America’s favorite mid-size truck is clear. It’s the Toyota Tacoma, and it has a solid reputation for providing tons of value. However,  there’s a rival that’s also from Japan. It deserves to be considered if you want to stretch your dollar a bit further. 

The Nissan Frontier provides tons of value 

When you compare trim levels of the 2026 Toyota Tacoma and 2026 Nissan Frontier, they start at similar price points. The Frontier has an MSRP of $32,150, and the 2026 Tacoma rings in at $32,145. So, that’s a $5 difference before destination fees and other costs are added in. 

But the standard Frontier offers a lot more than the basic Tacoma work truck. However, the Tacoma is available as a two-door model, which is unique. 

Anyways, the Nissan Frontier has a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Tacoma starts with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. 

Both trucks start with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. But the Frontier has alloy wheels, a sliding rear window, and a four-speaker audio system. The Tacoma has a composite bed and Class IV trailer-hitch, though. 

According to J.D.Power, the Frontier has a reliability rating of 87 out of 100, which is great. This score is well above average. The Tacoma has a reliability score of 80 out of 100, which is average. 

Also, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,705 lbs. The Frontier can tow up to 7,150 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,620 lbs. 

So, the Frontier flexes with more power, muscle, and reliability for nearly the same price.