2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in a variety of trims, including SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 Edition, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features. Buyers could choose between Double Cab and CrewMax cab styles, with three different bed lengths depending on the configuration. Prices ranged from $33,425 to $52,930, excluding destination charges and options. The TRD Pro CrewMax, the most expensive version, featured a distinctive Army Green color and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a rugged, military-inspired look. Inside, the TRD Pro boasted black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior design, while durable, was criticized for its extensive use of industrial-grade plastic.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, despite its dated design reminiscent of a 2005 model, maintained a classic appeal, particularly in the PRO-4X trim. This version included features like a tube-style roof rack, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, and a spray-in bedliner. Available in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, the Frontier offered various trims and packages, with the PRO-4X Crew Cab priced at $38,745, including destination charges. The interior, characterized by mid-2000s Nissan design elements, was solidly built but featured hard plastics. The Frontier's cabin was a nostalgic throwback, with a straightforward design that emphasized durability over modern aesthetics.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. It had a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and could carry up to 1,730 pounds of payload in the SR Double Cab with RWD. The TRD Pro model came standard with a 4WD system, BBS forged aluminum wheels, and heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks. The V8 engine provided robust power, though it was loud, and the truck's handling was typical of a large pickup. Fuel efficiency was a downside, with an EPA rating of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier introduced a new 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 281 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered a smoother and more refined experience compared to its predecessor, with improved fuel economy of 19 mpg combined for 4WD models. The Frontier's maximum towing capacity was 6,720 pounds. While the drivetrain was impressive, the steering was slow and heavy, and the turning radius was wide. The PRO-4X trim featured Bilstein off-road shocks, which provided a rugged ride but allowed road imperfections to be felt throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, offered a spacious interior, particularly in the CrewMax configuration, which provided ample rear-seat space. The front seats were large and comfortable, though storage options were limited, with a small glove compartment and few rear-seat storage solutions. The truck bed was basic, lacking advanced features found in competitors, but it emphasized simplicity and practicality.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, despite some wasted space in the center console, offered ample storage with dual glove compartments and a bin under the center armrest. The PRO-4X trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though it lacked the comfort of Nissan's Zero Gravity designs. Rear seat space was tight, with a flat bench and limited amenities. The truck bed included a spray-in bedliner and a Utili-Track channel system, though it was shallow and offered limited volume.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though housed in a dated-looking interface, was equipped with modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with dynamic navigation and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. However, the system's reliance on virtual buttons could be frustrating in a moving vehicle, and the Tundra lacked advanced towing technology.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier's 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was basic, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, and a Rockford Fosgate sound system. The voice recognition system was functional but limited, and the overall technology offering was minimal, reflecting the truck's older design.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came with Toyota Safety Sense and optional blind-spot monitoring, but its crash-test performance was lacking. The IIHS rated it poorly in small-overlap frontal-impact tests, and its headlights received a Marginal rating. The NHTSA gave it more favorable ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal in small overlap frontal-impact tests, and its headlights were rated Poor. The Frontier's safety features were limited to basic systems like a reversing camera and stability control.