Tacoma Vs Frontier

I know the responses will be biased but actually curious what the main differences are. I have my tacoma and am happy about it (even tho it was insanely expensive) but my buddy is looking for a frontier. Any thoughts on main differences besides the fact that nissans are cheaper?

 

One is awesome the other is not so awesome

 

I test drove them. Wasn't bad...but my seating position was awful. The Tacoma is not a luxury seat and not power, but Im 6 1 and the Frontier had me looking straight at the B pillar when i looked left...The Tacoma gave me a better seating angle (not excellent) and other option I wanted...transmission, tow package, storage in the bed, and a few other goodies. Those things could have been had, mostly, with the right package...but the price and seating was right for me. So far I am still very happy with my 2017, 28K on it.

 

Frontiers are great, the big issues were rads bursting and wrecking the transmissions.

They have not aged well, you can buy an 05' put a Apple Carplay deck in it and it will be as good as a 2019 model..

 

Frontier is Japanese for butt ugly

 

I have a couple of neighbors with them. They cost a lot less to buy, but are worth a lot less when it comes time to trade. Overall that is actually close to a wash. They are a bit dated with the design and technology and it they seem to have a smaller, more cramped interior. But to be honest my experience is limited and I could be mistaken on cab size.

I'd rather pay more for a Tacoma. But I don't think they are a bad choice if someone is looking for a small truck on a limited budget.

 

A few years back my oldest son was looking for a good used truck so he could haul his dirt bikes around. We looked at used Tacoma and Frontier trucks. Even though I own a Tacoma and think for the most part they're over rated, I'd have to say when comparing the Tacoma to the Frontier, the Frontier was total dog poo. Of course these were used trucks, but I saw 12 year old Tacomas that held up better that 6 year old Frontiers. So that and along with the resale value of a Tacoma compared to a Frontier... made me appreciate my Tacoma a little more. Oh and BTW my son ended up trading in his 2014 Z28 Camaro for a 2016 Colorado.

 

some of us like that. If they still sold 1st gens for under 30K, I'd buy another.

 

My dad has a 2010 Frontier. Double cab 4x4 with the Pro-4x package. So basically the Frontier version of my Taco.

It is a pretty nice truck. Heated leather seats, sunroof, nice Rockford-Fosgate sound system. I think it has around 110k miles and no real issues. He’s not an enthusiast type of truck owner so it’s probably better for him than a Tacoma.

 

Thank you all for the responses. What I'm hearing (and trying to summarize) is that the frontier is a better used buy because new ones just lose so much value and they haven't really changed that much. While the tacoma will hold value and is a bit more what you pay for as far as quality.

What is the frontiers off roading capability (pro 4x). Same as tacos? Less so? More?

 

I have heard good things about the colorado, but what really interests me is the new ranger

 

I’ve know a few people who have been loyal frontier folks and loved them, They were utilitarian and reliable. I learned to drive on a ‘94 pathfinder hardbody style that I really liked so I always liked the idea of a frontier but not enough to ever test drive one though I guess haha.

One guy I know recently traded his ‘06 frontier that he thought was great, for a supposedly identical ‘17 and he said even though they’re supposed to be the same they aren’t. Quality has gone way down he feels, which is a shame. He had an 80’s Toyota pickup back in the day and he’s considering switching back over.

one thing the frontier has going for it that I can appreciate over the Tacoma is the fully boxed frame.

 

The frame one is interesting because now all the American trucks have the boxed frames as well due to consumers choosing it over the c frames. So older frontiers are better is the consensus I'm hearing

 

Well that is my gut response Lol

 

Only complaints I’ve heard about the Frontier is crappy turning radius, dated cab, and crappy gas mileage.

 

I test drove one when I was buying. Felt like Nissans added some techy features to make up for lack of reliability/gas mileage. My buddy had a 2008, and drove it til 120k, but had transmission and rear end issues. Windshield/dash area felt huge in comparison to Tacoma, Tacoma feels more sportscar esqu (obv not a real sports car) but in comparison, the Frontier felt like I was driving a Van or a Bus.

 

Frontiers are great trucks,nothing at all wrong with them,and there tailgates and frames are a LOT better built than any Tacoma.The main difference is in the name only.

 

I will say I like that the frontier has a fully boxed in frame. I like the 4.0L in the Nissan better as it feels like it has way more balls. I like the looks of the Tacoma better, I would argue the Tacoma is more reliable. The Frontier is much more affordable. The Frontier also comes with a real tailgate and a real bed lol

Honestly Id buy a frontier. I kinda like them. I just prefer my Tacoma. I like to refer to the Frontier as "the poor mans tacoma" But its all just a joke as I am poor (probably due to my tacoma)

 

Frontiers are Fugly

that is all...

 

I had a 06 with the off road package and a 6-speed. Really enjoyed that truck had 150k trouble free miles when it got totaled. Imho better built than the Tacoma solid frame, tighter drivetrain.
It had a horrendus turning radius, seating position and uncomfortable for longer trips, plastics felt cheap.
Tacoma seems a bit more refined, mpgs comparible, look better, better ergonomics.
I wouldn’t hesitate to get another frontier but prefer the Tacoma overall.