2020 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the American market after an eight-year break, drawing from its international version to offer a larger and more sophisticated truck than its predecessor. While it shared some grille styling with the F-Series, the Ranger's design was distinct, avoiding the bulky trend of American trucks. It boasted a clean, aggressive look that highlighted its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was functional but not particularly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand wear but felt less upscale compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger was available in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, with the XLT offering a good balance of features and price, while the Lariat added upscale touches like leather upholstery and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering a variety of trim levels with distinct design identities. The Titan featured a range of grille styles, from dark to chrome finishes, and the Pro-4X model stood out with its black grille and lava-red accents. The truck's lighting was upgraded with new headlights and LED options, enhancing visibility. The Titan's bed was equipped with a Utili-track Bed Channel System, making it easy to secure cargo. Inside, the Titan's cabin received significant updates, including a large infotainment screen and modern design elements. The seats were comfortable, though the steering wheel design felt dated. The Titan offered ample seating and storage space, with features like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window adding to its appeal.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, offering either rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The Ranger's turbo engine provided strong performance at low speeds and for highway passing, with a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds. However, its ride was somewhat stiff, with noticeable chatter and body roll. The Ranger offered FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages, enhancing its off-road capabilities with features like an electronically locking rear differential and Trail Control.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came with a single powertrain option—a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, making it the best-in-class standard powertrain. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Titan offered smooth acceleration and a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The Titan's fuel economy was competitive, though not as efficient as some rivals. It had a towing capacity of up to 9,310 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,680 pounds. The Titan Pro-4X model featured off-road enhancements like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential, making it capable off-road.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with a 2+2 layout, while the SuperCrew offered seating for five with a full rear bench. The SuperCab's rear seats were tight, better suited for children, and accessed via clamshell half-doors. The SuperCrew provided more adult-friendly seating. Both configurations offered practical storage solutions, with deep in-door pockets and a spacious center console. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered seating for five or six, with front bench seats standard and bucket seats available. The Titan's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort for long journeys, though petite drivers might struggle to find an ideal seating position. The Titan offered ample seating space for adults and generous storage in the center console. Features like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added to the cabin's appeal. The Titan's interior was thoughtfully designed, with easy-to-reach grab handles and versatile storage options.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect was included, offering remote access features and a WiFi hotspot. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim featured a premium B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

The 2021 Nissan Titan boasted a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Titan offered a WiFi hotspot for up to seven devices, though a subscription was required. The interface was responsive, and a 7-inch programmable information display was standard. The Titan's audio system could be upgraded to a Fender Premium Audio System, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Ranger received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had a recall related to its ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety options included an Around View Monitor, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. The Titan's warranty was notable, offering five-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.