2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2025 Nissan Frontier

Are you looking for a new truck? The 2025 Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are options you can choose in the midsize pickup truck segment. They both showcase distinctive attributes, with their four-door configuration and extended bed options setting a benchmark for competitors to aspire to. The Tacoma offers comprehensive configuration and trim options, a fuel-efficient powertrain, and rugged off-road capability. The Frontier delivers confident towing capability and a no-nonsense, practical design.

If you’re looking to invest in a new pickup, choosing between them can be a challenge. AtKeith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, we’ll help you choose with our 2025 Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma review.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Nissan Frontier Pricing and Trim Level Overview

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma distinguishes itself by offering a range of trims, advanced hybrid powertrains, and a suite of standard features that enhance its value proposition. The 2025 Nissan Frontier delivers a robust engine, refreshed exterior design, and updated technology.

Setting itself apart with 11 trim levels, ranging from the SR to the Trailhunter and the high-performance TRD Pro, the Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $31,590 and climbs past $63,500 for the top-end models. In contrast, the Frontier is available in six trims, with a starting MSRP of $32,050 for the entry model, and climbs to $42,310 for the Crew Cab SL Long Bed. The Tacoma’s variety of configuration options appeals to pickup truck investors, making it the best pickup truck for the money.

Performance and Engine Specifications

Toyota equips the Tacoma with a lineup of three fuel-efficient powertrains. The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. For more muscle and efficiency, the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid pairs the 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Nissan equips all Frontier models with the identical 3.8-liter V-6 engine, generating 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Although this engine delivers power, it doesn’t match the Tacoma hybrid’s fuel efficiency and dynamic torque output.

The hybrid Tacoma achieves a combined EPA-estimated 23 mpg. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder model offers competitive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway in the rear-wheel-drive configuration. The Frontier, powered exclusively by its V-6 engine, offers an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for rear-wheel-drive models and slightly less for the four-wheel drive.

Towing and Payload Capacity 

Properly equipped, the new Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds with a maximum payload capacity of 1,710 pounds, depending on the model and engine configuration. The 2025 Frontier offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,150 pounds and a payload rating of up to 1,620 pounds, but it lacks the Tacoma’s hybrid-assisted low-end torque, which is perfect for trailering.

Off-Road Capabilities Comparison

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma raises the bar for off-road performance with trail-ready trims. These include the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and the all-new Trailhunter, which features factory-installed overlanding gear. Toyota engineered the Tacoma with stellar off-road capability and available features such as its Multi-Terrain Select system, electronically controlled locking rear differential, and off-road suspension tuning. The Nissan Frontier features the PRO-4X, which includes off-road shocks, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. It’s capable and rugged, but it doesn’t offer the same off-road tech and range of specialized trims as the Tacoma.

Interior Design and Capacity

Inside the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, you’ll get soft-touch materials, premium stitching, and available leather upholstery with the higher trims. The new 2025 seating offers improved support and optional power adjustments, and the available panoramic moonroof adds luxury. The Tacoma offers both Extended (XtraCab) and Crew Cab (Double Cab) configurations, with the Crew Cab providing a more spacious interior. The 2025 Nissan Frontier offers a comfortable and straightforward interior with available leather-appointed seating and practical storage spaces. Its design feels more dated by comparison, and it offers fewer cab and trim configurations.

Tech and Connectivity 

Base Tacoma trims feature a standard 8-inch touch screen, and high-end trims boast an optional expansive 14-inch display, one of the largest in the midsize pickup segment. The Tacoma’s intuitive infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a customizable digital gauge cluster up to 12.3 inches. An available head-up display and multicamera trail views cater to off-roader enthusiasts.

The Frontier features a standard 8-inch touch screen and an optional 12.3-inch display with smartphone integration and a 7-inch gauge cluster on most trims. While the Frontier’s system is easy to use and includes USB-C ports and available Wi-Fi hot spot capability, it lacks the larger displays and software sophistication showcased in the Tacoma.

Safety Ratings and Driver-Assist Features

The 2025 Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 across all trims. This suite includes a precollision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Tacoma also includes standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on most trims.

Although the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings for the 2025 Tacoma are pending, the 2024 model achieved a Top Safety Pick rating. The 2025 Frontier comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360. Features include forward emergency braking, tire pressure monitoring, high-beam assist, intelligent cruise control, and blind-spot warning.

Explore the 2025 Tacoma at Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida

Why not test-drive the latest Tacoma at Keith Pierson Toyota? Our team is ready to provide the powerful 2025 Toyota Tacoma experience. Contact us or drop by our dealership to learn more about the off-road capabilities of this commanding midsize pickup truck. Schedule a test-drive today. View our latest inventory or used trucks online to familiarize yourself in the interim. Before the rush, value your trade and get preapproval for financing. Your next adventure is within reach.

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