Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tundra
When shopping for a new or used pickup truck, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tundra are great options for drivers. Between their many trims, perks, and overall reliability, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tundra make for decent work trucks and those for everyday driving. For instance, the latest generation of Frontier sees a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of 310 horses, while the Tundra boasts a 3.4-liter V6 engine capable of producing 358 to 389 ponies. Towing-wise, either truck is fully capable, with your Nissan offering 6,180 to 6,690 pounds capacity, while the Tundra from Toyota can reach 8,300 to 12,000 pounds.
That said, the battle between a Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tundra is far from over, so stick around as we describe each model to you in greater detail. Let's begin!
Overview
Regarding the general specs and consensus of a Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tundra, you have two highly capable work trucks that have seen a lot of change in recent years. Debuting in 1997, the Nissan Frontier quickly became a favorite for people needing something rugged for a fair MSRP. It was also known for its no-nonsense design and dependable performance. Your Toyota Tundra first hit the scene in 2000, with a smaller size compared to its American rivals. Fast-forward to recent generations, the Tundra is much bigger, offering you hybrid technology, advanced safety features, and a more luxurious interior, all while maintaining its reputation for durability.
The 2024 models of the Tundra and Frontier are very competitive, with the Tundra retailing for $39,965 and the Frontier costing closer to $30,510. On average, you're spending more on a Tundra than a Frontier, even pre-owned, so that is something to consider.
Exterior
Comparing the Nissan Frontier to the Toyota Tundra, you have two rugged yet refined models perfect for work, leisure, or a bit of everything. In newer 2022/2023/2024 Tundras, drivers see standard exterior specs like 18-inch styled-steel wheels, an aluminum-reinforced composite bed, five distinct colors, and the following bed choices:
- Double Cab 6.5-ft. bed
- Double Cab 8.1-ft. bed
- CrewMax 5.5-ft. bed
If you wanted to get into an entry-level Frontier from Nissan, you would see things like Halogen front lighting, a modern black grille, 16-inch styled steel wheels, and a rear bumper step as standard. In the Frontier catalog, drivers have the following models to select from:
- King Cab S and SV, Crew Cab S and SV, PRO-X, PRO-4X, Long Bed SV, SL and Hardbody
In recent releases, you also have seven Tundras to select from SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone. Both trucks offer quite a bit of diversity per model.
Bed Size and Measurements
Regarding bed size, the Nissan Frontier or the Toyota Tundra have decent measurements across the board. Starting with the Frontier, Nissan boasts a bed size of 58.8 to 73.2 inches, depending on the configuration. Your dimensions are 210-224 inches long x 73-75 inches wide x 71-73 inches high.
Toyota offers drivers the option of a 5.5-foot bed, 6.5-foot bed, or 8.1-foot bed for the Tundra. The specific bed sizing on the Tundra is 66 to 96 inches. This pickup’s exterior dimensions are 234-253 inches long x 80 inches wide x 78 inches high.
Interior
The insides of the Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tundra are pretty unique in pre-owned and newer released models. First, the Nissan Frontier is much slimmer than the Toyota Tundra, making it tighter for passengers and general storage. However, it's not small by any means. Your interior at a base trim per model will see the following:
Nissan Frontier
- Cloth seat trim
- Six-way manual driver's seat
- Four-way manual front passenger's seat
- 7-in. Advanced Drive-Assist™ display
- Four speakers
- NissanConnect® with 8-in. touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Bluetooth®
- Remote keyless entry with push-button ignition
- 12V power outlet
- Rear under-seat storage
Toyota Tundra
- Proximity keyless entry
- Cloth seats
- Single-zone automatic climate control
- 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker audio (crew cabs get nine speakers)
- Satellite Radio
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Three USB ports
Again, these specifications are for more recent 2022-2024 nameplates and will vary by trim, model year, and package. If you have any questions or concerns about either pickup, it's best to consult with a team member at Tim's Truck Capital.
Fuel Economy and MPG
For the Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tundra fuel economy and MPG comparison, this is where attention to detail is key. We'll use 2023 EPA figures to give you an idea of what each model offers on city and highway roads. For the Tundra, the EPA places its highest combined MPG figure at 22, with 20/24 city/highway estimates. That configuration would be the 2023 Toyota Tundra 2WD 6-cylinder 3.4-liter. The 2023 Toyota Tundra 4WD PRO is the lowest MPG-rated configuration with 19 MPG combined (18/20 city/highway).
On the other hand, your Nissan Frontier pickup has a 2023 EPA estimate as high as 21 combined, with 18/24 city/highway ratings. The low-end comes from the 2023 Nissan Frontier 4WD PRO4X, with 19 combined and 17/22 city/highway ratings.
Either way, you see decent fuel efficiency from these pickups. Newer editions will have better MPG estimates.
Engine and Performance
The engine and performance of a Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tundra is where things get most exciting. In the recent release of either nameplate, a V6 is present. Your 2022-2024 Frontier boasts a standard 3.8-liter V6 capable of 310 horsepower plus a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra from 2022-2024 has a 3.4-liter V6, boasting 358 to 389 ponies, and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Towing and Payload
Your towing and payload figures for a Toyota Tundra or a Nissan Frontier are impressive. The Tundra offers greater overall size and towing/payload, but that's not to count Nissan out entirely.
The Toyota Tundra boasts a towing capacity of 8,300 to 12,000 pounds, while its payload is 1,575 to 1,940 pounds. In contrast, the Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6,180 to 6,690 pounds and has a payload capacity of over 1,600 pounds and available 4x4 and trailering options.
Safety
The safety of a Nissan Frontier and a Toyota Tundra is impressive, with the Tundra being equipped with can't-miss driver assistance in newer releases. Specifically, the Tundra boasts Toyota Safety Sense with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. You also get Toyota's Star Safety System™, which brings you Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology in newer models.
For the Nissan Frontier, you see things like Intelligent Forward Collision Warning w/Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, 360° Bird's-Eye View, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Driver's Aids.
Infotainment
The infotainment in the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tundra will be decent, even at a base trim level. Newer vehicles see upgraded technology and connectivity, with Nissan boasting a standard NissanConnect® 8-inch color touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a four-speaker sound system.
For the Toyota Tundra, there is an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with a 6-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot available in higher trims. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard.
Note: Again, older nameplates will have different specifications and capabilities, which Tim's Truck Capital, near Concord, NH, can guide you through.
Get the Toyota Tundra or Nissan Frontier at Tim's Truck Capital
With this comparison between the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tundra now complete, the crew at Tim's Truck Capital near Concord, NH, welcomes you to swing by and test drive our pre-owned inventory of either pickup. We're celebrating 40 years in business and cannot wait to find you the model of your dreams.
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