The 2017 Nissan Frontier is a light-duty pickup truck that's available with the King Cab or Crew Cab. Also designed for light-duty operations, the Toyota Tacoma is available with the Access Cab or Double Cab.

Featuring the Dana 44 rear axles and two-speed transfer case, the Frontier's 4x4 drive is more sophisticated than the Tacoma's 4x4 drive. The NissanConnect multimedia system also offers better guidance and entertainment than the Tacoma's Entune system.

But which pickup will come out on top in an in-depth comparison? Keep reading to find out!

Engines and Overall Performance

Having a displacement of 2.5 L, the Nissan Frontier's QR25DE engine generates 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota Tacoma's 2.7 L engine produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Another powertrain option in the Frontier is the 4.0 L VQ40DE V6 engine that's rated at 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. 

Running on the Atkinson cycle, the Tacoma's 3.5 L V6 engine delivers 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both models are available with manual transmission systems that offer five or six gear speeds. The Clutch Start/Cancel function is included in these traditional transmissions that require precise input. These trucks roll on 4x4 drive systems that get good traction on dirt, gravel, mud, sand and other rough surfaces. 

Featuring two speeds, the Frontier's switch-operated transfer case further maximizes traction on unpaved terrains. The Dana 44 rear axles are engineered to provide powerful takeoffs on rugged paths. An electronic locking rear differential also boosts this Nissan's performance in demanding conditions. 

When it comes to navigating steep landscapes, both trucks offer the Hill Start Assist. However, the Hill Descent Control gives the Frontier an edge over the Tacoma on downward slopes.

Interior and Exterior Design

You can personalize the Nissan Frontier with attractive paint such as Lava Red, Cayenne Red, Forged Copper or Arctic Blue. If you take a conservative approach to exterior design, then consider other colors like Magnetic Black or Gun Metallic. 

The Toyota Tacoma is also available in eye-catching finishes including Blazing Blue, Inferno and Barcelona Red. This Nissan pickup truck is available with plenty of other convenient exterior features like the Utili-track Channel System, which allows you to secure bulky equipment. The lockable tailgate and spray-in bed give you extra peace of mind when transporting cargo. 

When it comes to the interior design, the Frontier offers seven upholstery options. The cloth seats are available in Graphite Steel, King Cab Steel, SV Graphite and beige. Steel and beige are the choices for the leather. 

Some models come with embroidered logos on the backrests of the front seats. The white-faced instrument gauges also create a dramatic contrast with the black dashboard.

Technology

The infotainment system in the Frontier is powered by the NissanConnect platform. In addition to getting turn-by-turn directions from a GPS navigation system, you can tune into live broadcasts on SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. 

These real-time updates are not available in the Toyota Tacoma, which comes with HD Radio Predictive Traffic and Doppler Weather. Both pickup trucks offer more than 120 music channels on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. 

With the NissanConnect suite, you can access plenty of other entertainment portals like Pandora Internet Radio. The 10 Rockford Fosgate speakers surely deliver better sound quality than the Tacoma's six JBL speakers.