2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Nissan Frontier in Canada was available in six trim levels: S, SV Convenience, SV, Pro-4X, Midnight Edition, and SV Premium. The model retained its well-received exterior redesign, inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody, and the interior updates from 2022. For 2023, the Frontier introduced a Midnight Edition on the SV trim, featuring blacked-out elements like the grille and wheels. The Pro-4X trim boasted unique 17-inch alloy wheels and Lava Red interior accents. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on most trims, and the crew cab models included a 60/40-split flip-up rear bench seat. The Frontier offered nine exterior colour options, including “Baja Storm” tan and Tactical Green.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented a robust stance with its upright grille and tall bed, making it look substantial without being oversized. It was offered in various trims, including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro, with additional options like the Trail Special Edition and Nightshade Edition. The Tacoma was available in 34 combinations, with different powertrains, bed lengths, and cab styles. The TRD Pro trim, tested in bright Solar Octane paint, featured off-road enhancements like underbody skid pads and a TRD-tuned suspension. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with our TRD Pro model offering Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier's shift-on-the-fly 4WD system allowed for easy transitions between RWD and 4WD. It featured hill-start assist and hill-descent control, which proved useful on challenging off-road courses. The Pro-4X trim balanced off-road capability with on-road comfort, thanks to its Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and noise reduction measures. The Frontier had a towing capacity of up to 2,952 kilograms and a maximum payload of 635 kilograms. Its fuel economy was rated at 12.8 L/100 km in the city and 10.2 on the highway.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, in Canada, came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission option. Despite its power, the Tacoma wasn't particularly quick, requiring significant throttle input to reach highway speeds. The TRD Pro's off-road suspension handled city streets well but exhibited some wandering on paved roads. Fuel economy was estimated at 13.0 L/100 km in the city and 10.5 on the highway, with the TRD Pro model delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions. The Tacoma faced increased competition from newer models, making it appear somewhat dated.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier offered two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab with four full-sized doors and a King Cab with two full-sized and two rear access doors. The Crew Cab provided a spacious interior, while the King Cab was more compact. Bed lengths varied, with a 6-foot bed standard on most trims and a 5-foot bed on the Pro-4X. The Frontier's cargo bed volume increased, with the 5-foot bed offering 1,135 litres and the 6-foot bed 1,314 litres. The hydraulically assisted tailgate was designed for ease of use, and the Pro-4X trim included skid plates for off-road protection. Inside, Zero Gravity seats and ample storage space enhanced comfort and practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a choice between the access cab with clamshell-style doors and a double cab with four genuine doors. The access cab featured a 1,872-millimetre bed, while the double cab offered a choice between a long bed and a shorter 1,537-millimetre bed. The access cab's rear seats were cramped, making the double cab a better option for carrying passengers. The front seats provided good legroom and cubby space, but the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed was spacious enough for gear and equipment, making it suitable for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured wireless Apple CarPlay on the Pro-4X trim, with wired connections for other trims and Android Auto users. The Pro trim included USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and 120-volt power outlets. Infotainment was delivered through an 8-inch touchscreen on most trims, with a 9-inch system on the Pro-4X. A 10-speaker Fender premium sound system was available, providing excellent audio quality. The Frontier also offered a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, keyless entry, and an off-road gauge cluster with real-time angle monitoring.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma's technology was straightforward but somewhat outdated. It featured a 7-inch touchscreen in base trims and an 8-inch screen in higher trims, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM compatibility. Wireless charging was available on higher trims. The Tacoma's interface was simple but lacked the latest software updates found in other Toyota models. Our test truck had a premium JBL audio system and two USB-A ports. While the Tacoma offered essential tech features, it lagged behind competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier in terms of advanced technology.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pro-4X trim added traffic-sign recognition. The Frontier received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in side crash tests but lower scores in frontal crash and rollover tests. The IIHS rated the 2022 model as Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured Toyota Safety Sense, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The TRD Pro model added blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking. It received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in side-impact tests but lower scores in frontal crash and rollover tests.