2020 Nissan Titan vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 Nissan Titan maintained a handsomely generic appearance, with a stocky and masculine build. Despite new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, the Titan struggled to stand out among its competitors. The SV King Cab 4WD test truck lacked the styling tweaks of higher trims, resulting in a plain and drab exterior. However, the interior of the lower-trim Titan showcased real quality with better materials, comfortable cloth seats, and a glossy 9-inch touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2020 RAM 2500 exuded elegance and upscale design, standing out among its competitors. The grille, tailored for each trim level, and the sleek LED headlights contributed to its imposing yet refined look. The Limited test truck featured 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, enhancing its carlike demeanor. Inside, the RAM 2500's materials and fit and finish were exceptional, with soft-grained leather, light wood trim, and a stunning color combo, making it feel like a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Nissan Titan featured a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 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 could tow up to 9,370 pounds and carry a payload of 1,680 pounds with the towing package. The Titan XD, with its reinforced frame and upgraded suspension, offered a towing capacity of 10,880 pounds and a payload of 2,450 pounds. The Titan averaged 16 mpg over a 500-mile week.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel with 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The V8 could tow up to 17,350 pounds and carry a payload of 4,380 pounds, while the diesel could tow up to 19,780 pounds and haul a payload of 3,060 pounds. The diesel engine provided strong acceleration and an effective exhaust brake for safe towing. The RAM 2500 averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 miles.

The 2020 Nissan Titan offered two cab options: the King Cab with a 6.5-foot bed and the Crew Cab with a 5.5-foot bed. The King Cab's double-hinged rear doors provided easy access, but rear passengers sacrificed legroom. The Titan's interior featured a cargo organizer, a new smartphone holder, and ample storage space. The Utility package added a spray-on bed liner, LED lights, cargo hooks, and a rail system for tie-downs, making the bed highly functional.

The 2020 RAM 2500 provided three cab options and two bed lengths. The Single Cab offered the most payload and paired with either an 8-foot or 6-foot-4-inch bed. The Crew Cab, available with both bed lengths, provided ample space for passengers. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and offered ultimate luxury. The RAM 2500 featured power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and a spray-in bed liner. The rear air suspension could adjust the trailer hitch height, and the truck offered dual alternators for power-hungry equipment.

The 2020 Nissan Titan's infotainment system featured an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen, with the 9-inch display offering higher resolution and modern functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect data services. The 7-inch color display in the instrument panel provided detailed information. Nissan Safety Shield 360, with front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning, was standard.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came with a standard 5-inch touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade available. The 12-inch display, flanked by switches and knobs, offered a user-friendly interface with large maps and customizable home screens. The 360-degree cameras and dual rear-view cameras provided excellent visibility. The RAM 2500's infotainment system was highly functional and well-executed, with a large display in the instrument cluster duplicating many features.

The 2020 Nissan Titan had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2019 Crew Cab scored 4 out of 5 stars overall. Nissan improved the body structure, earning top Good ratings in all six IIHS crash tests for the Crew Cab. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500 scored a Top Safety Pick+ and 5 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA. Optional driver assists included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, and forward emergency braking. The RAM 1500's strong performance in crash tests contributed to a high safety rating for the RAM 2500.