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Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2025 Nissan Frontier vs. 2025 Toyota Tacoma: 5 Major Differences
With new lease prices starting for less than $260 a month, Ford is making its electric SUV one of the most attractive EV deals of the season. Both come from rich backgrounds of off-road capability and passenger comfort. Has modern technology helped or hurt either SUV's credibility? I've driven both, and I have some thoughts. Japanese midsize trucks combine practicality and capability Americans have garnered a reputation for their love of trucks over the years, and while many associate that infatuation with full-size models, such as the Ford F-150, mid-size trucks offer sufficient capability at a fraction of the price. If you don't need to tow anything cumbersome, like machinery, trailers, and the like, a midsize truck like the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma could serve you well. Although the Frontier and Tacoma are both built by Japanese manufacturers, there are several key differences to take into account before you buy. Source: Toyota 1. The Toyota Tacoma is available in hybrid form When it comes to fuel economy, the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are nearly evenly matched, depending on configuration. In their base forms, the Tacoma is rated for 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Nissan Frontier earns up to 19 and 24 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively. While the Frontier comes with just one engine option, the Tacoma is also available with a hybrid powertrain. Source: Toyota When equipped with an i-Force Max 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder engine, the Toyota Tacoma earns up to 22 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. While that fuel economy isn't exactly a notable jump, the hybrid powertrain generates 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. That's a dramatic increase compared to the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine's maximum output of 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to a hybrid powertrain isn't cheap, though, with the TRD Sport i-Force Max priced from $46,720. Notably, the top Trailhunter and TRD Pro trim levels are only available with a hybrid powertrain. Source: Nissan 2. Nissan Frontier offers higher towing capacity If you're looking at trucks, odds are you need to tow something, whether that be a trailer, boat, or anything in between. The Nissan Frontier wins the towing contest, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 7,160 lbs in the base model when equipped with rear-wheel drive, a long bed, and King Cab. Opting for a crew cab reduces the Frontier's towing capacity to 7,040 lbs. On the other side of the equation, the Toyota Tacoma's towing capability tops out at 6,500 lbs. in the SR5 model when equipped with rear-wheel drive, a six-foot bed, and extended-cab (XtraCab) configuration. Opting for a hybrid Tacoma reduces the truck's maximum towing capacity to 6,000 lbs. Source: Toyota 3. The Toyota Tacoma is slightly cheaper Midsize trucks are a more budget-friendly alternative to their full-size siblings, especially when every dollar counts. From a budget perspective, the Toyota Tacoma is the better option, as it starts at a slightly lower price compared to the Nissan Frontier at the base level. The base-level Tacoma SR, with rear-wheel drive, an extended cab, and a six-foot bed, is the most affordable option, starting at $31,590. The Nissan Frontier is hot on the Tacoma's trail, though. The Frontier S, with rear-wheel drive, King Cab, and long bed, is the most affordable model, priced from $32,050, which is $460 more than the base Tacoma. There's a pretty dramatic difference in range between the Tacoma and Frontier to take into consideration as well. Nissan's midsize pickup is available in just four trim levels with King Cab and crew cab configurations. The Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, is available in six gas- and five hybrid-powered trim levels, with extended-cab and crew-cab body styles. The Frontier keeps things simple at the top of the range, with an SL model with a crew cab, long bed, and four-wheel drive priced from $45,610. The Tacoma Limited tops the gas-powered models at $52,955, while the TRD Pro sits at the top of the hybrid range, priced from $64,135. Source: Nissan 4. Base Nissan Frontier offers higher performance specs While the base-level Nissan Frontier is the more expensive of the two midsize Japanese pickups, it also provides more bang for your buck. Under the hood of every Frontier lies a 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. That combination produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. In its base form, the Toyota Tacoma comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It puts out just 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Source: Nissan 5. The Toyota Tacoma is available with a manual transmission An automatic transmission is ideal for both city and highway driving, especially when roadways become congested. Both the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier come standard with an eight-speed and nine-speed automatic transmission, respectively, allowing drivers to sit back and relax on the road. If you want a manual gearbox for more challenging driving conditions where you need more control over your speed, however, the Toyota Tacoma is a better pick. Source: Toyota The Toyota Tacoma is available with a six-speed manual transmission, but there are a few caveats to be aware of. First and foremost, not every model is available with a manual gearbox. The base SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road are the only trim levels that can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. All other Tacoma trims come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the manual increases the turbocharged engine's output from 228 to 270 horsepower and 243 to 310 lb-ft of torque. Final thoughts Source: Nissan Both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma are solid midsize trucks, but one could have an edge over the other depending on what you need it to do. If you need higher fuel economy for long drives, the Tacoma is a better choice. If performance or towing capability on a budget is the name of the game, then the Frontier has an advantage. Be sure to check out both Japanese trucks in person before making your final decision. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile
Auto Blog
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Vs. 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor: 5 Major Differences
