Family Friendly?

[JackWhite75]

Hello all. I will be purchasing a new truck in the next few months and am having trouble deciding which truck would be best. I leaned towards the Tundra at first, but wonder if it's too big. My daughter is 9 and I will be getting married next year. Not sure when we might have kids, but you never know. I've been comparing the Taco and the Frontier. Everything seems to be similar between both trucks, but one of my main concerns is interior space. My fiancee has an 06 Xterra and I like the interior room and the way the seats sit. The only problem is it's not roomy enough for storage, or her flags for her color guard group. According to the specs, the Frontier has a slight edge on the Taco, but I keep hearing how spacious and roomy the Taco's interior lays out. Another concern I've heard from Taco owners is how low the seats sit. I have an 83 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer and don't like how low the seats sit, because it's hard for me to see around corners and going over hills. Are the seats adjustable, or is this rumor unfounded? Either way I go, I will be getting the long bed version. Experiences and comparisons between these two trucks will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Splicer]

Originally Posted by JackWhite75

I've been comparing the Taco and the Frontier. Everything seems to be similar between both trucks, but one of my main concerns is interior space.

I found Tacoma's rear seat access to be much better than Frontier's -- door openings are much larger, and iirc, the seats are bigger & more comfortable too. And I seem to recall the rear windows of the Frontier don't go all the way down, but I'm not sure about that. Your kid(s) -- and anyone else who sits back there -- will definitely prefer being in a Tacoma.

Another concern I've heard from Taco owners is how low the seats sit. Are the seats adjustable, or is this rumor unfounded?

Tacoma's seats do sit a bit low relative to the floor, somewhat like a car -- and they are not height adjustable. However, my wife & I are both short, and while I would like a bit more seat height, it's not a problem. Try sitting in one (or better, a test drive) and see what you think.


A forum search will probably find a few threads comparing the trucks. They are similar in many ways, and Frontier is a good choice if you don't get a Taco. I have read many times that Frontier's real-world fuel economy falls a bit short, though -- if that's important to you. And Tacoma's resale value is better.

[05Moose]

I'm 5'6" and the seats don't seem low at all, in fact I feel like I sit pretty high. Maybe taller people are the ones having issues with the seats? Anyway, I've got a 10 year old and we purchased an '05 Dbl Cab, 4x4, Long Bed in December 04. Other than the occasional windshield wind noise when the wind current reaches 90 MPH (speed alone or speed + wind gusts), I haven't had a single problem. I like the storage under and behind the rear seats. I also have a LEER tonneau with rubbermaid containers for storing extra stuff to keep it clean...that solved my cargo issues. After reading about how many people are having issues with things like clutch noises and such, maybe your best bet is to look through both vehicle forums and see what kinds of problems they both have (obviously the issues with the longer threads usually mean more people are experiencing the problems).

I do love my truck. It's been reliable, dependable, comfortable, and handles well in the snow (I live in snow country). We got the Dbl Cab because we knew we'd be keeping the truck for a very long time and wanted to have the room to carry teenagers. It'll work well. Also, definitely get the long bed. I wasn't planning on it, but after 3 years there have been so many times I would have been screwed had I gotten the short bed (long bed holds a Full-sized mattress and boxsprings). Also, get the fog lights, it makes a huge difference at night (not to mention swapping out the bulbs for the Sylvania Ultribrights has made another huge difference).

Anyway, good luck and good hunting.

[demoncleaner]

Like 05Moose I got my 05' in Dec 04, and have been a happy customer since. My buddy has an 07 Frontier crew cab. Also a nice truck. Feels a little heavier. Engines are close with Taco a little faster. Taco also get a little better mileage.

Interior-wise, I like the Taco better, my seat are more comfy and the rear seats are more laid back than the Fronty's more upright. However Fronty's rear seats fold up and down, which is much better for different interior loads than our 3 step process, fold down only in the Taco.

Both of our trucks are short beds (I wanted the 6spd, so only short box), but I have a homemade extender to make it 6.5ft (see pics). The bed compartments and power outlet are nice on the Taco, but those make the bed width 4 inches less than the Fronty. Overall both are nice and come with lots of tiedowns and a liner.

In the end its your call, may be able to get a little better price on the Fronty, but it wont hold its value as well in the long run to the Taco.

[Marazzito]

They are both at the top of the Mid Sized truck class and both awesome trucks. When I bought my Tacoma I went back and forth between the two. I went with the Tacoma because it has a slightly higher tow rating 6,500 for the 4x4 DC, Nissan was I beleive 6,100. Seems close, but when towing a 6,000 lb trailer, it helps nowing that I am not right at the limit. Also, back seats felt a little bigger in the Tacoma. And finally, the Tacoma interior just felt nicer, not that the Nissan's is cheap looking, just I liked the Tacoma's better. Really they are both great trucks and very similer in capabilty, size and refinement. Both are a good choice.

[SDtundra858]

The Tundra 5.7 has the same if not better fuel mileage rating than the Frontier 4.0 V6....i was thinking of trading in my 05 Tundra for a Frontier just cause they're somewhat inexpensive used but thought against it when i saw that my V8 got better mileage.....get a Tundra with the front and rear bench seats if people room is of real concern, if not, the captains chairs in front are nice

[Splicer]

Couple more thoughts....

The standard (SR5) seats are different from the TRD seats, and a few people have complained about the seats. I have TRD seats and no complaints at all -- I think they are comfortable and supportive.

Can't recall which publication (possibly Consumer Reports) gave the Tacoma high marks for headlights, and only fair for Frontier. I have not driven a Frontier at night, so no personal knowledge of them... But I am a bit picky about lighting, having used E-codes and auxiliary lamps since the early Seventies. I am quite pleased with Tacoma's H4 headlamps.

On the downside, while Tacoma's tailgate is light & easy to handle, it is also a bit weak. There are ways to strengthen it if you wish -- I have chosen not to. Frontier's heavy gate seems to be plenty stout enough... And while not everyone is a fan of Tacoma's all-plastic bed, I have no complaints about it so far.

[Stormin]

I would say look at the specs and you'll what's what... And go try them out..