2020 Nissan Frontier vs 2019 Toyota Tundra

The 2019 Toyota Tundra, despite subtle updates over the years, still felt aged and behind the times compared to its competitors. The technology seemed like an afterthought, and the interior design remained stagnant. However, the Tundra's rugged dependability and simplicity appealed to many pickup-truck shoppers. Toyota offered the Tundra in six trims, all powered by one of two V8 engines paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The base SR trim included features like heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, and an impressive safety suite, all for $31,670. Higher trims like the Limited and TRD Pro added luxury and off-road capabilities, with prices reaching up to $51,140.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Frontier retained a design reminiscent of a 2005 model, which had aged well. The PRO-4X trim stood out with features like a tube-style roof rack, unique alloy wheels, and a spray-in bedliner. Nissan offered the Frontier in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, with various trims and packages. The PRO-4X Crew Cab, priced at $38,745, included leather upholstery and a solidly built interior. Despite its dated design, the Frontier's character and simplicity appealed to those who preferred a traditional truck experience.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra offered two V8 engine options: a 4.6-liter V8 with 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The 4.6-liter engine provided a 1,600-pound payload and 6,800-pound towing capacity, while the 5.7-liter engine increased these figures to 2,630 pounds and 10,200 pounds, respectively. Fuel economy for the 4.6-liter engine was 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined, while the 5.7-liter engine delivered 13/18/15. The TRD Pro trim, with its off-road capabilities, was a standout, offering a raised suspension, off-road tires, and unique TRD touches.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier introduced a new 3.8-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine replaced the old 4.0-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder options. The new powertrain provided smooth and refined performance, with strong acceleration and quick shifts. The Frontier's fuel economy improved to 19 mpg combined for RWD models. However, the Frontier's steering was slow and heavy, and its turning radius was wide. The PRO-4X trim included high-pressure Bilstein off-road shocks, which absorbed trail ruts but allowed road surface irregularities to reverberate throughout the truck.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra's simplicity extended to its towing capabilities, with the 5.7-liter engine offering maximum towing capacity without the need for specific rear axles or towing packages. However, the Tundra's large size made it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and its design exacerbated this issue. Without optional steps or running boards, getting in and out of the truck was challenging for shorter individuals. Driving on crowded city streets or tight off-road trails could be a daunting experience, and the Tundra's size often hampered drivability.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, despite wasted space on the center console, offered plenty of storage in other locations, including dual glove compartments and a bin under the center armrest. The PRO-4X trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though it wasn't one of Nissan's Zero Gravity designs, leading to discomfort after long drives. Rear seat room was tight, with a flat bench seat and minimal backrest angle. The Frontier's bed, equipped with a spray-in bedliner and Utili-Track channel system, could haul up to 1,020 pounds of payload, though it wasn't very deep and had a total volume of 27.1 cubic feet.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra lagged in technology, lacking Android Auto and Apple CarPlay even in the $50,000 TRD Pro trim. The single USB port in the cabin was difficult to locate at night. While the standard safety systems were welcome, the advanced safety features were outdated. The Entune system, though easy to use, was aging quickly. Overall, the Tundra's technology offerings were limited, making it less appealing to tech-focused buyers.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier featured a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, navigation, voice recognition, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pairing an iPhone to Bluetooth allowed the use of Siri Eyes Free, a more natural alternative to the Frontier's voice recognition technology. The Frontier's technology was minimal, reflecting its dated design, which could be both refreshing and frustrating.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra included standard adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, auto high-beams, and a drowsiness monitor. However, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert was only available on higher trims. The Tundra's safety ratings were mixed, with 4-star frontal crash tests and 5-star side crash tests from NHTSA, but a disappointing 3-star rollover rating. IIHS ratings were similarly mixed, with Marginal and Poor ratings in some tests. Braking performance was average, with a stopping distance of 134 feet from 60 mph.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier's safety ratings were less impressive. NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four stars, but the frontal-impact protection was rated three stars for the driver and two stars for the front passenger. The RWD model received a three-star rollover resistance rating. IIHS ratings were also low, with a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test and a Poor rating for the headlights. The Frontier's safety features were limited to a reversing camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control, lacking modern driver-assistance technologies.