2020 Nissan Titan vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 carried forward the design elements introduced in its 2019 redesign, maintaining a classic and stoic appearance reminiscent of the "GMT 400" trucks from the late 1980s and '90s. The exterior featured straight lines and crisp angles, while the interior layout remained largely unchanged from the 2018 model, with a flatter dash that gave it a jukebox look. The Sierra was available in six trims, from the Base model with a V6 engine and essential tech features to the luxurious Denali with chrome accents and advanced technology. The AT4 trim, which was off-road-oriented, offered a rugged yet upscale feel with black leather seats and brown accents, while the SLT trim was recommended for its balance of comfort and road-friendly setup.

The 2020 Nissan Titan, while solidly built and stocky, was often seen as lacking excitement compared to its competitors. For 2020, Nissan introduced new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, with the Pro-4X trim adding unique touches like red accents and blacked-out badges. The SV King Cab 4WD test model, however, did not feature these styling updates and was considered plain. The interior of the lower trim impressed with improved materials, a 9-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic moonroof, showcasing a significant upgrade in quality. The Titan's design updates aimed to add spice to its appearance, but it still struggled to stand out in a competitive market.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a diverse range of engine options, including a base 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, and a Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Two V8 engines were available: a 5.3-liter with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The AT4 trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, provided impressive acceleration and off-road capabilities, thanks to its upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 12,100 pounds, and its fuel economy varied depending on the engine, with the most efficient being the turbodiesel at 23/30/26 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Titan featured a single engine option, a 5.6-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium gasoline. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Titan offered strong acceleration and improved low- and mid-range performance. The Titan's towing capacity reached 9,370 pounds with the towing package, which included features like adjustable trailer braking and sway control. The Titan XD, a heavier-duty version, offered reinforced components for higher weights but dropped the diesel engine option. The Titan's ride was composed, though not as smooth as some competitors, and it averaged 16 mpg over a 500-mile test. The Titan's 4WD system was available across all trims, providing versatility for different driving conditions.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, including a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a crew cab with either a standard or short bed. The test model featured a carbon-fiber bed and MultiPro tailgate, which provided versatility and reduced weight. The cabin was equipped with numerous storage options, including cupholders and cubbies, and the rear seats could fold up for additional storage space. The MultiPro tailgate offered multiple functions, such as a bed-extender and steps, enhancing the truck's practicality.

The 2020 Nissan Titan, without a single cab option, 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 provided flexibility for cargo and passengers, though rear legroom was limited compared to the Crew Cab. The Titan's interior was spacious, with features like a cargo organizer, removable smartphone holder, and ample storage space. The Utility package added practical features to the bed, such as a spray-on liner, LED lights, and a rail system for tie-downs. The Titan's bed also included a fold-down tailgate step and a 400-watt AC outlet, enhancing its functionality for various tasks.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a straightforward infotainment system with clear graphics, large icons, and tactile controls for radio and climate settings. The AT4 trim included advanced features like a head-up display, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports. The system's simplicity was appreciated compared to the larger touchscreens found in some competitors, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2020 Nissan Titan's infotainment system was a significant improvement over previous models, with an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen offering modern functionality. The 9-inch display provided high resolution and intuitive controls, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect services included remote capabilities and voice searches, while the new Fender stereo system offered enhanced audio quality. The Titan also featured a 7-inch color display in the instrument panel and standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included various driver assistance features.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 came with standard safety features like a reversing camera, traction control, and airbags. The AT4 trim added advanced safety options, including a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The rear camera mirror provided a digital image to enhance visibility, though it required some adjustment for users.

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 offered optional safety features like adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras, while standard features included a rear-door alert and additional airbags. The Titan's safety enhancements aimed to provide a higher level of protection for occupants.