If you're in the market for a used truck, there’s a chance you may want a workhorse that you aren’t worried about if it gets dinged up. We’ll be taking a look at some of the changes, and which is the best year to buy a used Tacoma or Frontier.
Key Takeaways:
- Both the Frontier and Tacoma offer off-road capabilities, with Toyota going all in for the most recent generation.
- The Frontier offers slightly more towing capacity than the Tacoma.
- The Frontier gives drivers a blast from the past with the Hardbody. Making it seem like it was ripped from the past, thanks to the look of the truck.
First Generation Frontier (1997-2003)
When this first hit the roads, it was a compact pickup. It came with 2-door regular and King Cab configurations. While the 4-door version was launched in May of 1999 as the 2000 Frontier Crew Cab.
This generation was equipped with the 2.4L engine that had 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
While the Desert Runner was introduced in 1999, it wasn’t until 2001 that things got exciting. This year's model came with a new look and a supercharged version of the V6.
The V6 engine you can find from this generation is the 3.3L V6. This can produce 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque.
Second Generation Frontier (2004-2021)
Being that this was such a long generation, you will find that it comes with a ton of new features throughout the generation. Thanks to the new build of the truck, you can now tow up to 6,500 pounds. At launch, the new engine is the 4.0L V6. This produced 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. If power isn’t what you want, you can look for a model that is equipped with a 2.5L I4 engine. This produces less power, sitting at 152 horsepower, but offers an EPA rating of 22 MPG combined.
In 2009, the Frontier saw a facelift. This came with some new cosmetic changes for the truck, giving it a more modern look. Things remained pretty uneventful for the lineup until 2020. This year's model brought a new 3.8L V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic. The manual transmission was discontinued.
This new engine replaced the V6 and the I4. Able to produce up to 310 horsepower, while the torque remains the same. If you find a Frontier King Cab model, it comes in both RWD and 4WD configurations for the S and SV models. The Crew Cab model is offered in RWD and 4WD for SV configurations. Power windows and locks are now offered as standard on all trims in 2020.
Thanks to these changes, Edmunds rated the Frontier as the best midsize truck in 2021. In 2011 saw the same distinction was seen for the compact truck category.
Third Generation Frontier (2022-Present)
This generation marks the first one that is strictly for the American market. Coming in a slightly larger build, with a revised high-strength steel ladder frame.
This generation is offered in a few different configurations, with the cabs being King, Crew, Rear, and Four Wheel drive, with the bed lengths being either five or six feet. Thanks to the new design, this generation can tow up to 6,720 pounds, and has a max payload capacity of 1610 pounds.
The trims you can look for are the S, SV, and the Pro-4X. While the S and SV are your typical truck trims, the Pro-4X is a bit more equipped. This equips the Frontier with a rear electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, and underbody skid plates, helping keep the truck safe when off-road.
Two new trims hit the lineup for the 2024 model. The first one is the SL trim. This was offered before, but had been discontinued. The other is the Hardbody. Based on the SV trim, this model is a callback to the 1980 Nissan Pickup that was nicknamed “Hardbody.” It comes with a throwback look, but offers modern creature comforts.
First Generation Tacoma (1995-2003)
Hitting American roads in 1995, the Tacoma came with greater priority for ride quality, handling, and comfort. In doing so, they sacrificed ruggedness and payload capacity.
This generation offered a few different engines. The engines were a 2.4L, a 3.4L, and a 2.7L. If you find a 3.4L V6 model, you can look to see if it’s equipped with an aftermarket TRD supercharger kit. This raised the energy output to 254 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This kit was only available after 1997.
A five-speed manual transmission was the standard option for all models, with an automatic transmission being available. This was until 98 and 01, when the automatic was the only option for the PreRunner and Double Cab models.
Second Generation Tacoma (2004-2014)
When this generation debuted, it was both bigger and stronger. Coming out in 2005, this generation saw 18 configurations. This was due to it coming with three cabs, four transmissions, two engines, and two separate bed lengths.
While the generation saw mostly cosmetic changes, what was under the hood remained mostly the same. This year saw the introduction of the 4.0L V6, which replaced the 3.4L. Thanks to this new engine, you can now tow up to 6,500 pounds and have a max payload capacity of 1650 pounds.
This generation also saw the 2.7L I4 for the first time. While it was weaker, it did have a better fuel economy. It had an EPA rating of 22 combined MPG.
A model to keep an eye out for if you prefer power and manual transmissions is the X-Runner. This comes with the V6 engine that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
This generation is also offered in Sport and Off-Road packages. The Sport is for those who want on-road improvements, while the Off-Road package is made for those who want to tackle the trails.
In the back half of the generation, the TRD Extreme and TX Baja packages were offered. The Baja package was only equipped for 1500 units, making this one a rare find. These packages come with an upgraded lifted suspension, with TRD Bilstein reservoir shocks. The wheels are All-Terrain tires, helping you conquer the great outdoors. The Baja package comes with a stainless steel exhaust, and a unique Baja shift knob for the six-speed manual transmission.
Third Generation Tacoma (2015-2022)
Hitting the roads in 2015, this generation features 6 trims. These are the SR, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro. The Off-Road trim comes with a terrain selection system, allowing you to choose between loose rock, mud, and sand.
When the 2020 model hit the market, it came with a facelift. This added some new tech behind the wheel. Now comes with wireless phone connectivity and Amazon Alexa capability. Any trim that is the SR5 and above now comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat. If you find yourself looking at a Limited Double Cab, you’ll find that it might come with a panoramic view monitor. This provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of your surroundings.
This generation saw two engine options these are the 2.7L and 3.5L. The 2.7L is a carryover from the generation before, but the new 3.5L V6 has 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
Fourth Generation Tacoma (2023-Present)
This generation’s design was made to “be authentic to the way our customers use their trucks for rugged outdoor fun.” This generation came with 8 trims, 6 of them being carried over from the generation before. With the new ones being the Trailhunter and the returning PreRunner.
This generation was built around a 2.4L turbocharged I4. It could produce 228-278 horsepower and 243-317 lb-ft of torque, depending on the trim level. Despite the new engine, Toyota still offers a manual transmission for those who want to feel more in control of their truck.
Should You Buy a Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma?
With both models being underway, only time will tell where the future takes them. Until then, we invite you to come on down to an Alan Jay location today! No matter your needs for a truck, we can fill them.