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Nissan Frontier vs. the Toyota Competition: Which Truck Pulls Ahead?

Tradespeople here in south-central Virginia love both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma for many good reasons. Both trucks offer a blend of durability, towing and hauling capabilities, and jobsite-ready features you could describe as nothing less than legendary. That can make it tough to tell which to buy or lease.

You're in luck: the experts here at Gunter Nissan of Martinsville have made it easy to compare pickups. Check out the Frontier in person at our dealership in Ridgeway; we think you'll agree that it excels the Tacoma where it matters most for your workday.

Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma at a Glance

 

Nissan Frontier

Toyota Tacoma

EngineNaturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder; naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder
TransmissionNine-speed automaticEight-speed automatic; six-speed manual
Horsepower Rating310228 to 278
Torque Rating281 pound-feet310 to 317 pound-feet
Drivetrain OptionsRear-wheel drive (RWD); four-wheel drive (4WD)RWD; 4WD
Maximum Tow CapacityUp to 7,150 pounds when properly equippedUp to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped
Maximum Payload CapacityUp to 1,610 poundsUp to 1,705 pounds
Seating CapacityUp to five, depending on choice of extended cab or crew cabUp to five, depending on choice of XtraCab cab or double cab

Performance & Capabilities

The Frontier remains a popular workhorse for construction workers and general contractors from Danville for the sheer pulling power its naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine delivers. Rated at 310 horsepower - more than what the Tacoma produces - and paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 281 pound-feet of torque. The result is dependable acceleration, whether up steep hills, when merging, or when changing lanes.

Opt for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup over off-road-ready four-wheel-drive (4WD), and you can make the most of the truck's excellent 7,150-pound tow rating - higher than that of the Tacoma - and 1,610-pound payload rating. They enable it to tackle everything from hauling materials and equipment to landscaping jobs around Greensboro to towing touring trailers or utility flatbeds on weekend biking getaways to Mountain Laurel Trails.

Interior & Technology

With extended cab or crew cab configurations available, plus your choice of cloth, premium cloth, and embroidered leather-appointed upholstery, the Frontier comes ready to welcome up to five passengers into comfort for long drives from Reidsville. Its standard 8-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and four-speaker audio system keep you in touch and entertained away from civilization. The touchscreen is simple to use, incorporating physical knobs and buttons for most core settings, and you can upgrade to an expansive 12.3-inch display and either a six-speaker or Fender 10-speaker audio system in higher trims to take Eden, NC, road trips to the next level.

The Tacoma shares similar equipment, including available 8.0- and 14-inch infotainment systems and optional 10-speaker JBL audio. Still, the Frontier is arguably more luxuriously accommodating. It offers leather appointments where the Tacoma only offers SofTex synthetic leather. Also, unlike the Tacoma, most of whose controls are accessed via the infotainment display, the tech in the Frontier can be less distracting to use while driving.

Safety Features & Driver Aids

Purpose-built to protect you, the family, your crew, and your tools and equipment alike in traffic, the Frontier provides many of the essential driver-assist features that plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and other workers look for from the get-go. Its suite includes everything from lane departure and blind-spot warnings to a rear cross-traffic alert system, rear parking sensors, and intelligent cruise control. The Tacoma has similar technologies, called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), but some key features are only available on higher trim levels.

Why Shop with Us at Gunter Nissan of Martinsville?

The Nissan truck experts. With friendly salespeople, go-to auto industry know-how, and a personalized shopping experience, our dealership makes your buying process truly rewarding. Visit us today to see our difference firsthand.

Transparent, hassle-free financing. Whether you plan to purchase or lease a new Frontier, we'll help you step into the driver's seat. With the broad range of lenders we work with, you'll have many low-APR truck loans and flexible leasing agreements to choose from. Check out a variety of Nissan incentives to make your investment more affordable.

Certified service down the road. When your Frontier requires maintenance, our Nissan factory-trained technicians will be there to take care of the job with distinction. We offer convenient online scheduling, so you can make an appointment anytime you need a routine oil change, air filter replacement, tire rotation, or more complex repairs.

Schedule Your Nissan Frontier Test Drive Today

It's plain to see that, when it comes to mid-size pickup trucks like the Frontier and Tacoma, more drivers choose the Nissan option over Toyota. You can discover why for yourself, up close and personal, behind the wheel with our team here in Ridgeway. Browse our new Nissan inventory to discover your dream Frontier trim, and when you're ready, feel free to reach out to us to schedule some unforgettable time behind the wheel.

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  1. Gunter Nissan of Martinsville

    4760 Greensboro Rd
    Ridgeway, VA 24148

    • Sales: (276) 956-1212
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