5101 Auto Center Boulevard Bremerton, WA 98312
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Too V6 To Quit
Frontier
vs. Tacoma
The Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are two of the most popular midsize pickups in the Pacific Northwest, and they take very different approaches under the hood. Every 2027 Frontier comes with a 3.8-liter V6 making 310 horsepower. Every Tacoma uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, with an available hybrid on upper grades. Here is how they compare on power, towing, pricing, and features, from the Frontier team at Advantage Nissan in Bremerton.
Frontier or Tacoma: the short answer
The 2027 Nissan Frontier gives you more standard horsepower (310 hp vs. 228 hp on the base Tacoma), more maximum towing (7,150 lbs. vs. 6,500 lbs.), and a naturally aspirated V6 on every trim, at a starting MSRP of $32,490 vs. $32,545 for the Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma counters with more torque on its upgraded turbo and hybrid engines, better EPA fuel economy, an available manual transmission, and a hybrid option. If you want V6 power, strong towing, and value, the Frontier is the stronger pick. Learn more about the 2027 Nissan Frontier at Advantage Nissan, or test drive one at 5101 Auto Center Boulevard, Bremerton, WA. Call 360-373-6300.
Head to Head: Base Truck vs. Base Truck
Starting Frontier S compared to the starting Tacoma SR, plus maximum towing for each lineup.
Standard Horsepower
Max Towing (lbs.)*
Starting MSRP**
Fuel Tank (gal.)
Nissan states the Frontier V6 delivers more standard power, torque, and payload capacity than the Toyota Tacoma, based on base-model comparisons.
Frontier vs. Tacoma Specs, Side by Side
2027 Nissan Frontier compared to the 2026 Toyota Tacoma, the current Tacoma model year at time of publishing.
| Specification | 2027 Nissan Frontier | 2026 Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Engine on every trim | Yes, same V6 on all trims | No, three output levels plus available hybrid |
| Base horsepower | 310 hp | 228 hp (SR) |
| Base torque | 281 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft (SR) |
| Upgraded gas engine | Not needed, V6 is standard | 278 hp / 317 lb-ft (automatic), 270 hp / 310 lb-ft (manual) |
| Hybrid option | Not offered | i-FORCE MAX: 326 hp / 465 lb-ft on select upper grades |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic; 6-speed manual available |
| Max towing* | Up to 7,150 lbs. | Up to 6,500 lbs. (6,000 lbs. hybrid) |
| Max payload* | Up to 1,590 lbs. | Up to approx. 1,705 lbs. |
| EPA fuel economy (best)*** | 19 city / 24 hwy / 21 combined | 21 city / 26 hwy / 23 combined (RWD gas) |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gallons | 18.1 gallons |
| Cab styles | King Cab, Crew Cab | XtraCab, Double Cab |
| Drivetrain | 4x2 or 4x4 | 4x2 or 4x4 |
| Starting MSRP** | $32,490 | $32,545 |
| Factory warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi basic; 5 yr / 60,000 mi powertrain | 3 yr / 36,000 mi basic; 5 yr / 60,000 mi powertrain |
| Dealer warranty | Advantage Nissan Lifetime Warranty on select new models | Varies by dealer |
| Final assembly | Canton, Mississippi, USA | Mexico |
Where Each Truck Comes Out Ahead
Both are capable midsize trucks. Here is an honest look at the strengths of each.
Nissan Frontier Advantages
Toyota Tacoma Advantages
Too V6 To Quit
V6 vs. Turbo-4: What It Means for You
The biggest difference between these trucks is the engine philosophy.
Power without boost
The Frontier's 3.8-liter V6 makes its 310 hp from displacement rather than a turbocharger. Power builds smoothly with RPM, and there is no turbo hardware to manage heat or wear.
Same engine, every trim
You do not pay extra for Frontier power. The $32,490 S has the same V6 as the PRO-4X. On the Tacoma, horsepower and torque change depending on trim, transmission, and whether you choose the hybrid.
Proven track record
The Frontier V6 is named to the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list, and Nissan reports 92% of Frontier trucks sold in the last 10 years are still on the road.
Trim vs. Trim Matchups
How each Frontier trim lines up against its closest Tacoma counterpart on starting MSRP and engine output.**
Frontier S vs. Tacoma SR
Frontier from $32,490
Frontier SV vs. Tacoma SR5
Frontier from $36,490
Frontier PRO-4X vs. Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Frontier from $42,190
Drive the Difference in Bremerton
Spec sheets only tell part of the story. Feel the Frontier's V6 for yourself at Advantage Nissan, 5101 Auto Center Boulevard, Bremerton, WA. We are about 15 to 20 minutes from Port Orchard, 25 to 30 minutes from Gig Harbor, and 35 to 45 minutes from Tacoma, with easy access for drivers from Silverdale, Poulsbo, Puyallup, Auburn, and all of Kitsap County. Trading in a Tacoma? Bring it by for an appraisal.
