2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2024 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-X, and Pro-4X. The model retained its well-received exterior redesign, inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody, and the interior updates introduced in 2022. For 2023, the Frontier lineup included a new Midnight Edition on the SV trim, featuring blacked-out elements like the grille and wheels. Pro-X and Pro-4X trims received Lava Red interior accents, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on both Pro grades, which also featured a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40-split flip-up rear bench seat. The Frontier offered nine exterior color options, including unique shades like “Baja Storm” tan and Tactical Green.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra, with its massive grille designed for powertrain cooling, presented a bold appearance that divided opinions. Despite its polarizing front, the Tundra's industrial design theme, with camo-pattern detailing, conveyed durability. However, the interior's plastic components detracted from the overall build quality, producing creaking and clattering sounds. The Tundra was offered in Double Cab and CrewMax styles with various bed lengths, and trim levels ranged from the base SR to the luxurious Capstone. All models featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, with the i-Force Max powertrain adding a hybrid version. Base prices varied from $39,665 to $78,845, excluding destination charges.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was shared with the full-size Nissan Titan and the Nissan Z. The Frontier offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with an optional shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system. Hill-start assist was standard across the lineup, while hill-descent control was included with 4WD models. The Pro-4X trim balanced off-road capability with on-road comfort, featuring a progressive suspension and a urethane jounce bumper for a smoother ride. The Frontier had a towing capacity of up to 6,720 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. Its fuel economy was rated at up to 20 mpg combined, with 4WD models achieving slightly lower figures.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro excelled both on and off-road, thanks to its lighter BBS forged alloy wheels, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, and FOX internal-bypass shock absorbers. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine delivered 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while the TRD Pro's hybrid version, the i-Force Max, produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro offered a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a 1,600-pound payload. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system with various off-roading aids. Despite its capabilities, the Tundra's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 17.1 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier was available in two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab and the smaller King Cab. The Crew Cab, standard on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims, offered four full-sized doors and a 5-foot bed, with an optional 6-foot bed on the SV trim. The King Cab featured two full-sized doors and two rear access doors, with a standard 6-foot bed. The Frontier's cargo bed volume was increased by raising the wall height, offering 40.1 cubic feet for the 5-foot bed and 46.4 cubic feet for the 6-foot bed. The Pro-4X trim included aluminum and steel skid plates for off-road protection, while the interior featured Zero Gravity seats and ample storage space.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra's interior was spacious, but the i-Force Max's battery eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor. This limitation affected storage options, as demonstrated during a family outing. The Tundra's cargo bed lacked some features found in competitors, such as adjustable cargo tie-down cleats and a more versatile tailgate. Despite these shortcomings, the Tundra offered decent storage space and wide seats, though the driver's seat caused discomfort during long drives. The TRD Pro's heated and ventilated front seats were appreciated, but getting in and out of the truck was challenging for shorter individuals.

For 2023, the Nissan Frontier's Pro-X and Pro-4X trims came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, while a wired connection was required for S and SV trims and Android Auto users. The Pro trims also featured multiple USB ports and an available wireless charging pad. Infotainment was delivered through an 8-inch touchscreen for S and SV trims, and a 9-inch touchscreen for Pro-X and Pro-4X trims. The available 10-speaker Fender premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Frontier's 7-inch digital gauge cluster was standard, and the Intelligent Around-View Monitor was available on Pro-X and Pro-4X trims.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Toyota offered complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, including Wi-Fi Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect. Safety Connect provided essential features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the TRD Pro included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Additional tech features included wireless smartphone charging and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier came standard with forward-collision warning, trailer sway control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control were available as options. The NHTSA awarded the Frontier a four-star overall safety rating, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. The IIHS rated the 2022 model Superior for daytime front vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available on higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Tundra Crew Cab 4WD models high marks, with five-star ratings across the board. The IIHS awarded the Tundra a Top Safety Pick rating, though it received a Poor rating for rear-seat passenger safety in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.