Nissan Frontier vs Toyota 4Runner

The Frontier is built on bones that date back more than two decades. Nissan re-skinned this midsize pickup truck for the 2022 model year, carrying over its relatively new powertrain and primarily changing only what you can see and touch, which is why it drives more like an old-school truck than most of its rivals. Nevertheless, Nissan has continually improved the Frontier, a process that continues for the 2026 model year with extra standard equipment, including a newly standard drive mode selector.

Verdict: We like the 2026 Nissan Frontier despite its old-school nature. It feels solid, it's simple, it exudes quality, and it's reasonably fuel efficient. Plus, it can tow more than a Toyota Tacoma. An obtuse digital assistant and a concerning crash-test rating are primary reasons to consider alternatives.

After a very long 15 years, we’ve finally got a new Toyota 4Runner with more capabilities, power, comfort, and technology. It's also more efficient thanks to a new hybrid option and more composed on pavement, but it remains a solid all-terrain vehicle to extend your adventures further.

Verdict: Toyota doesn't throw out the formula with its newly redesigned 4Runner. Instead, the 2025 model keeps many of the features shoppers have loved for over a decade, while also adding a more contemporary selection of four-cylinder powertrains.