2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a testament to function over form, boasting a massive scale that was ready for serious work. Whether in the base trim or the luxurious Denali, the Sierra 2500HD featured a massive grille that fed multiple radiators, supporting its hard-working engine. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and chrome wheels, making it one of the flashiest trucks from General Motors. Despite its flashy appearance, the Denali's cabin was somewhat underwhelming, lacking the soft-touch materials found in competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. However, the Sierra 2500HD prioritized simplicity and functionality, offering consistent controls across all trims, which was a practical advantage for a work-focused truck.

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering a distinct design identity across its five trim levels. Each trim had a unique grille design, with the Pro-4X featuring a black grille and lava-red accents. The Titan's headlights provided significantly improved light output, and the truck bed was equipped with multiple LED lights for enhanced visibility. The Titan's interior received a modern upgrade with a large infotainment screen and piano-black trim, although the steering wheel design felt dated. The Titan offered comfortable seating with Nissan's Zero Gravity design, but petite drivers might struggle to find an ideal driving position. Overall, the Titan provided ample seating and storage space, with thoughtful features like grab handles and folding rear seatbacks.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two robust 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 an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission, provided exceptional power and acceleration, making it feel unstoppable. Despite its power, the Sierra 2500HD's size resulted in a poor turning radius, requiring careful planning for maneuvers. The truck excelled in towing and hauling capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 18,510 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,979 pounds. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the truck averaged 16.5 miles per gallon during testing.

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 shifts and strong acceleration. The absence of engine start/stop functionality meant it wasn't as fuel-efficient as some competitors, but it achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined. The Titan's steering provided a traditional truck feel, and its ride quality was average for the class. The Titan's towing capacity reached up to 9,310 pounds for RWD models, with a payload capacity of up to 1,680 pounds. The Pro-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, with the Denali trim offering a crew cab and a choice of standard or long bed. The truck featured helpful bed corner steps and an innovative MultiPro tailgate with six configurations, including a step into the truck bed. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD provided ample room with numerous storage options, including a storage area below the rear seats in higher trims.

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, and heated and cooled front seats were available. While the Titan offered sufficient seating space, petite drivers might find it challenging to reach the pedals comfortably. The truck provided ample storage space, including a large center console and smartphone holders. Optional features like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added to the Titan's appeal.

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 connectivity. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a color driver-information display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, providing essential tech without overwhelming complexity.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Titan offered additional tech options like navigation, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. While the screen was visually appealing, its graphics were less modern than competitors. The Titan also included a 7-inch programmable information display and an available Fender Premium Audio System for enhanced sound quality.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's size posed safety challenges, but it was equipped with cameras on all sides and two-tier trailering mirrors for improved visibility. Standard safety features included airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came standard 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 boasted a five-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, the best in its class.