2020 Nissan Titan vs 2019 Ford F-150

When Ford redesigned the F-150 for 2015, it stirred conversations with its twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine and extensive use of aluminum for body panels. Ford refreshed the truck in 2018, so the 2019 model largely retained its existing aesthetics. Despite General Motors mocking Ford’s aluminum use in ads, they eventually adopted similar materials for the Silverado in various areas.

The F-150's trim levels ranged from the no-frills XL to the luxurious Limited. The base XL came equipped with essential features like a reversing camera and AM/FM radio, while the XLT added power windows, locks, an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment screen, and a USB port. Moving up to Lariat introduced leather interiors, heated and ventilated front seats, and satellite radio. The King Ranch, offered since 2001 and admired for its luxurious interiors, showcased Camel Back upholstery with a distinct “flying W” logo. The Platinum trim provided additional luxury with unique wood-panel interiors and power-deploying running boards. The Raptor served as a performance beast with off-road capabilities, while the Limited was the epitome of luxury, featuring massaging seats, a dual-panel moonroof, and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels.

The 2020 Nissan Titan, on the other hand, retained its solid, stocky, and masculine look. Nissan updated the model with new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices. Buyers could select from three grille options corresponding to different trims, adding varied visual styles to the lineup. LED headlights and tail lights were designed to create a modern and stylish appearance. The Pro-4X trim received unique styling elements, such as blacked-out Nissan badges with red lettering and red tow hooks, adding a sporty flair.

The test truck, an SV King Cab 4WD, came with simple yet functional interiors. It featured better materials than its predecessors, particularly on soft-touch surfaces, and a new 9-inch touchscreen that modernized the infotainment experience. Despite lacking features like the luxurious Platinum Reserve trim, the updated interior design and functionality were noteworthy improvements.

The 2019 Ford F-150 introduced a new 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 engine, producing 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. The base model used a 3.3-liter V6 making 290 hp and 265 lb-ft. The lineup also included a 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, available in 375 hp or 450 hp versions. The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 delivered 395 hp and 400 lb-ft. The diesel engine impressed with its towing capacity of up to 11,400 pounds and smooth, quiet performance. Almost all engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for optimal efficiency and power delivery.

Fuel economy varied across the range, with the diesel engine offering 22 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined for RWD models. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 achieved 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined with RWD, while the V8 with 4WD was the least efficient, returning 16 mpg city, 22 highway, and 18 combined.

For the 2020 Nissan Titan, the 5.6-liter V8 engine delivered 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination offered strong acceleration and improved towing and hauling capabilities. The Titan could handle a 1,680-pound payload and tow up to 9,370 pounds with the towing package, which included tow mode, adjustable trailer braking, sway control, and extended mirrors. The Titan XD variant offered impressive towing and payload capacities, with reinforced frames and upgraded components for heavy-duty performance.

Ride quality and handling were commendable, with independent front suspension and rear leaf springs. The Titan also featured standard double-pane front windows and an acoustic-laminated windshield for a quieter cabin experience. Fuel efficiency was estimated to improve over the previous model, with the test achieving an average of 16 mpg over 500 miles.

The 2019 Ford F-150 offered a variety of bed and cab configurations, including single cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew with different bed lengths. The SuperCrew, driven during the test, provided an exceptionally spacious cabin with ample storage options, such as deep cupholders, a massive center console, and large in-door bins. The rear bench seat folded up to create a substantial load floor for additional cargo space, making it versatile for both passengers and gear.

Comparatively, the 2020 Nissan Titan started with the King Cab featuring a 6.5-foot bed, while the Crew Cab offered a 5.5-foot bed. The King Cab's double-hinged rear doors allowed for versatile cargo access, but rear passengers would experience limited legroom compared to the Crew Cab. The Titan emphasized rear-seat comfort with six cupholders, air vents, multiple power outlets, and optional heated seats. The innovative cargo organizer on the rear floor and a versatile Utility package further enhanced the functionality of the Titan’s bed, which included a spray-on liner, LED lights, cargo hooks, a rail system, and a fold-down tailgate step.

The 2019 Ford F-150's base XL came with a basic Sync infotainment system featuring a 4.2-inch screen. Higher trims, such as the XLT and above, offered the advanced Sync 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The user-friendly interface and recent iOS 12 update allowed third-party map apps, improving navigation options. The King Ranch trim included a Wi-Fi hotspot and a premium sound system by B&O Play.

The 2020 Nissan Titan vastly improved its infotainment system with either an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen. The 9-inch option provided a high-resolution, intuitive interface with pinch-to-zoom maps, custom home-screen menus, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect services included emergency dialing, remote capabilities, and compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A 7-inch instrument panel display enhanced driver information accessibility. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering comprehensive driver assistance and safety technology.

The 2019 Ford F-150 came with standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. The Limited trim included a 360-degree camera system for better maneuverability. Additionally, various driver-assistance features were available, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2020 Nissan Titan hadn't yet been tested by NHTSA or IIHS before, but improved safety features hinted at better ratings. Standard driver assists included front and rear automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams. Optional upgrades were adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and 360-degree cameras. A rear-door alert became a standard feature, enhancing safety awareness for rear passengers.