2020 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Nissan Titan

When the 2020 Honda Ridgeline arrived for evaluation, it was noted for its unconventional design, resembling a minivan in the front and a pickup truck in the back. This design choice led to some criticism, as trucks are typically expected to look rugged and tough. The second-generation Ridgeline swung too far from the original's unique but odd appearance, resulting in a more suburban look. Despite this, the 2020 model introduced several updates, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing ADAS, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interior, especially in the RTL-E trim, was praised for its quality materials and comfort, though it closely resembled the Honda Pilot's dashboard.

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed 2020 look, offering three King Cab grades and five Crew Cab trim levels, each with distinct interior and exterior designs. The base models featured dark grilles, while higher trims like the SL and Platinum Reserve had chrome grilles. The Pro-4X model stood out with a black grille and lava-red accents. The Titan's new headlights provided significantly better illumination, and the truck bed featured multiple LED lights for improved visibility. The interior saw substantial upgrades, including a modern center stack with a large infotainment screen and piano-black trim. However, the steering wheel design was dated compared to competitors. The Titan's interior was spacious and comfortable, with Zero Gravity seats and available heated and cooled options.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which had undergone improvements for better shift quality. The Ridgeline offered front-wheel drive in Sport and RTL trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option and standard in RTL-E and Black Edition trims. The i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction and torque-vectoring capabilities, making the Ridgeline enjoyable to drive on various terrains. The truck's independent rear suspension and multi-purpose platform contributed to a smooth and comfortable ride. The Ridgeline's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, and it had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came with a single powertrain option—a 5.6-liter V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, making it the best-in-class standard powertrain. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which performed well in low and high gears but struggled mid-range. The Titan offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg combined. The Titan's steering was traditional, with plenty of play, and the ride quality was average for the class. The truck's towing capacity was up to 9,310 pounds for rear-wheel-drive models and 9,260 pounds for four-wheel-drive models. The Pro-4X model featured off-road-centric equipment, including hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offered the comfort and utility of a Honda Pilot with a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable armrests and heated options in all trims except Sport. The rear seat was short on legroom but comfortable, with air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with generous space and a locking, 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk. The composite cargo bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet, along with a truck-bed audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a standard front bench seat, with bucket seats available, allowing the truck to seat five or six. The Zero Gravity seats provided comfort for long journeys, and heated and cooled front seats were available. The Titan offered ample seating space and storage, with a large center console and a small hold for smartphones. The truck also had an available panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window. The interior layout included easy-to-reach grab handles, folding rear seatbacks, and bag hooks under the rear seat cushions.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen Display Audio system, which lacked physical knobs and buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the voice-recognition technology was slow and required specific prompts. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker premium sound system with a truck-bed audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a standard 9.0-inch WXGA resolution infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and satellite radio. Additional features like navigation, HD Radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hotspot were available. The Titan also had a 7-inch programmable information display and an optional Fender Premium Audio System with up to 12 speakers.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Ridgeline received top crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional safety features included forward-collision warning, parking sensors, an Around View Monitor camera system, and adaptive cruise control. The Titan also came with a five-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.