The shift in the midsize truck market is evident as manufacturers pivot from traditional V6 engines to turbocharged four-cylinders. Notably, the Toyota Tacoma will adopt a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder for the 2024 model year, following its last V6 in 2023. Similarly, the redesigned Chevrolet Colorado has entirely dropped its 3.6-liter V6.
The Nissan Frontier remains a significant exception, continuing to use its 3.8-liter V6, which produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, allows the Frontier to tow up to 7,150 lbs, outperforming competitors in standard power and towing capacity.
As automakers focus on turbocharging to meet EPA standards, the Frontier's V6 stands out in a segment increasingly dominated by smaller engines. With this transition, options for consumers seeking traditional, naturally aspirated V6 midsize trucks have diminished considerably.