2016 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2015 Nissan Frontier
It’s time for an upgrade! Trucks have always been a staple in any hard working person’s arsenal. There are many varieties of trucks that can help get the job done, but none are quite as intriguing as the new 2016 Toyota Tacoma and the 2015 Nissan Frontier midsized pickups.
Both have well-made designs and interesting features that just leave one asking: Which one? Well today we are going to take a close look at both vehicles. We’ll look at both their pros and cons. In the end, hopefully, it will help cast some light on the two and help you decide which one to purchase.
Inside the 2015 Frontier
First we’ll take a good look at the 2015 Nissan Frontier. Nissan has updated their midsized truck, adding many new features, while still keeping it a good size for the average person. There are many things that make it a solid machine. It comes with your choice of a 2.5 liter four cylinder or 4.0 liter V6 engine. Both of these engines give the potential for good ride quality with the potential for some fun off roading. However, 4 wheel drive is not available if you choose to go with the four cylinder engine.
The Nissan doesn’t shrug off safety as well. Antilock brakes and front and side length airbags are just a few of the standards that are in the truck offering utmost safety while on or off road.
On top of this, the Nissan Frontier comes with some interesting upgrades that are utilized in the cabin. There is a new display on the dash that has NissanConnect as well as an Apps interface and smartphone integration. While it may not be quite the eye candy as other trucks when it comes to the interior, things are still pretty straightforward so it’s quick to pick up the ropes and be familiar with the machine. This certainly ups the enjoyment factor with this truck.
However, no truck can be absolutely perfect. The Frontier is not without its flaws. While it may be roomy up front, the back cabin is incredibly cramped, making it a tad difficult if you plan on bringing additional company along. The Frontier still has a pretty standard design along with average interior materials used for a pickup. While this may make it less expensive then it’s other competitors in its class, it might not necessarily be the best thing. It now lacks the wow factor that one might have had for the car, and it might not handle the best in certain conditions.
Though it does come with some cons, the Frontier is certainly not one to be scoffed at.
The All-New 2016 Toyota Tacoma
Next we have the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, which was just reveal and will be coming soon to Toyota dealers in NH. It’s clear that Toyota decided to do a serious upgrade from their previous models. While the 2016 Toyota Tacoma still uses the same frame as its predecessors, it is now a reinforced frame making it more rigid and in the end, having a more angular appearance. Though it should be noted it will still be about the same size as its previous models.
Toyota has also upped the tech this time around, getting a new touchscreen display, wireless phone charging pad, and smartphone integration being the major ones really worthy of note. A new feature is the camera that is mounted to the windshield, it’s purpose to be to record one’s on and off road adventures.
It has rather impressive options for engines as well, offering a 2.7 liter four cylinder engine and a new 3.5 liter V6. What’s interesting about the V6, is that it has been fine tuned for improved efficiency with help from optimized fuel injection and a power cycle that acts almost similarly to a hybrid.
This gives the Tacoma great potential to be up top when it comes to fuel economy.
The Tacoma is actually a good off road contender as well. More handy for work or heavy lifting is the tailgate opening. An interesting addition is the added power outlet in the bed.
The Tacoma is not without its flaws either, though. While it does have an updated interior, the seats don’t make the most comfortable ride, leaning more towards the flat side. In addition to that, the cabin ceiling runs a tad lower, much like it’s fellow models before it. In addition to that, it doesn’t look at rugged as some of its competitors, which might lose some desire for the truck. All of these are unfortunate cons that hopefully don’t take too much away from the vehicle itself.
How the 2016 Tacoma Compares to the 2015 Frontier
Now looking at both of the cars, one can see there is some give and take. For the most part however, the 2016 Tacoma comes out on top versus the 2015 Frontier. Toyota made a point to try and upgrade the model, and the work shows. It has better technology and better fuel efficiency while also having a more updated and better interior, key point to it being just a bit more roomier than the Frontier.
The Frontier does give it a good challenging presence, but you can feel it starting to lag behind in multiple factors: technology, style, and fuel efficiency. Even if the Tacoma is more costly than the Frontier, it would still be worth the money due to the fact that it is more innovative and will last a bit longer.
Looking at the two cars, it’s pretty clear which truck one should be going with, and that truck is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. It’s made notable upgrades to make it a better ride such that it out paces the Nissan Frontier. The Frontier is a good truck in its own right, but it is slowly losing its edge with its competitors. The only way the Frontier can really get back into the game if Nissan does a major upgrade itself. But in the meantime, you are going to get the most out of the Tacoma out of the two.