2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Nissan Frontier had a design that seemed almost like a perfectly-preserved 2005 model, showcasing a timeless aesthetic. The PRO-4X trim, in particular, stood out with its tube-style roof rack, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, knobby white-lettered tires, a standard spray-in bedliner, and cool bedside graphics. Nissan offered the Frontier in both King Cab and Crew Cab styles, with various trim levels and packages to suit different needs. The interior, reminiscent of mid-2000s Nissan designs, featured symmetry, modularity, and silver plastic. Despite the hard plastic materials, the cabin was solidly built, free from squeaks or rattles, a testament to its long production run.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward look compared to other new trucks, with a massive grille and disproportionately small headlights. The "Cement" paint color with blacked-out wheels and badging gave it a modern touch despite its dated underpinnings. The cabin, dominated by hard plastics and big monotone panels, was straightforward and user-friendly. Toyota had updated the Tundra's infotainment system in 2020, adding a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Tundra offered various trim levels, each with unique features and styling touches, from the basic SR to the luxurious 1794 Edition.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier featured a new 3.8-liter V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old 4.0-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. This new engine produced 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, offering a smoother and more refined driving experience. The Frontier's fuel economy improved slightly, and it maintained a maximum tow rating of 6,720 pounds. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the turning radius was wide. The PRO-4X trim's high-pressure Bilstein off-road shocks provided a mixed ride quality, absorbing trail ruts but allowing road surface irregularities to reverberate through the truck.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with the I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering strong acceleration and confident performance. The Tundra's towing capacity was 10,200 pounds, and it had a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. The truck's ride quality was comfortable over various surfaces, and it felt stable on the highway. The steering was vague at low speeds but improved at higher speeds, making the Tundra well-suited for long-distance cruising.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier offered ample storage with dual glove compartments and a decent-sized bin under the center armrest. The PRO-4X trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though it wasn't one of Nissan's Zero Gravity designs, leading to some discomfort on long drives. Rear seat room was tight, with a flat bench seat and limited backrest angle. The Frontier's bed, equipped with a spray-in bedliner and Utili-Track channel system, had a payload capacity of 1,020 pounds but was relatively shallow at 18 inches deep.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax providing a massive interior space. Rear seat passengers in the CrewMax had ample legroom, and the rear seats could fold up for additional cargo space. The front seats were spacious, with a large center console and multiple storage compartments. The optional power rear window was a standout feature, providing clear lines of sight and fresh air. The Tundra's bed, available with in-bed storage lockers, offered practical storage solutions, though not as advanced as the RamBox system.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier's infotainment system featured a 5.8-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, navigation, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying on Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free for connectivity. The technology was basic but functional, reflecting the truck's age.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra had a more modern infotainment system, updated in 2020. It included a 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with redundant hard buttons for easy operation. The Tundra also offered multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot trial. The standard six-speaker stereo could be upgraded to a JBL premium audio system with 12 speakers.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier had disappointing crash-test scores, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and poor ratings in specific areas. It lacked modern safety features, offering only a reversing camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota's Safety Sense P suite, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also had eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.