
The Nissan Frontier is by far the oldest mid-size truck on the market, although its lower price and slightly smaller footprint make it worth considering for many buyers with specific needs and budgets.
The Toyota Tacoma is the segment’s most historically popular and it’s a good truck with a solid feel and great off-road credentials.
Better yet are the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado twins with their wide range of engines, car-like handling, and terrific interiors.
The Honda Ridgeline is the thinking buyer’s truck—it’s all the hauler most of us really need.
And if you’re set on a Nissan, the automaker’s Titan full-size truck is generally available at a hefty discount that may make certain configurations not much pricier than the Frontier.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2018 Nissan Frontier is a good, basic truck, but there are far more modern options for not too much more. |
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado can be whatever you need it to be: in-town runabout, suburban slogger, or off-road racing champion. |
The 2018 GMC Canyon is a solid, highly recommended choice among mid-size pickups for its terrific powertrains, comfortable interior, and refined demeanor. |
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline is the most comfortable truck you can drive today. It has the capability that many casual buyers want, but it’s not the choice for heavy duty users. |
The 2018 Nissan Titan and Titan XD fill in the gaps left by others with a reasonable price, reasonable performance, and better warranty. |
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup with the right-sized attitude: it’s nimble off road, capable, and just enough truck for many buyers. |
MSRP From | |||||
$18,990 | $20,200 | $21,100 | $29,730 | $30,030 | $25,400 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-8 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Style Name | |||||
King Cab 4x2 S Manual | 2WD Ext Cab 128.3" Base | 2WD Ext Cab 128.3" SL | RT 2WD | 4x2 Single Cab S | SR Access Cab 6' Bed I4 4x2 AT (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||||
Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
4 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
King Cab | Extended Cab Pickup | Extended Cab Pickup | Crew Cab | Single Cab | Access Cab |
Transmission | |||||
Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2018 Nissan Frontier vs. 2018 Chevrolet Colorado | 2018 Nissan Frontier vs. 2018 GMC Canyon | 2018 Nissan Frontier vs. 2018 Honda Ridgeline | 2018 Nissan Frontier vs. 2018 Nissan Titan | 2018 Nissan Frontier vs. 2018 Toyota Tacoma |