, premium audio, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and other convenience and driver-assist features.
The TRD Off-road is similar to the TRD sport and adds a lockable rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, 16-inch wheels, a chrome rear bumper, and an advanced off-road traction control system with multiple terrain settings. Its optional packages are similar to the TRD Sport with the exception of an available multi-Terrain monitor that adds front and sideview cameras.
The Toyota Tacoma Limited trim adds luxury features including leather upholstery, a sunroof, LED headlights, navigation, a JBL audio system, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The range-topping TRD Pro takes the TRD Off-Road equipment and adds 16-inch TRD wheels with all-terrain tires, an off-road-oriented suspension with Fox shock absorbers, a thicker front skid plate, a hood scoop, upgraded exhaust, an off-road camera system, and unique leather upholstery.
See how a used Tacoma stacks up in our New vs Used: Toyota Tacoma article.
And the Winner Is…
These two midsize frontrunners don’t make it an easy choice for the truck buyer. With similar price points starting around $27K and almost equal towing and off-roading capabilities, our decision comes down to two factors: engine performance and standard features.
That’s where the Frontier outshines the Tacoma, upping its game with an all new 2022 model that adds value and delivers an overall superior ride with a more responsive transmission. A long list of standard features coupled with an all-trim optional technology package seals the deal for us and gives the Frontier our vote for a midsize truck that delivers on value.
