2020 Nissan Titan vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a truck that sparked mixed reactions with its bold design. Its exterior, part of the same design language as the Camaro and Blazer, was often criticized for its polarizing aesthetics. Despite initial skepticism, the Silverado's design began to grow on some over time, though it was clear that its primary focus was on functionality rather than form. Inside, the cabin retained a familiar layout, with all controls and features in their expected places, making it user-friendly for those accustomed to previous models. The Silverado offered a range of trims, from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comforts.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Titan was described as handsomely generic, with a solid and masculine build that didn't quite stand out in a crowd. For 2020, Nissan introduced new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, adding some flair to the Titan's appearance. The interior of the Titan, especially in the lower trims, impressed with its quality materials and comfortable seating. The SV King Cab 4WD, although lacking some of the higher trim's styling tweaks, offered a spacious and well-equipped cabin. The Titan's design updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, added a touch of modernity to its overall look.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful V8 engine options, both displacing 6.6 liters. The standard gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax turbodiesel V8 delivered 445 horsepower and a massive 910 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. The diesel engine, while not as responsive as the gas V8, provided impressive towing capabilities, with the ability to tow up to 18,500 pounds. The Silverado's fuel economy was not officially rated, but it managed an observed 17 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Nissan Titan featured a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium gasoline. This engine was paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, enhancing its acceleration and overall performance. The Titan's towing capacity improved with the towing package, allowing it to handle up to 9,370 pounds of trailer weight. The Titan's ride was composed, though not as smooth as some competitors, and it offered a quiet cabin thanks to double-pane front windows and an acoustic-laminated windshield. The Titan averaged 16 mpg over a 500-mile test, which was reasonable for a truck of its size.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including a spacious Crew Cab with a standard bed. The truck featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, designed to accommodate work boots, and an available power lift-and-lower tailgate for added convenience. The interior of the Crew Cab was expansive, with ample storage options, including a massive center console bin and hidden cubbies within the rear seatbacks. The Silverado's cabin layout remained largely unchanged, providing familiarity and ease of use for drivers.

The 2020 Nissan Titan, without a single cab option, started with the King Cab featuring a 6.5-foot bed. The Crew Cab offered a 5.5-foot bed and full-size doors. The King Cab's double-hinged rear doors provided flexibility for cargo and passengers, though rear legroom was limited compared to the Crew Cab. The Titan's interior was spacious, with numerous storage solutions, including a cargo organizer and a removable smartphone holder. The bed, equipped with the Utility package, featured a spray-on liner, LED lights, and a rail system for easy tie-downs, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD showcased a restrained approach to technology, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the Work Truck and Custom trims, and an 8-inch screen on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a straightforward layout and large icons. The truck offered multiple USB ports and power outlets, with wireless charging available on higher trims. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on the LT and above, providing connectivity for all devices.

The 2020 Nissan Titan's infotainment system was a significant upgrade, featuring an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen with a modern, intuitive interface. The 9-inch display offered high resolution and quick response, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect data services provided remote capabilities and voice searches through Google. The Titan also included a 7-inch color display in the instrument panel, enhancing driver information. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with options for adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came equipped with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera with trailer views and the available Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated to alert the driver, was a notable feature. The Safety Package I offered parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, essential for maneuvering the large truck.

The 2020 Nissan Titan had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but improvements in body structure and standard driver assists were noted. The Titan featured adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and optional 360-degree cameras. A rear-door alert was standard, enhancing safety for rear passengers. The Titan's safety features and structural enhancements contributed to a higher safety rating.