2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier emerged as a key player in Nissan's "Nissan Next" strategy, marking a significant redesign in the midsize pickup truck segment. With its rugged, blocky styling reminiscent of the classic Nissan Hardbody pickups from the 1980s and 1990s, the Frontier presented a bold new look. Designed by Hiren Patel, the truck's shape was crafted to resemble a machined block of metal, offering a robust and sturdy appearance. Available in nine exterior colours, including the exclusive Baja Storm for the PRO-4X trim, the Frontier also featured two interior shades, with options for cloth or leather seating. Slightly longer than its predecessor, the Frontier maintained a manageable size, fitting comfortably in garages and parking spaces. It was positioned as a direct competitor to the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma, with Nissan explicitly targeting the Tacoma during its engineering process.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma maintained its assertive stance with an upright grille and tall bed, offering a substantial look without appearing oversized. Available in a wide range of trim levels, from the base standard package to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, the Tacoma provided numerous configuration options. The TRD Pro trim, tested in bright Solar Octane paint, featured underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a unique grille, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic fabric-and-plastic interiors in lower trims to more refined options with Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats in higher trims. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tacoma's interior was noted for its simplicity, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation, even while wearing gloves.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering class-leading power specs of 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine, retuned for the heavier 2022 model, provided strong acceleration and ample passing power at highway speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with a standard four-wheel drive system in Canada, offered smooth gear transitions and a tow mode for improved performance under load. The Frontier's maximum payload was 635 kilograms, with a towing capacity of 2,944 kilograms. While not class-leading, these figures were competitive. Fuel efficiency was estimated at 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 10.6 on the highway, and 12.3 combined. The Frontier's hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided a heavier feel compared to the Tacoma's electric steering, appealing to traditional truck enthusiasts. The PRO-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, was equipped with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the Frontier, the Tacoma's engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional six-speed manual. Despite the power advantage, the Tacoma was not particularly quick, requiring significant throttle input to reach highway speeds. The TRD Pro trim, designed for off-road use, handled city streets well but exhibited a tendency to wander on paved roads. Fuel economy estimates were 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 10.5 on the highway, and 11.9 combined, with the manual transmission slightly reducing efficiency. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control, although its steering felt vague and demonstrated play off-centre.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier excelled in comfort and capability, particularly in the front seats, which featured Nissan's acclaimed Zero Gravity technology. The interior offered ample storage options, surpassing competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. While the Crew Cab provided manageable headroom and legroom, the King Cab's rear seats were more suitable for storage than passengers. The Frontier's cabin included eight cupholders and additional storage beneath the rear seat in the Crew Cab, making it a practical choice for drivers seeking comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a variety of configurations, with the access-cab body style featuring clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed. The double cab provided easier entry and egress, with a choice between a long bed and a shorter five-foot bed. While the rear seats in the access cab were tight and uncomfortable, the double cab offered improved seating quality. The front seats provided ample cubby space and legroom, although the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. Despite these limitations, the Tacoma's bed was spacious enough to accommodate gear for extended trips, making it a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant advancements in technology, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on the PRO-4X. The infotainment system featured physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment. The PRO-4X trim included wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, while the optional 10-speaker Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality. Despite the lack of wireless projection, the Frontier's technology offerings were well-received.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, while not class-leading in technology, offered an intuitive interface with a 7-inch touchscreen in base trim and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. The Tacoma's infotainment system, though simple, appeared somewhat outdated compared to competitors. The premium JBL audio system and USB ports provided adequate tech features, but the Tacoma lagged behind rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier in terms of advanced technology.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform better than its predecessor. The truck featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering advanced driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Eight airbags were standard, and the PRO-4X grade included traffic sign recognition.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The TRD Pro trim added blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking, and it did not receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded the Tacoma four out of five stars overall, with five stars in side-impact tests but lower scores in frontal crash and rollover tests.