2021 Redesigned Nissan discussion mega merged thread on a Tacoma site

Kind of like comparing a pellet gun to a AK47 or doing a drag race with a Bugatti and a Tacoma. (You get my point)

Anyone buying in this market segment knows larger tires and a front locker are required for any serious off roading. They could have spent their time and money comparing the Pro and Pro4X.

 

Right, I just don't think they intended it to be a comparison. It was really a real world off road test for the Frontier and the Bronco was along for the ride.

 

I went to check out the new Frontiers tonight and was bummed to only see the SV model. Then I was super bummed to see the dealer mark up at 10K!

Its 47K plus tax and license for a 2022 Frontier SV 4x2 model. That's easily over 50k here in Socal. Did I say it's only 4x2 and did I say, it's the SV model. Nissan is smoking that gooooooood stuff.

 

That bump up is something the dealer is doing. I also just came back from shopping and the Frontier SV 4X4 is starting at 43K Canadian which is only around 35K US. The Pro4X is running around 53K which is around 45K US. Go to the US website and build and find a different dealer.

I managed to take a SV on a good test drive. Felt very similar inside to my 2018 Tacoma Sport but I had more head room and the seat was elevated of the floor compared to the Tacoma. The 9 speed shifted very smoothly and the 3.8 felt like a truck motor (torque). It was nice that you could manually shift the truck and it would stay in a lower gear you selected right up to redline.

 

^ I wasn't too impressed with the SV build quality. I appreciate the new design but I would only consider it, if it were below msrp. I remember walking into Nissan before I got my Tacoma. They were trying to give me the Frontier for 6.5k off msrp. I decided to still purchase my Tacoma at a higher price and I don't regret it. These new ones are closing the gap but at the dealer markup, not a chance.

 

Dealers here are selling at msrp. What quality issues did your notice? I checked out the one I was driving yesterday and didn’t see any issues. Every manufacture will have some issues. Toyota had bed and rear bumper alignment issues on their Tundras and Tacomas. I’ve see a few when doing the PDIs and it was very noticeable and always wondered how it got by the inspection at the factory. It never effected the reliability.

 

^ It wasn't really a build issue, but more of a preference. I didn't like the material they used and it just didn't jive with me. Maybe I factored in the ridiculous 10k mark up and already kicked rocks on the idea. I would've been on the fence at the original asking price. There are some nice features that I do like about it but nothing that would make me get rid of my 3rd gen. Heck, I would really debating on even trading in my 2nd gen Tacoma.

It really imho, doesn't compare to the overall build of the Tacoma. I didn't get a chance to test drive it as well. I wanted to feel that 3.8, 310 HP engine and get a feel for the transmission.

The salesman was an arse hat as well and I didn't want to spend anytime with him in the truck. It's probably a regional thing with the mark up and with Nissans CVT transmission issues, I'll just look into getting the wife a subie. We were coming back from the Subaru dealership and stopped by Nissan. Now, we weren't going to get her the Frontier as it was more of curiosity for me.

We can wait and hope the market goes down for car buyers. We're not in a rush on getting a new vehicle. We're also debating between the AWD Rav4 for her. My sister just got a new 2022 RAV 4 XLE Hybrid AWD with the panoramic sunroof in blizzard white. The wife simply loves it but again, the asking price for these are insane.

 

To me the quality between the two seemed very similar and I’m a retired Toyota tech. I had a 2018 Tacoma and there are some things that I did like about the Tacoma but the lack of torque from the 3.5 and odd shifting 6 speed was something I couldn’t accept. The Tacoma owner who never tows wouldn’t notice it as much. The final straw was the plastic bypass coolant pipe at the back of the engine that would fail and the front timing cover leaks.

 

^ I haven't had those issues with mine and yes, I will say the 3.5 engine is quite lack luster. Maybe when I say build quality, I was basing it off the material used and how the trim finishes feel. I prefer the 4.0 engine in my 2nd gen. I suppose there will be pros and cons for each vehicle. My main issue was the 10K mark up and its seems to be regional.

I will give the Frontier another honest look after everything settles and like all models, fix the bugs.

 

I would have done the same. 10k more is around a quarter of the cost of the truck. Anything new models are selling very quickly and some dealers are taking advantage of it. I just finished ordering up my new frontier and paid msrp. They had tried to add a $950 maintainer service good for one year and $250 all weather floor mats. No issue removing them.

 

My neighbor has a step side Tundra, it's ugly but still cute!

 

Thought it was a PT Cruiser LOL

 

What would you say are the main differences driving-wise between a 2nd and 3rd gen?

 

I just like the response and shift in my 2012 4.0/AT over my 2017 3.5/AT. However I love the interior and overall feel of my 2017. The finish and design is better in the 2017 as well.

 

I looked at the specs for a Pro4X and an Off Road Tacoma and the Frontier weighs in at 4716 pounds compared to 4465 for the Tacoma. The torque difference is only 15 Ft Lbs more for the Frontier but that extra weight probably evens it out.

 

Go drive one and see for yourself. It’s quite noticeable. TFL did a drag race with the 4.0l Frontier and a Tacoma with the 3.5l. Easy win for the Nissan.

https://youtu.be/67hb8fQm2tA

 

The older Frontier with the 4L was about the same weight as the Tacoma where the new one is heavier. Edit: Did a quick Search on Car and Driver and they had 0-60 of 7.3 for the old Frontier and 7.4 for the new one so basically no change.

 

The old 4.0 nissans always were faster, it's why I have one When the transmissions weren't bursting radiators they shifted better as well.

It's a shame Nissan has a terrible drivetrain and suspension layout or they'd be as popular as a Tacoma.

 

So new and old Frontier are almost identical in the 0-60 so the video result would be the same.

 

Yep.