2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a key player in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, which aimed to introduce 10 refreshed or redesigned vehicles within 20 months. Following significant updates to models like the Kicks and Armada, and complete redesigns for the Rogue and Pathfinder, the Frontier arrived as a strikingly new midsize pickup. Its design, reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s, was crafted under the guidance of project lead designer Hiren Patel, who likened the process to sculpting a block of metal. The Frontier was available in nine exterior colours, including Tactical Green and Deep Pearl Blue, and offered two interior shades. The PRO-4X trim, in particular, featured exclusive options like charcoal leather seating.

The Frontier's dimensions were slightly larger than its predecessor, particularly in the nose, yet it remained manageable for garages and parking spaces. It was positioned as a competitor to the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, with Nissan explicitly targeting the Tacoma during its engineering process. The Frontier offered King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with the King Cab featuring a 6-foot bed and the Crew Cab offering both 5-foot and 6-foot options. Additional features included an available spray-in bedliner, optional LED bed lighting, and a three-channel tie-down system. Inside, the Frontier boasted Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, improved insulation, and a new centre console with ample storage. With over 80 optional accessories, the Frontier catered to customization enthusiasts.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, was part of the third generation introduced in 2016. Despite a facelift in 2020, the Tacoma began to show signs of aging, particularly in its cabin. While the exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights, the interior revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma was available in various configurations, including Access Cab and Double Cab, with multiple trim levels such as SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Pro. Standard features included 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Higher trims like the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road offered additional features such as TRD-tuned suspensions, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. The TRD Pro, the range-topping model, featured unique styling, underbody skid plates, and a TRD-tuned suspension. The Tacoma's interior, while functional, was criticized for its limited rear-seat space, particularly in the Access Cab. The Double Cab offered slightly more room but remained tight for adults. The Tacoma's bed included practical features like in-bed lighting and a power outlet, catering to those with active lifestyles.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, which Nissan had introduced in 2020. This engine, retuned for the heavier 2022 model, delivered class-leading power with 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Frontier's acceleration was robust, providing ample passing power at highway speeds. It featured a tow mode that adjusted shift points for better performance under load, with a maximum payload of 635 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a 4WD system, offered smooth gear transitions and included features like hill start assist and hill descent control. However, the Frontier's fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with estimates of 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It offered both a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. The Tacoma's towing capacity was slightly higher at 2,948 kilograms, but its payload capacity was lower at 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration around town, it struggled at highway speeds due to its transmission gearing. The Tacoma's suspension was trail-oriented, offering a balance between a smooth ride and cornering firmness. The TRD Pro trim excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier stood out for its combination of comfort and capability. The front seats, equipped with Nissan's Zero Gravity technology, provided exceptional comfort, a rarity in the midsize pickup segment. The Frontier offered ample storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab provided manageable rear-seat space, the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier's cabin featured eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seats, making it a practical choice for drivers seeking comfort and utility.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, with bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were tight on legroom, best suited for children or short trips. The Double Cab offered slightly more rear-seat space but remained cramped for adults. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment range posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cabin included numerous cupholders and storage options, while the bed featured in-bed lighting and a power outlet, catering to those with active lifestyles.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in its technology offerings. A standard 8-inch touchscreen was available on lower trims, while the PRO-4X featured a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless projection was not supported. The PRO-4X trim included wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, with four USB ports available in the Crew Cab. The optional 10-speaker Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's older design was familiar and easy to use, with large icons and straightforward navigation. The Tacoma included a wireless device charger, though it required manual activation. While the Tacoma's tech features were not as advanced as some competitors, they were sufficient for those with active lifestyles.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. These included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The Frontier also featured adaptive cruise control, trailer sway control, and eight airbags, with traffic sign recognition available on the PRO-4X trim.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests. While the backup camera was standard, its image quality was grainy compared to modern systems.