The Midsize Pickup Truck That Offers Better Value Than The Toyota Tacoma

Toyota currently has a comprehensive lineup of performance cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks to choose from. The Toyota Tacoma is in its fourth generation, since the 2024 model year, and a few things have changed. For starters, the V-6 engine is no longer available; instead, you have an optional i-Force Max hybrid, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. While Toyota hasn’t completely ditched the 2GR-FKS engine - you can still get it in the 2026 Lexus IS350 - most of the brand’s SUV and truck models can only be had with a four-cylinder. Moreover, many Toyota owners who have the 2.4-liter unit claim that the engine is not refined enough and the noise isn’t pleasant. 

Those who have owned the previous-generation Tacoma will always praise the creamy smooth V-6 - something the turbo-four cannot provide. This is further emphasized by a recent trend among owners, who are seeking the old-school simplicity often lacking in modern vehicles. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why many owners trade in brand-new Toyota 4Runners, which feature the same i-Force engine as the Tacoma truck. Luckily, there are alternatives, and in this case, it comes from an unlikely place - Nissan. 

Despite recent complications, Nissan still makes some great stuff

Nowadays, it is easier than ever to dismiss Nissan due to a less-than-stellar reputation for quality (at least when compared to Toyota), and some fairly bland models. But the truth is, the Japanese carmaker still makes some great, value-packed vehicles. While I love to wax lyrical about the bargain that is the Nissan Z Performance, today I am focusing on a more underrated model - the Nissan Frontier. 

Most figures actually sway in Nissan’s favor

Price-wise, the base-model Tacoma and Frontier are evenly matched. However, higher trims make the Toyota truck significantly more expensive. When it comes to base models, the Nissan is a clear winner, as it always comes with the 3.8-liter, VQ38DD, normally-aspirated V-6. It puts out 310 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 281 pound-feet at 4,400 RPM. This comes at $32,150 for the rear-wheel-drive model and $35,150 for the four-wheel-drive variant.

Why? Because it offers a normally-aspirated V-6 engine when most other competitors have switched to turbocharged inline-four engines. People worry about the long-term reliability of such engines, although Toyota seems to be hanging in there (granted, these engines are still fairly new to the market).

Meanwhile, for $32,145, you are getting a base-model, rear-wheel-drive Tacoma, with the 2.4-liter non-hybrid turbo-four. It packs 228 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 242 pound-feet at 1,600 RPM. Higher trims pack a more powerful version of the i-Force engine, with 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet. The range-topping i-Force Max hybrid adds an electric motor for a combined output of 326 horsepower and 464 pound-feet. 

However, higher Tacoma trims like the TRD Off-road and Trailhunter, equipped with the hybrid powertrain, easily go for over $54,000, and that’s before dealer options. Meanwhile, the 2026 Nissan Frontier tops out at around $44,000.

Better towing capacity and negligible difference in fuel economy

You would think that, with the turbocharged engine and hybrid powertrain, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma would be better at towing. If there is one thing I have learned over years of test-driving vehicles, it is that a large vehicle and a small-displacement engine rarely go well together. The Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds with the non-hybrid i-Force Max powertrain. The hybrid model actually tows less - up to 6,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the Frontier’s V-6 allows it to tow up to 6,640 to 7,150 pounds, depending on the configuration.

Fuel economy is better on the Tacoma, but not by a lot. Comparing the four-wheel-drive, non-hybrid variants of both pickup trucks reveals that the Tacoma’s combined fuel economy is just 2 MPG (EPA) better than the Frontier’s - 21 vs 19. On the highway, the 4WD non-hybrid Tacoma gets 24 MPG while the Nissan Frontier 4WD gets 21 MPG. In the city, those numbers are 20 MPG for the Toyota and 17 MPG for the Nissan. 

The hybrid Tacoma i-Force Max improves upon those figures, but not by a lot. Combined fuel economy is 23 MPG, but that only comes due to better fuel economy in the city - 23 MPG - due to the hybrid powertrain’s instant electric torque. On the highway, Toyota’s midsize truck still gets 24 MPG.

In the end, it comes down to resale value and more trim versatility versus lower price and better towing capacity

The Nissan offers a simpler powertrain with more towing power and a simplified trim lineup at a lower overall cost. Toyota’s truck shines with strong resale value and an optional hybrid powertrain with better fuel economy. In terms of technology, both trucks can trade blows all day. 

Both offer larger infotainment screens on higher trims - 14-inch for the Tacoma and 12.3-inch for the Frontier (both offer an 8.0-inch screen as standard), with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an array of safety systems as standard. Interior-wise, both trucks go for functional interiors rather than all-out luxury, which is what you’d expect. Granted, the Frontier is roomier and features foldable armrests for the rear passengers.

I think both trucks have faithful followings, but I am curious to know which of these two you would get. Feel free to comment in the comment section below.

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Image source: 2026 Nissan Frontier press

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.