2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2016 Nissan Frontier

Combining premium functionality and explosive power with a smooth ride, well-equipped interior and frugal fuel economy ratings are hallmarks of the compact pickup truck segment. With those elements on the resume, it is hard to say no to a compact pickup truck like the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Completely redesigned for the new model year, we are taking a closer look at where the best-selling Tacoma stands among its competitors here at Gale Toyota. See for yourself how similarly-equipped editions stack up in our 2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2016 Nissan Frontier comparison.

Redesigned with a lifted and muscular stance, the Toyota Tacoma cuts an intimidating figure on the road. At home on the road or the trail, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma offers a 159 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that provides exceptional efficiency and a potent 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V-6 that upgrades towing power. Inside the Tacoma cabin, you will find a driver-focused interior that offers Qi-wireless charging, a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, Toyota Smart Key with push button start, luxurious SofTex interior, a power moonroof and much more. On the other end of the spectrum, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma offers unrivaled Toyota Racing Development off-road performance with an on-demand four-wheel drive system, Bilstein performance shocks and additional off-road features.

Power and Performance Make the 2016 Toyota Tacoma Stand Out Among Competitors

In our 2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2016 Nissan Frontier battle royale, we compared similarly-equipped models to provide you with an accurate representation of these two compact pickups. Each model offers a potent V-6 powertrain that is the preferred engine. Toyota Tacoma models feature an all-new 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 that when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission in two-wheel drive yields 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. By comparison, the Nissan Frontier offers a 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 that when mated to an optional five-speed automatic gearbox manufactures a lackluster 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

More power translates to more towing on the jobsite and more fun on the trail when you compare the Tacoma and Frontier. Equipped with the power-packed six-cylinder power core and a Tow Package, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is capable of towing up to 6,800 pounds. Nissan Frontier editions, when properly equipped fall well short of this mark and only provide a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. If you are looking for mud-slinging adventures, both compact pickups offer an off-road edition. Toyota Tacoma Off-Road models add Bilstein performance shocks, an innovative four-wheel drive system with an Automatic Limited Slip Differential, a Multi-Terrain Select system and a standard GoPro mount to record your adventures. These are elements that the 2016 Nissan Frontier simply can’t match.