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Walmart is selling a 'powerful' $60 drill set for only $28, and shoppers say it's 'as good as a DeWalt' Midsize trucks that can take on rough terrain While they aren't as large and in charge as their full-size siblings, the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger are plenty capable all on their own. At the top of the range lies an off-road variant of each pickup. Designed to stand out from the rest of the segment, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor wield an aggressive stance accented by trim-exclusive features. While they're capable on the trails less traveled and wear a rugged design, these off-road midsize pickups have some major differences between them that could make one the better option for some drivers. 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison — Source: Chevrolet 1. Chevy Colorado ZR2 boasts a higher towing capacity The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor are both fully capable on the trails, but towing is another story. Due to the extra equipment that makes these midsize monsters great off-road, Chevy and Ford's top-spec pickups offer less in the way of towing capability. Notably, however, both models can tow a small boat or camper with ease. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison — Source: Chevrolet While a standard Chevy Colorado offers best-in-class towing capacity at 7,700 lbs., the ZR2 model sees its maximum towing capacity drop to 6,000 lbs. Tacking on the more off-road-capable ZR2 Bison package drops towing capacity to just 5,500 lbs. The stock Ford Ranger is nearly as capable as its bowtie-wearing rival, with towing capacity topping out at 7,500 lbs. The Ranger Raptor sees its towing capabilities drop to 5,510 lbs. 2. Ford Ranger Raptor puts up better performance specs Chevy nixed the Colorado's weaker four-cylinder engine for the 2025 model year, leaving just the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the sole powerhouse. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, all Colorado models hit the road with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the ZR2 model gets the same powertrain as all other Colorado models, which is a bit of a letdown, really. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor — Source: Ford The Ford Ranger is typically available with a 2.3-liter turbo four cylinder or 2.7-liter turbo V6, but the Ranger Raptor gets an engine all its own. The off-road variant boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. As you might expect, neither off-road truck is particularly efficient. The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor earns up to 16 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 earns 17 mpg across the board. Adding the ZR2 Bison package drops fuel economy by one mile per gallon. 3. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is cheaper than the Ranger Raptor 2024 Chevrolet Colorado — Source: Chevrolet If you're in the market for a midsize truck capable of heading off-road for under $55,000, then the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is your best option. Priced from $49,600, the Colorado ZR2 model includes five selectable drive modes complemented by an off-road performance display. The Ford Ranger Raptor includes seven drive modes, but costs thousands of dollars more, starting at $56,070. 4. Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison adds to off-road prowess – for a price While the Ford Ranger Raptor is somewhat limited on optional equipment, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is quite the opposite. The available ZR2 Bison package adds a whole suite of off-road equipment, much of it from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Opting for the ZR2 Bison package nets you AEV stamped steel front, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential skid plates. You'll also get AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers, wheel flares, and black AEV and Colorado badging. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado — Source: Chevrolet Colorado models equipped with the ZR2 Bison package get upgraded to 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires. The beadlock wheels stop the tire from slipping off the rim, even at low tire pressure. A bed-mounted spare tire comes standard as well. Inside, the Colorado ZR2 Bison packs AEV all-weather floor mats and front head restraints. Slapping on the ZR2 Bison package will cost you to the tune of $11,700, making Chevy's off-road pickup more expensive than the Ford Ranger Raptor. 5. Colorado ZR2 for rock crawling, Ranger Raptor for desert sands Suspension is a major component in everyday driving, and even more so when adventuring off-road. Notably, both midsize trucks offer around 10.7 inches of ground clearance, with the ZR2 Bison package upping the Colorado's ground clearance to 12.2 inches. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 features Multimatic DSSV dampers and a solid rear axle with leaf springs that make it the ideal truck for taking on more technical trails and rock crawling. When paired with the ZR2 Bison's five skid plates, it all comes together to make the Colorado ZR2 an absolute monster for weekend warriors and thrill seekers alike. 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor — Source: Ford The Ford Ranger Raptor taps in with Fox 2.5-inch shocks with live valve technology. That suspension, combined with the high-powered twin-turbo V6 engine, makes the Ranger Raptor the midsize truck of choice for rampaging through desert sands. Add in the dedicated Baja driving mode, and there's no arguing which midsize truck can tackle off-road terrain at high speeds. Final thoughts Chevy and Ford did well making their off-road trucks stand out from the rest of the range, with rugged styling complemented by a more aggressive aesthetic. This time around, Chevy seems to have put an emphasis on slow rolling off-road adventures, while Ford has given its midsize entry a more energetic setup. Regardless, both trucks pack plenty of power, with Ford's offering getting a slight edge. 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor — Source: Ford While they aren't as tough as their full-size counterparts, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor have carved out a place for themselves among off-road greats. In some cases, their smaller size is an advantage, especially when navigating narrow trails and canyons. No matter your truck of choice, rest assured, these midsize pickups come geared for off-road adventures. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile
