2012 Tacoma vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier

Look inside for detailed info about this summary, important safety information and disclaimers.

Top Tacoma Advantages Over Frontier

Though Tacoma consistently sells in greater numbers, Nissan’s Frontier is frequently on many compact-truck customers’ shopping lists. The current-generation Frontier made its debut as a 2005 model and returns for 2012 with a few detail improvements. While it doesn’t compete with Tacoma in all three cab sizes (Frontier doesn’t offer a Regular Cab), Frontier’s key features are solid, and it’s a close competitor for Tacoma. But a closer look highlights significant Tacoma advantages that help explain why Tacoma has been the unchallenged class sales leader since its introduction.

This Edge compares these two compact pickups, and it highlights Tacoma’s many strong points.

� IntelliChoice® award winner IntelliChoice® honored 2011 Tacoma with “Best Overall Value of the Year—Compact Pickup 4x4” and two other SmartChoice awards.

� GreAT UTIlITyTacoma offers impressive functional utility.

� Higher tow rating When equipped with the V6 engine and available towing package, Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab out-pulls the comparable Frontier 4x4 model. �Wider stance, better maneuverability Even with its wider, aggressive-looking wheel track, Tacoma still out-maneuvers Frontier with a tighter turning circle. � Tough composite cargo bed Tacoma’s rugged Sheet-Molded Compound (SMC) cargo bed resists dents and won’t rust.

� SAFeTyTacoma’s impressive list of standard safety features includes items you won’t find on Frontier.

� Advanced braking technology Tacoma has standard Brake Assist (BA), a feature not offered on Frontier, even as an option. � Trailer Sway ControlNew for Tacoma 2012, Trailer Sway Control is standard equipment on V6 PreRunner and 4x4s. It’s not offered on Frontier.

See page 6 for more information on Tacoma Access Cab.

� FUel-eFFICIenT VVT-i POWerTacoma’s advanced DOHC VVT-i V6 and four-cylinder engines blend efficiency and performance.

� Better V6 ePA-estimated fuel economy All Tacoma V6 models with five-speed automatic transmission have superior EPA-estimated fuel economy vs. comparable Frontier V6 models. � Better four-cylinder power and ePA-estimated fuel economy Not only does Tacoma’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine deliver more horsepower and torque than Frontier’s four-cylinder, in 4x2 models, it also has superior EPA-estimated fuel economy. (See page 6 for more info.)

� leGendAry VAlUeTacoma is considered the gold standard for compact- pickup value, and it has the credentials to back up that status.

� lowest predicted ownership costs According to IntelliChoice®, 2011 Tacoma owners may save thousands of dollars over five years of ownership vs. Frontier. � Awarded for residual value Tacoma won the 2011 Automotive Lease Guide Residual Value Award for mid-sized pickups. Frontier didn’t.

2011 Nissan Frontier Crew shown

� FUel-eFFICIenT VVT-i POWer2011 Nissan Frontier Crew shown

Look inside for detailed info about this summary,

Though Tacoma consistently sells in greater numbers, Nissan’s Frontier is frequently on many compact-truck customers’ shopping lists. The current-generation Frontier made its debut as a 2005 model and returns for 2012 with a few detail improvements. While it doesn’t compete with Tacoma in all three cab sizes (Frontier doesn’t offer a Regular Cab), Frontier’s

2012 Tacoma

october 2011Updated 10/3/11

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20I2 TACOMA vs. 20I2 NISSAN FRONTIER

Frontier comes in two cab sizes: King Cab, which is comparable to Tacoma Access Cab, and Crew Cab, which goes up against Tacoma Double Cab. There is no Regular Cab Frontier. There are four model grades, starting out with the stripped-down S and stepping up through the better equipped SE and LE to the off-road-themed PRO-4X.

Here’s a look at some of the major features of the Frontier range:

S

Engine

2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder

Transmissions

5-speed manual (King Cab)6-speed manual (Crew Cab)

Driveline

4x2

Cabs

KingCrew

Standard Features

Anti-lock brakesBrake-force distributionDriver and front-passenger airbagsFront seat-mounted side airbagsSide-curtain airbagsFront active headrestsAudio wiring with 4 speakersRear heating ductsCarpeted floor4-way-adjustable driver’s seatPower steeringRear jump seatsRear underseat storageTinted glassLocking, removable tailgateCargo box lightCargo tie-down hooksFull-size spare15-inch steel wheels

