Powertrain & Performance
Nissan Frontier PRO‑4X
- 3.8 L naturally aspirated V6 producing 310 hp and 281 lb‑ft of torque, paired to a 9‑speed automatic
- 0–60 mph in ~7.3 s, smooth but with mild throttle lag .
- Towing up to 7,150 lb and payload around 1,610 lb .
- EPA fuel economy ~16/20/18 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
- 2.4 L turbo hybrid (i‑Force Max) delivering 326 hp and 465 lb‑ft torque via 8‑speed auto
- Hybrid gives strong low-end torque; more power than Frontier but adds weight and complexity
- Tows up to 6,000 lb; payload around 1,400 lb
- Fuel economy around 22/24/23 mpg combined
Off‑Road Capability & Ride
PRO‑4X
- Off-road oriented chassis, but stock ground clearance and breakover angle aren’t class-leading
- Steering is smooth but heavier than competitors
TRD Pro
- Top-tier off-road setup: Fox QS3 shocks, sway‑bar disconnect, multi-terrain select, crawl control, locking diff
- IsoDynamic seats cushion rough terrain well
- Reviewers praise its agility, damping, and off-road prowess .
Interior & Tech
PRO‑4X
- Simple and durable cabin with 12.3‑inch infotainment, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, heater/steering wheel options
- Ergonomic but less refined; some find steering wheel heavy and interior “cheap”
TRD Pro
- High-end interior with 14‑inch touchscreen, 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster, JBL audio, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Includes off-road cameras, HUD, heated/cooled front seats; rear legroom is tight thanks to IsoDynamic seats
Price & Value
- Frontier PRO‑4X starts around $43,280, rising to ~$50 k fully equipped
- Tacoma TRD Pro starts at ~$63,735 and climbs above $68 k with added options
Reliability & Real‑World Feedback
Frontier
- Owners appreciate its simplicity, comfort, and balanced daily-use capability .
Tacoma
- Some early TRD Pro units have had reliability concerns (transmission issues, rattles), and Consumer Reports ratings dropped with the redesign and price hikes .
Bottom Line Comparison
| Feature | Nissan Frontier PRO‑4X | Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Torque | 310 hp, 281 lb‑ft | 326 hp, 465 lb‑ft (hybrid boost) |
| Fuel Economy | ~18 mpg combined | ~23 mpg combined |
| Off-Road Setup | Basic, potential mods needed | Stock: Fox shocks, crawl control, locking diff |
| Towing Capability | ~7,150 lb | ~6,000 lb |
| Price (fully equipped) | ~$50 k | $65–68 k+ |
| Interior Tech | Functional; 12.3‑inch screen | Premium; 14‑inch screen, HUD, JBL audio |
| Simplicity vs. Tech | Simple, rugged, value-oriented | Tech-rich, powerful, but complex & pricey |
Recommendations
- Choose the Frontier PRO‑4X if you want:
A simpler, rugged midsize truck that’s less expensive, reliable, smooth on-road, with strong towing and V6 performance for most needs. - Choose the Tacoma TRD Pro if you want:
Cutting-edge off-road tech, superior power and torque with its hybrid drivetrain, advanced cabin comforts, but are willing to pay a premium and accept potential early-model quirks.
My Take
The Tacoma TRD Pro is undeniably more potent and off-road capable—with hybrid punch, advanced suspension, and top-tier tech. But it comes at a steep price and with potential growing pains from its new complexity.
The Frontier PRO‑4X offers a more straightforward, reliable package: a proven V6, comfortable ride, great towing, and better value. If you don’t need extreme off-road hardware or the latest tech bells and whistles, it’s tough to beat.