Big trucks are no longer just big and style-less automobiles that are just made to haul massive objects. Nowadays, they have the power that can let you manage huge payloads while the style that you need to make enough heads turn your way. For instance, Nissan just launched the Frontier and Toyota will not allow itself to be left far behind with the Tacoma. So what shall you choose between these two great pickup trucks? That’s my job, to evaluate both trucks and tell you which one has the right to occupy the space in your garage.
Nissan Frontier SE 4×4 King Cab
Price: 23000 USD
The Frontier has a 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine that surprised me with its 6.8 seconds acceleration. However, you’re not going to buy a pickup truck because it’s fast but because it’s strong and when it comes to that, the Nissan Frontier has a lot to spare. The truck’s maximum payload is pegged at around 1383 lbs. although when it comes to the trailer weight and maximum trailer tongue weight capacity, they’re pegged at around 6300 and 11133 lbs. respectively. There isn’t a lot to say when it comes to the Frontier’s exterior although it can be argued that it’s contemporary and stylish.
The interior of this automobile was designed to give comfort and convenience in mind that is why it has enough space for several people and lots of space for cargo. The sound system is not patsy either because it’s equipped with a stereo and CD and a good number of speakers for the music lover. The price of the frontier was a bit of a surprise for me considering how much it can do with all the extra-weight in tow. The driving capacity of this automobile is fantastic for its size and that’s one of the reasons why it can be seen almost anywhere these days. Overall, this automobile is great when it comes to hauling and handling uneven road conditions.
The Toyota Tacoma
Price: 25000 USD
The 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine of the Tacoma is enough to power it from 0-60 mph in only 7.2 seconds however that is still slightly lower than what its Nissan counterpart can put on the table. The carrying capacity however is still way behind what the Frontier can do because its maximum payload and trail weight are only pegged at 1400 lbs. and 3500 lbs. respectively. Another downside is its trailer tongue weight that is only at 8100 lbs.
The exterior does not differ much from the Nissan variety and didn’t surprise me at all. The interior on the other hand is a little bit more conducive than that of the Frontier because of better comfort and convenience that it affords its passengers. The sound system includes a six-speaker stereo although there’s not much right after that unfortunately. However, the Toyota engineers were good enough to provide its steering wheel a bonus telescoping function that it didn’t share with the Frontier.
The Price difference between both pickups is so slight that it’s almost negligible. Nevertheless, both are good choices considering that they’re easy on the gas, driving, parking, and not to mention your account. The bottom line is the Frontier is better when it comes to the most fundamental aspect of all pickup trucks and that’s payload management. Both pickup trucks are almost the same in all aspects although the Frontier just shut out the Tacoma in the cargo department. So there, at the end of the day when there seems to be very little difference between two great pickups, the Nissan Frontier edges out the Toyota Tacoma in a narrow victory.
