2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2020 Nissan Titan

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth of a truck, prioritizing function over form. Whether in its base trim or the luxurious Denali, the Sierra 2500HD was always ready for serious work. Its massive grille fed multiple radiators, supporting the hard-working engine and other sub-systems. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and chrome wheels. Offered in premium exterior colors, the Denali was one of the flashiest trucks from General Motors. Despite its over-the-top touches, the Denali's cabin was just average, lacking the fit-and-finish found in competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. However, the Sierra 2500HD's simplicity had its advantages, especially in terms of user-friendly controls.

The 2020 Nissan Titan, on the other hand, was described as handsomely generic. It had a stocky, masculine build but lacked the excitement found in competitors like the Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado. For 2020, Nissan added new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, depending on the trim level. The Titan's new LED headlights and taillights added some much-needed spice. The interior of the lower-trim SV King Cab was surprisingly impressive, with better materials and a comfortable, cloth-lined cabin. The 9-inch touchscreen and panoramic moonroof were notable upgrades, showcasing real quality. However, the Titan still struggled to stand out in a crowded market.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a 6.6-liter gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and a staggering 910 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine came with a 10-speed Allison transmission. The diesel engine provided immense power, making it feel like it would never run out of steam. The Sierra 2500HD could tow up to 18,510 pounds and haul a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. Despite its power, the truck had a poor turning radius, making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. The truck averaged 16.5 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

The 2020 Nissan Titan featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when running on premium gasoline. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Titan offered impressive acceleration and improved low- and mid-range performance. The Titan could tow up to 9,370 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,680 pounds with the towing package. The package included a tow mode, adjustable trailer braking, and extended side-view mirrors. The Titan's ride was composed, thanks to its independent front axle and rear leaf springs, and it was quiet due to standard double-pane front windows and an acoustic-laminated windshield. The Titan averaged 16 miles per gallon over a 500-mile week.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. The Denali trim was only offered with the crew cab and a choice of bed lengths. Both bed sizes featured helpful bed corner steps and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate. The MultiPro tailgate, available on higher trims, offered six different configurations, including a massive step into the truck bed. Inside, the 2500HD had plenty of room and numerous storage options, including a storage area below the rear seats on SLT-and-up trims.

The 2020 Nissan Titan, without the 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 could lock at 90 degrees or fold back 180 degrees, providing a completely open area for cargo or passengers. The Titan's interior was spacious, with six cupholders, air vents, power outlets, and USB ports for rear passengers. The optional cargo organizer on the rear floor and the center console's smartphone holder added to the truck's practicality. The Utility package included a factory spray-on liner, LED lights, cargo hooks, and a rail system for tie-downs, making the most of the Titan's bed.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims had an 8-inch infotainment screen, with navigation available. The Denali also featured an 8-inch color driver-information screen in the instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, offering the right tech in a practical package.

The 2020 Nissan Titan's new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen replacing the outdated displays. The 9-inch display was quicker and higher in resolution, with features like pinch-to-zoom maps and customizable home-screen menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard with the 9-inch screen. NissanConnect data services included emergency dialing, stolen vehicle alerts, and remote capabilities. The 7-inch color display in the instrument panel provided detailed information. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with front and rear automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's massive size presented safety challenges, but it came equipped with cameras on all four sides and two-tier trailering mirrors. Standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Nissan Titan had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but the 2019 Crew Cab scored 4 out of 5 stars in safety tests. Nissan improved the body structure for 2020, earning top ratings in IIHS crash tests for the Crew Cab. Standard safety features included driver assists, additional airbags, and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and 360-degree cameras. A rear-door alert was also standard.