Sales hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM to 7 PM, Sat 9 AM to 6 PM, Sun 11 AM to 6 PM
Frontier vs. Tacoma FAQs
The 2027 Nissan Frontier makes 310 horsepower on every trim, more than any gas-powered Tacoma, which ranges from 228 hp on the base SR to 278 hp on upgraded trims. The Tacoma's upgraded turbo makes more torque (317 lb-ft vs. 281 lb-ft), and the optional i-FORCE MAX hybrid on upper grades makes 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Comparing base trucks, the Frontier S has 82 more horsepower and 38 more lb-ft of torque than the Tacoma SR.
No. The current Toyota Tacoma uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid version on select grades. Toyota dropped the V6 when the Tacoma was redesigned. The 2027 Nissan Frontier still comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 on every trim.
The Frontier tows more. The 2027 Nissan Frontier is rated to tow up to 7,150 lbs. when properly equipped, compared with up to 6,500 lbs. for the gas Tacoma and 6,000 lbs. for the Tacoma hybrid. That 650-lb. advantage matters for boats, campers, and equipment trailers.
The 2027 Frontier starts at $32,490 MSRP compared with $32,545 for the Tacoma SR, excluding destination. The Frontier also starts lower at matched trims: SV at $36,490 vs. Tacoma SR5 at $36,635, and PRO-4X at $42,190 vs. Tacoma TRD Off-Road at $42,815. Contact Advantage Nissan at 360-373-6300 for current Frontier pricing and offers.
The Tacoma has the edge on EPA estimates, with up to 21 city, 26 highway, and 23 combined mpg on RWD gas models. The Frontier is rated up to 19 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined mpg on 4x2 models. The Frontier's larger 21.1-gallon tank helps offset the difference on range, and both trucks run on regular gasoline in their gas versions.
At maximum, the Tacoma is rated slightly higher at approximately 1,705 lbs. vs. up to 1,590 lbs. for the Frontier when properly equipped. Comparing base models, Nissan states the Frontier delivers more standard payload capacity than the Tacoma. Payload varies by cab, bed, and drivetrain, so check the door-jamb sticker on the specific truck.
Both are capable. The Frontier PRO-4X has standard 4x4 with a 2-speed transfer case, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, skid plates, all-terrain tires, Hill Descent Control, and 310 hp from its V6, starting at $42,190. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road starts at $42,815 with 278 hp. For Kitsap County drivers heading to forest roads and trails, the PRO-4X offers strong capability at a lower starting price.
Yes. The Tacoma offers a 6-speed manual transmission on select grades. The 2027 Nissan Frontier is offered only with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Nissan Frontier is assembled at Nissan's plant in Canton, Mississippi, and its V6 is assembled in Decherd, Tennessee. The current Toyota Tacoma is assembled in Mexico.
Both come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty from the factory. At Advantage Nissan, select new models also qualify for the exclusive Advantage Nissan Lifetime Warranty. Ask our team for details and eligibility.
The Frontier is a strong fit if you want a V6 engine, more standard horsepower, more towing capacity, and a lower starting price. The Tacoma may suit drivers who prioritize fuel economy, want a manual transmission, or want a hybrid powertrain. Learn more on our 2027 Nissan Frontier page, then drive one yourself at Advantage Nissan in Bremerton.
Advantage Nissan at 5101 Auto Center Boulevard in Bremerton, WA is about 15 to 20 minutes from Port Orchard, 25 to 30 minutes from Gig Harbor, and 35 to 45 minutes from Tacoma, serving all of Kitsap County, Puyallup, and Auburn. Call 360-373-6300 to schedule a Frontier test drive.
Comparison based on 2027 Nissan Frontier and 2026 Toyota Tacoma manufacturer-published information available at time of publishing. Competitor specifications and pricing are subject to change; verify with the manufacturer. Toyota and Tacoma are trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation. Advantage Nissan is not affiliated with Toyota.
*Towing and payload ratings vary by configuration and are for properly equipped vehicles. Do not exceed vehicle ratings. Frontier max towing of 7,150 lbs. applies to S King Cab 4x2.
**MSRP excludes destination and handling, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and options. Dealer sets actual price. Matched trims are the closest comparable grades and are not identically equipped.
***EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions; use for comparison only.
"More standard power, torque and payload capacity than the Toyota Tacoma" is a Nissan statement based on base-model comparisons. Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems is a trademark of its owner. Advantage Nissan Lifetime Warranty available on select new models; see dealer for complete details and eligibility.
