2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Nissan Frontier

The 2022 Nissan Frontier arrived as part of Nissan's strategic "Nissan Next" plan, showcasing a dramatic redesign that echoed the aesthetics of the old Nissan Hardbody pickup from the '80s and '90s. It featured blocky, rugged styling, created under the guidance of project lead designer Hiren Patel, who likened the design process to machining down a solid block of metal. Available in nine exterior colors, including Tactical Green, Deep Pearl Blue, and Boulder Gray Pearl, the Frontier offered two interior shades: charcoal and sandstone. The test model, adorned in Baja Storm and equipped with charcoal leather seating exclusive to the off-road PRO-4X and 2WD PRO-X trims, embodied a robust and adventurous spirit. In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma exuded an assertive stance without appearing overly large, even though its dimensions remained more manageable than full-size pickups. The Tacoma lineup spanned several trims, from the base SR to the rugged TRD Pro. Each trim level offered unique exterior features; for instance, the SR5 SX package added black overfenders, black wheels, and blacked-out trim and badging, while the Chrome Package opted for chrome accents. The test model, a TRD Pro in bright Solar Octane paint, stood out dramatically with its underbody skid pads, TRD-tuned suspension, TRD sport exhaust, and unique grille. Inside, the Tacoma varied from spartan fabric and plastic materials in the SR trim to plush leather upholstery and soft-touch materials in the Limited trim.

Under the hood, the 2022 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Introduced in 2020 and retuned for the heavier 2022 model, this engine provided strong acceleration and ample passing power. Managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Frontier offered a tow mode, a payload capacity of 1,610 pounds, and a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds. The fuel economy for RWD models was estimated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while 4WD variants returned 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Steering was handled by a hydraulic rack and pinion system, providing a heavier feel compared to some competitors, which might appeal to traditional truck purists. For the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, lower trims came with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. However, most buyers preferred the 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Despite its power, the V6 Tacoma was not particularly quick, necessitating considerable throttle input for highway acceleration. Fuel economy for the V6 with 4WD was estimated at 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, but the test TRD Pro model managed only 16.3 mpg due to winter conditions and elevation. The TRD Pro's off-road suspension handled rough streets well but wandered on paved roads, further accentuated by the vague steering feel.

Inside the 2022 Nissan Frontier, comfort and convenience were front and center. The highly praised Zero Gravity front seats promised luxury uncommon in the midsize truck segment. In contrast, the back seats of the Crew Cab offered adequate headroom and legroom, while the King Cab's rear seats were more suited to storage than passengers. With eight cupholders, including four large enough for 32-ounce bottles, and ample storage options, the Frontier felt spacious and accommodating. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma also provided a range of configurations. The access cab featured clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, while the double cab offered either a long bed or a five-foot bed. The double cab's rear seats, though, were tight on legroom. Up front, the Tacoma provided sufficient cubby space, but its steering wheel lacked sufficient extension, and the overall driving position felt park-bench-like. The truck bed, even the five-foot version, was spacious enough to handle gear for extended trips, including ski equipment and groceries.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier made significant technological strides. A standard 8-inch touchscreen adorned the S and SV trims, while the PRO-4X boasted a 9-inch screen. The interface was user-friendly, complemented by physical knobs and buttons for essential functions. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though these required a wired connection. Optional tech included a wireless phone charger, a Kicker tailgate audio system, and a 10-speaker Fender stereo. Nissan also offered three packages: the Premium Package (leather, moonroof, premium audio), the Technology Package (advanced safety features), and the Convenience Package (spray-in bedliner, heated elements, and more). In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma's technology felt dated. The base SR trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had an 8-inch version. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was straightforward but lagged behind newer systems found in some competitors. The test model boasted a JBL six-speaker audio system and dual USB-A ports.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier's crash-test ratings hadn't been released by either NHTSA or IIHS at the time of the review. Nonetheless, it offered Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitor, forward collision warning, trailer sway control, rear-door alert, and more. Optional safety features through the Technology Package included adaptive cruise control and additional advanced driver assistance systems. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The TRD Pro model also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear and side parking distance sensors, and a surround-view camera. Despite these features, the Tacoma scored four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests and missed out on the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.