Crew Cab adds:Anti-theft systemTraction controlStability controlAM/FM/CD audio systemAir conditioningRear split-folding bench seatsTilt steering columnRear-window defogger

Compare to

Tacoma Access Cab

Tacoma Double Cab

nissan Frontier at a Glance

Nissan Frontier

grades, starting out with the stripped-down S and stepping up through

Nissan Frontier

SV

Engines

2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder 4.0-liter 24-valve DOHC V6

Transmissions

5-speed manual (King Cab 4-cyl.)6-speed manual (King Cab V6, Crew Cab SWB)5-speed automatic (Crew Cab LWB)

Drivelines

4x2 (Crew Cab)4x4 (King Cab and Crew Cab)

The standard features of the SV differ from the S by adding:

AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakersAnti-theft systemPower side-view mirrorsPower door locksPower windowsSliding rear window16” alloy wheelsCruise control

SV V6 adds:Satellite radio capability

Crew Cab additionally adds:6-speaker audio system

Compare to

Tacoma Access Cab with SR5 package

Tacoma Double Cab with SR5 package

3

20I2 TACOMA vs. 20I2 NISSAN FRONTIER

nissan Frontier at a Glance

Nissan FrontierNissan Frontier

SL

Engine

4.0-liter 24-valve DOHC V6

Transmission

5-speed automatic

Drivelines

4x24x4

Cab

Crew

The standard features of the SL differ from the SV by adding:

Power 8-way-adjustable driver’s seatHeated front seatsLeather-trimmed seatingLeather-trimmed gear knob and steering wheelPremium audio system with 6-CD changer, satellite service and 9 speakersHands-free phone capabilityGarage-door openerCompassExternal temperature gaugeBed linerRoof rackHeated sideview mirrorsAutomatic headlampsFront fog lamps18-inch alloy wheels

4x4 adds:Hill-start assistanceHill-descent assistance

Compare to

Tacoma Double Cab with SR5 package

Pro-4X

Engine

4.0-liter 24-valve DOHC V6

Transmissions

5-speed automatic (4x2 exc. Crew Cab SWB 4x2)6-speed manual (4x4, Crew Cab SWB 4x2)

Drivelines

4x24x4

The standard features of the Pro-4X differ from the SV by adding:

Power 8-way-adjustable driver’s seatHVAC air filterAudio system with 6-CD/MP3 changer, satellite service and 6 speakersHands-free phone capabilityLeather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knobCompassExternal temperature gaugeBilstein® shock absorbersBed linerTwo skid platesFront fog lamps

Crew Cab 4x4 adds:Auto-dimming rearview mirrorPremium audio system with 9 speakersOne additional skid plateFront tow hook

Compare to

Tacoma Access Cab V6 with TRD Off-Road Package

Tacoma Double Cab V6 with TRD Off-Road Package

4

20I2 TACOMA vs. 20I2 NISSAN FRONTIER

better V6 ePA-estimated fuel economy

� FUel-eFFICIenT VVT-i POWer

Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6 5AT with TRD Off-Road Extra Value Package has better EPA-estimated fuel economy than Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X 4x4.

Tacoma double Cab AdvantagesA Closer Look

Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6 5AT with TRD Off-Road Package

Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X V6 5AT

EPA-estimated fuel economy, city (mpg)1 16 14

EPA-estimated fuel economy, highway (mpg)1 20 19

� leGendAry VAlUe

Lowest ownership costs

IntelliChoice®2, an industry expert in vehicle ownership costs, illustrates how Tacoma may save its owner more than $7,500 compared to Frontier during the course of five years of ownership. (Most recent available data shown.)

2011 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6 5AT

2011 Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X V6 5AT

Total 5-year ownership costs $33,598 $41,298

Overall IntelliChoice® value rating

Excellent Below average

Intellichoice® award winner

In recognition of Tacoma’s value and retained value, IntelliChoice® gave the 2011 Tacoma (the most recent year evaluated) two awards.

Best Overall Value of the Year – Compact

Pickup 4x4

SmartChoice Retained Value

SmartChoice Ownership Costs

2012 Tacoma Double Cab

Awarded for residual value

Tacoma won the 2011 Automotive Lease Guide Residual Value Award for mid-sized pickups.2 This means Tacoma may be worth more should the owner decide to trade it in.

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20I2 TACOMA vs. 20I2 NISSAN FRONTIER

� GreAT UTIlITy

V6 towing and payload advantages

When both trucks in this example are equipped with the available towing packages, Tacoma V6 can out-pull Frontier V6 or carry more payload.

Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6 5AT with TRD Off-Road Package and Tow Package

Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X V6 5AT Tacoma Advantage

Tow capacity, max. (lbs.)4 6,400 6100 300

Payload, max. (lbs.)5 1295 1102 193

Tacoma double Cab AdvantagesA Closer Look

Wider stance, better maneuverability

Tacoma Double Cab has a longer wheelbase, wider wheel track and tighter turning circle than the comparable Frontier model, as the example here illustrates. Tacoma’s longer wheelbase and wider stance help ride and handling, and its tighter turning circle improves maneuverability in tight quarters.

Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6 5AT with TRD Off-Road Package

Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X V6 5AT

Tacoma Advantage

Wheelbase (in.) 127.4 125.9 1.5

Wheel track, front/rear (in.) 63.0/63.4 61.8/61.8 1.2/1.6

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft.) 40.7 43.3 2.6

tough composite cargo bed

Tacoma is ready to get to work—or serious play—with a rugged, dent-resistant composite bed that won’t rust. Frontier has a steel bed with a spray-in bed liner.

Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6 5AT with TRD Off-Road Package

Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X V6 5AT

Sheet-Molded Compound (SMC) composite bed Standard Not available

5

� SAFeTy

Advanced braking technology

Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 V6 5AT with TRD Off-Road Package Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 PRO-4X V6 5AT

Brake Assist Standard Not available

Tacoma’s standard Brake Assist6, part of the standard Star Safety System™, is designed to detect sudden or “panic” braking and adds the full pressure needed to help prevent a collision. Frontier doesn’t offer this advanced feature.

trailer Sway control

Trailer Sway Control debuts as a standard feature on Tacoma V6 PreRunner and 4x4s. This feature is most often found on “big rig” pickups, but now Tacoma brings it to compact pickups.

Tacoma Frontier

Trailer Sway Control Standard on V6 PreRunner and 4x4s Not available

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20I2 TACOMA vs. 20I2 NISSAN FRONTIER

� CAB-TO-CAB COmPArISOn

TACOmA ACCeSS CAB VS. FrOnTIer KInG CABIn addition to relevant items on Page 1, Tacoma Access Cab has the following advantages over Frontier King Cab:

option Packages

Tacoma offers available packages that include a long list of popular features at a special package price, letting the buyer customize Tacoma. Frontier doesn’t offer comparable packages.•SR5 Package•TRD Off-Road Package•TRD Sport Package

Tacoma Access Cab 4x24-cylinder 4AT

Frontier King Cab XE 4x2 4-cylinder 5AT

Engine 2.7-liter DOHC VVT-i 4-cylinder 2.5-liter DOHC CVTCS 4-cylinder

Horsepower @ rpm 159@5200 152@5200

Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm 180@3800 171@4400

EPA-estimated fuel economy, city/highway (mpg)1 19/25 17/22

better four-cylinder power and ePA-estimated fuel economy

Tacoma Access Cab’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is more powerful than the comparable Frontier powerplant and also has superior EPA-estimated fuel economy1 when both vehicles are equipped with automatic transmission.

Tacoma Access Cab AdvantagesA Closer Look

20I2 NISSAN FRONTIER

2012 Access Cab

©2011 TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A. IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., by the publication and/or dissemination of this publication does not create any warranties, either expressed or implied, as to Toyota products. The information contained herein was up-to-date at the time of publication, but may subsequently be changed or added to without notice and without incurring any obligation. Reliance on this information creates no

liability for Toyota. This publication is produced for use as an information sales aid. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., its employees, representatives, and/or agents shall not be held liable for any omission of data or inclusion of erroneous data even where said omission is alleged to have been relied upon by a buyer of Toyota Products.

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1 2011 EPA mpg estimates. Actual mileage will vary. 2 2011 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com. Best Overall Value of the Year: Compact Pickup. Based on 2011 model year study. SmartChoice Retained Value: Compact Pickup, Regular and Access Cab models only. Based on 2011 model year study. SmartChoice Ownership Cost: Compact Pickup, Access and Double Cab models only. Based on 2011 model year study. 3 Based on ALG’s 2011 Residual Value Award for the Midsize Pickup segment. 4 Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment. 5 Payload includes the weight of occupants, cargo and options; limited by weight distribution. 6 Brake Assist is designed to help the driver take full advantage of the benefits of ABS. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Braking effectiveness also depends on proper brake-system maintenance and tire and road conditions.

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