Nissan Frontier vs. The Competition

Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma in Hagerstown

Both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma remain popular crossover SUVs here in northwestern Maryland for many good reasons, among them their legendary blend of rugged durability, massive towing and hauling capabilities, and jobsite-ready features. At Hamilton Nissan, we've made it easy to compare models; you can learn more from the experts at our dealership in Hagerstown.

Quick Comparison at a Glance

Nissan Frontier

Toyota Tacoma

EngineNaturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder; naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder
TransmissionNine-speed automaticEight-speed automatic; six-speed manual
Horsepower310 hp228 to 278 hp
Torque281 lb.-ft.310 to 317 lb.-ft.
DrivetrainsRear-wheel drive (RWD); four-wheel drive (4WD)Rear-wheel drive (RWD); four-wheel drive (4WD)
Tow CapacityUp to 7,150 lbs. when properly equippedUp to 6,500 lbs. when properly equipped
Payload RatingUp to 1,610 lbs.Up to 1,705 lbs.
Seating CapacityUp to five, depending on choice of extended cab or crew cabUp to five, depending on choice of XtraCab cab or double cab

Performance & Capabilities

A spirited naturally aspirated 310-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine powers every new Nissan Frontier, producing a powerful 281 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, the pickup accelerates dependably, whether on steep hills, when merging, or when changing lanes in Williamsport traffic. Opt for a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup to make the most of its excellent 7,150-pound tow capacity and 1,610-pound payload capacity, or choose a four-wheel-drive (4WD) model for confident off-roading.

The new Toyota Tacoma is comparably equipped. Still, the Frontier is the better choice for towing and hauling, with a higher horsepower rating that enables it to transport everything from fishing boats and pop-up campers to utility trailers and construction and landscaping materials.

Interior & Technology

The Frontier accommodates up to five passengers, depending on whether you choose an extended cab or crew cab configuration. Cloth seating comes standard in base trims, and you can get premium cloth with a step up to the SV trim. The PRO-X trim features plush embroidered premium cloth with fetching Lava Red accents, and sumptuous embroidered leather-appointed upholstery is available in the PRO-4X trim.

An 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a four-speaker audio system come standard to keep you connected and entertained away from civilization back in Martinsburg. Simple to use, it incorporates physical knobs and buttons for most core settings. You can upgrade to a sprawling 12.3-inch display and either a six-speaker or Fender 10-speaker audio system in higher trims.

The Tacoma is similarly equipped, with 8.0- and 14-inch touchscreen options and available 10-speaker JBL audio. Still, the Frontier is arguably more luxuriously comfortable, offering leather appointments, and its tech is less distracting to use while driving. The Tacoma only offers a SofTex synthetic leather option, and many of its controls are accessed via the infotainment display.

Safety Features & Driver Aids

The new Frontier is purpose-built to protect you, the family, your work crew, and your quarry in traffic, featuring driver-assist technologies such as lane departure and blind spot warnings, a rear cross traffic alert system, rear parking sensors, and intelligent cruise control. The new Tacoma has a similar suite, called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), but the Frontier provides many of the essentials tradespeople and off-roaders look for from the get-go. Some key Tacoma driver aids are only available on higher trim levels.

Your Nissan Frontier is Waiting at Hamilton Nissan

It's plain to see: when it comes to mid-size pickups, more drivers choose Nissan over Toyota. You can discover why for yourself, up close and personal, behind the wheel here at your local Hagerstown Nissan dealer. Browse our new Nissan inventory, and when you're ready, feel free to reach out to us to schedule some unforgettable time in the driver's seat. Our finance center will be happy to discuss our many affordable truck loans and lease options during your visit.

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  1. Hamilton Nissan

    1929 Dual Highway
    Hagerstown, MD 21740

    • Sales: (301) 733-7222
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  • Contact our Sales Department at: (301) 733-7222
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