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Nissan frontier vs toyota tacoma: the long-term reliability showdown

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • This type of frame is very strong and durable, and it helps to protect the truck from damage in the event of a collision.
  • Power, the Tacoma has a predicted reliability rating of 4 out of 5, while the Frontier has a predicted reliability rating of 3 out of 5.
  • The Tacoma is a good choice for buyers who want a truck with a slightly more refined ride and a better reputation for reliability.

The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are two of the most popular midsize pickup trucks on the market. Both trucks have a reputation for reliability and durability, but which one will last longer?

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma to see how they compare in terms of longevity. We’ll also provide some tips on how to extend the life of your truck.

Engine and Drivetrain

The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are both available with a variety of engine and drivetrain options. The Frontier offers a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

Both trucks are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier also offers a four-wheel drive system, while the Tacoma offers a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

In terms of engine and drivetrain, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are very evenly matched. Both trucks offer powerful engines and a variety of transmission and drivetrain options.

Frame and Suspension

The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma both have a fully boxed frame. This type of frame is very strong and durable, and it helps to protect the truck from damage in the event of a collision.

The Frontier has a double-wishbone front suspension and a leaf-spring rear suspension. The Tacoma has a double-wishbone front suspension and a coil-spring rear suspension.

Both trucks offer a comfortable ride, but the Tacoma has a slightly more refined suspension than the Frontier.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Nissan Frontier has a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds. The Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds.

The Frontier has a maximum payload capacity of 1,610 pounds. The Tacoma has a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds.

Both trucks are capable of towing and hauling heavy loads, but the Tacoma has a slight edge in both categories.

Safety Features

The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma both offer a variety of safety features, including:

  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Traction control
  • Stability control
  • Airbags

The Tacoma also offers some additional safety features, such as:

  • Lane departure warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Adaptive cruise control

In terms of safety features, the Toyota Tacoma has a slight edge over the Nissan Frontier.

Reliability

The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are both known for their reliability. However, the Tacoma has a slightly better reputation for reliability than the Frontier.

According to J.D. Power, the Tacoma has a predicted reliability rating of 4 out of 5, while the Frontier has a predicted reliability rating of 3 out of 5.

Price

The Nissan Frontier has a starting price of $29,990. The Toyota Tacoma has a starting price of $27,150.

The Frontier is more expensive than the Tacoma, but it also offers more standard features.

Which Truck Is Right for You?

The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are both excellent midsize pickup trucks. The Frontier is a good choice for buyers who want a powerful and affordable truck. The Tacoma is a good choice for buyers who want a truck with a slightly more refined ride and a better reputation for reliability.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which truck is right for you is to test drive both of them.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Truck

Here are a few tips on how to extend the life of your Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma:

  • Follow the maintenance schedule. This is the most important thing you can do to keep your truck running well.
  • Use high-quality fluids and filters. This will help to protect your truck’s engine and other components.
  • Avoid overloading your truck. This can put undue stress on the truck’s frame and suspension.
  • Drive carefully. This will help to avoid accidents and damage to your truck.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your truck and keep it running well for many years to come.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which truck is more reliable, the Nissan Frontier or the Toyota Tacoma?

A: The Toyota Tacoma has a slightly better reputation for reliability than the Nissan Frontier.

Q: Which truck has a better towing capacity?

A: The Toyota Tacoma has a slightly better towing capacity than the Nissan Frontier.

Q: Which truck has a better payload capacity?

A: The Toyota Tacoma has a slightly better payload capacity than the Nissan Frontier.

Q: Which truck is more expensive?

A: The Nissan Frontier is more expensive than the Toyota Tacoma.

Q: Which truck is better for off-roading?

A: The Toyota Tacoma has a slight edge over the Nissan Frontier in terms of off-roading capabilities.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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