2020 Nissan Titan vs 2020 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Nissan Titan maintained its reputation for being handsomely generic, with a stocky and masculine build that was solid but lacked excitement. Despite new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, the Titan struggled to stand out against competitors like the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado. The SV King Cab 4WD model, in particular, lacked the styling tweaks of higher trims, with plain halogen headlights and a drab exterior. However, the interior of the lower-trim Titan impressed with improved materials, comfortable cloth seats, and a modern 9-inch touchscreen, showcasing a newfound quality that elevated its appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline faced a design challenge, with a front resembling a minivan and a rear like a pickup truck, which even caught the attention of a 12-year-old. The Ridgeline's styling was a departure from the rugged look expected of trucks, and while it offered several updates, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission and standard Honda Sensing ADAS, the design remained a point of contention. The interior, however, exuded quality with perforated leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, though it closely resembled the Honda Pilot's dashboard, emphasizing its suburban utility.

The 2020 Nissan Titan boasted a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided impressive 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. Despite its power, the Titan's steering and ride quality fell short compared to competitors, though it offered a quiet cabin with double-pane front windows. The Titan XD variant, with reinforced frame and upgraded suspension, catered to those needing higher towing and payload capacities.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured a smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system enhanced its off-road capability, allowing power transfer to individual wheels for added traction. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a payload of 1,580 pounds, the Ridgeline was more capable than expected. Its independent rear suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive made it enjoyable to drive on pavement, offering a comfortable ride without compromising handling. The Ridgeline's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Nissan Titan offered versatility with its King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, providing ample interior space and practical features. The King Cab's double-hinged rear doors allowed for easy access, though rear passengers sacrificed legroom compared to the Crew Cab. The Titan's interior boasted numerous storage options, including a cargo organizer and a spacious center console. The bed, equipped with a Utility package, featured a spray-on liner, LED lights, and a rail system for securing cargo. Additional conveniences included a fold-down tailgate step and a 400-watt AC outlet, enhancing the Titan's utility.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline combined the comfort of a Honda Pilot with the utility of a pickup truck, offering a 33.9 cubic-foot cargo bed. The interior featured comfortable seats with adjustable armrests, though rear legroom was limited. The Ridgeline excelled in in-cab storage, with ample space and a flip-up rear seat cushion for additional storage. The composite cargo bed included a 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk with a drain plug, allowing for versatile use. The tailgate could drop or swing to the side, and a power outlet and truck-bed audio system added to its functionality.

The 2020 Nissan Titan's infotainment system marked a significant improvement, featuring an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen with modern functionality. The 9-inch display offered high resolution and intuitive controls, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect data services provided remote capabilities and voice searches through Google. The Titan also included a 7-inch color display in the instrument panel and Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered a suite of driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline's Display Audio system came standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, though it lacked physical controls and had slow voice-recognition technology. Steering wheel controls were essential for ease of use, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and navigation, but user experience issues persisted. The Ridgeline's infotainment system, while functional, required patience and adaptation.

The 2020 Nissan Titan had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but improvements in body structure and standard driver assists enhanced its safety profile. The Titan offered adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, and optional 360-degree cameras. A rear-door alert was standard, adding an extra layer of safety.

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline featured standard Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights and blind-spot warning. The Ridgeline earned top crash-test ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in the small overlap frontal impact test for the front passenger. NHTSA awarded the Ridgeline five-star ratings, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.