2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

 

Everyone wants a powerful pickup that can do it all, but which model is really up to the task? The Toyota Tacoma is a big name among truck enthusiasts, but you'll be surprised to know that it doesn't stand a chance against the new Nissan Frontier in so many aspects. Maus Nissan of Brooksville is here to shine a light on the truth!


2023 Nissan Frontier vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

Between the new Frontier and Tacoma for the model year 2023, the Frontier has more power supported by intuitive driving technologies, better interior features, and a superior safety system. Nissan stepped up their game to the point where even hardcore Tacoma fans may consider choosing the Frontier instead.

 

Performance

Let's start off by saying that the 2023 Frontier has a more powerful 3.8L V6 engine which is a higher capacity than average, and with a max horsepower of 310. With a 9-speed automatic transmission and a driver-selectable 4WD to customize your drive, the Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds. Active Brake Limited Slip is a high-tech feature that responds to slipping wheels by transferring power over to the wheels with a better grip on the road for a smooth and responsive feel. Other available features include hill start assist and hill descent control which allow you to tackle slopes with ease by maintaining your speed and brake pressure while going downhill and holding your brakes for you while you switch gears as you go uphill to prevent rolling backward. With all of these driving technologies combined, the Frontier is the literal definition of a heavy-duty pickup truck.

Already, the Tacoma falls behind with a less powerful 3.5L V6 engine that's only capable of 278 horsepower. It comes in a 6-speed automatic transmission with the only available upgrade being a 6-speed manual, but it's not too common for people to drive stick shift anymore anyway. The only notable driving technology that the Tacoma has is its electronic locking rear differential, but it's not much different than Nissan's Active Brake Limited Slip. The Tacoma may have a slightly higher towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, but the extra 80 pounds doesn't make up for its lacking in other departments.

 

Safety Features

Most modern Nissan models come standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360 which has been expertly designed to include all essential safety features that you would need on the road:

      Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection

      Rear Automatic Braking

      Blind Spot Warning

      Rear Cross Traffic Alert

      Lane Departure Warning

      High Beam Assist

Aside from this useful package, you can also experience added features such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode which is an incredible asset when needing to glide over rough terrain while watching out for potential dangers. And while the average vehicle with a forward collision warning feature only monitors the vehicle ahead of you, the Frontier's Intelligent Forward Collision Warning is able to keep track of up to two cars ahead of you as an advanced proactive measure. And even if you do find yourself in an altercation, the Frontier's Zone Body construction for the cabin's structural integrity is designed to absorb most of the impact all while the enhanced airbags and seat belts protect everyone in the cabin. Many of these useful safety features can be monitored on the 7-inch instrument cluster.

The new Tacoma only comes equipped with Toyota's equivalent of Nissan's Safety Shield 360 and nothing more. While you'll still be able to have minimal protection with the basics, you'll be lacking intuitive features like the ability to monitor as many as two full cars ahead of you. The 4.2-inch instrument cluster is significantly smaller than the Frontier's and barely gives you enough space to view the information you want to see.

 

Interior

With the 2023 Frontier, you have the choice between the King Cabin with 4 seats and flexible cargo space, and the Crew Cab which supports 5 passengers with seats built for comfort. Zero Gravity seats aren't only comfortable, but they've been proven to relieve pressure on your back for prolonged driving sessions. The previously-mentioned 7-inch instrument cluster is already impressive being able to effortlessly display safety assistance features, but it can also show you turn-by-turn navigational directions, your off-road gauges, and a real-time tire monitor with Easy-Fill Tire Alert which beeps at you when your tire has reached the ideal pressure level. Plus, the cabin of the Frontier is basically recording-studio quality with an available Fender audio system with 10 total speakers that are amplified with sound-absorbing acoustic glass to keep outside noises at bay.

The Tacoma and Frontier share a few available interior components such as a power-sliding moonroof, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and Wi-Fi hotspot support. But as far as what's unique to the Tacoma itself, you'll find yourself empty-handed. The infotainment touchscreen only comes in 7" and 8" options compared to the Frontier's available 9-inch screen, and the Tacoma's available speaker system isn't any better. It comes with a lesser-known JBL Premium Audio system with only 6 speakers which isn't enough for a fully enjoyable experience.

 

Bottom Line

When you put the facts side-by-side, the answer is plain as day. The 2023 Nissan Frontier excels in every category and the Tacoma just can't keep up. So save yourself time and money by going with the amazing pickup truck that you're more likely to absolutely love, found at your local Brooksville dealership.

 

Take the 2023 Nissan Frontier for a Test Drive!

The 2023 Nissan Frontier is a power and fun pickup that we know you'll love at first sight! Stop by Maus Nissan of Brooksville anytime to take one for a spin, or call the friendly staff ahead of time at (352) 423-6287 for more information.