2012 Nissan Frontier vs. Its Competition

2012 Nissan Frontier 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto PRO-4X Angular Front Exterior View
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

A mid-size pickup with a wide range of talents, the Nissan Frontier is the mechanical twin of the Suzuki Equator, which is sold by that Japanese automaker under license from Nissan.

The Equator's also built in Tennessee, and could be a good deal, provided you can find one at a Suzuki dealer.

The Toyota Tacoma is refreshed for the 2012 model year with a new interior and new connectivity via smartphones.

The Honda Ridgeline hasn't changed much, and while its short bed has lots of hiding places for toys and tools, it's still not much more flexible or useful than the four-door Frontier, though it can be a lot more expensive.

2012 Nissan Frontier 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto PRO-4X Angular Front Exterior View2012 Nissan Frontier
Browse Used Listings		The 2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport. Image: American Honda Motor Co. 2012 Honda Ridgeline
Browse Used Listings		2012 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Double I4 AT (Natl) Angular Front Exterior View2012 Toyota Tacoma
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
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.
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.
6.4
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma's affordable price, fuel-efficiency, and simplicity make it a good, capable alternative for those who don't need a full-size truck.
MSRP From  
$19,260$29,350$17,125
Gas Mileage  
14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine  
Gas 4-cylGas V6Gas I4
EPA Class  
N/A4WD Standard Pickup TruckN/A
Style Name  
2WD King Cab I4 Manual S4WD Crew Cab RT2WD Reg Cab I4 MT (GS)
Drivetrain  
Rear Wheel DriveFour Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity  
453
Passenger Doors  
N/AN/AN/A
Body Style  
King Cab4 Door Crew CabRegular Cab
Transmission  
ManualAutomaticManual
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Honda Ridgeline2012 Nissan Frontier vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma