2013 Toyota Tacoma vs. Its Competition

2013 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Double Cab I4 AT (Natl) Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 6.2 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

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Apr 5, 2013

With its not-quite-full size and its not-so-secret off-road persona, the Toyota Tacoma doesn't have many natural competitors.

There's one exactly in its crosshairs: the Nissan Frontier, a mid-size pickup that we think is better suited for everyday drivers thanks to a better interior package, slightly better drivability and a bit less focus on the trailblazing.

Its fraternal twin is the Suzuki Equator, a rare badge-engineered version that Nissan builds alongside the Frontier for Suzuki.

The Honda Ridgeline has a far more spacious interior and more comfortable ride; it's not at all biased toward off-road capability, but instead to toting ATVs, motorcycles, and other paraphernalia in its stubby, cubby-riddled bed.

2013 Toyota Tacoma Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Suzuki Equator	2012 Ford F-150 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda Ridgeline Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Nissan Frontier Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
6.2 If you don't truly need a full-size truck, the Toyota Tacoma's price and simplicity could make it a viable alternative--but it can get expensive, and its ride and gas mileage will have you reconsidering your motives.	7.6 Smart cargo solutions and good off-road capability make the 2013 Suzuki Equator a solid choice for weekend warriors.	8.2 Efficient and burly, the 2012 Ford F-150 shares the lead in full-size trucks thanks to extreme capability and extreme high-tech features.	7.4 The 2012 Honda Ridgeline won't satisfy those who need a real full-size truck, but for those who need hauling on occasion, it offers an interesting alternative.	7.6 You may not need to go full-size--the 2012 Nissan Frontier pickup truck can cover a lot of the same ground a bigger pickup can.
MSRP From
$17,625	N/A	$23,500	$29,350	$19,260
Gas Mileage
15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy		11 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy	14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	N/A	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas V6	Gas 4-cyl
EPA Class
N/A	N/A	N/A	4WD Standard Pickup Truck	N/A
Style Name
2WD Reg Cab I4 MT (Natl)	N/A	2WD Reg Cab 126" XL	4WD Crew Cab RT	2WD King Cab I4 Manual S
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	N/A	Rear Wheel Drive	Four Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
3	N/A	3	5	4
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Regular Cab	N/A	Regular Cab Pickup	4 Door Crew Cab	King Cab
Transmission
Manual	N/A	Automatic	Automatic	Manual