2020 Nissan Titan vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

In 2020, the Nissan Titan maintained a look that was both robust and somewhat understated. Described as “handsomely generic,” the Titan showcased a stocky and muscular aesthetic built on solid bones, yet it lacked that dynamic flair that made competitors like the Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 stand out. Even with the introduction of new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, the Titan struggled to leave a lasting impression. The three grille options varied by trim level, featuring black with a body-color surround for lower trims, all chrome for upper trims, and gray with red accents for the Pro-4X. The corresponding tailgates echoed these designs, with chrome on the Platinum Reserve and matte gray on the Pro-4X with embossed “T” logos that resembled cattle horns. The new LED headlights, with their dark-tinted housings and sharp LED running lamps, along with the restyled LED taillights, attempted to add a touch of sophistication and spice. The interior of the lower-trim SV King Cab 4WD, despite lacking the more stylish elements of higher trims, impressed with its better-quality materials, particularly on the soft upper dash and door panels. The cloth seats, adorned with diamond stitching, felt notably comfortable. The introduction of a 9-inch touchscreen and larger instrument panel display, alongside options like a panoramic moonroof, elevated the interior quality significantly. This revamped interior brought the Titan closer to a sense of real quality, even if it still couldn’t rival its flashier competitors. Conversely, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 projected a more striking presence on the road. With three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, each presenting a unique look, the Silverado offered something for almost every taste. Our test truck, an LTZ trim with a crew cab and short bed, came in a vibrant Northsky Blue with ample chrome accents and polished 20-inch aluminum wheels. This combination granted it an attractive and commanding posture. However, the interior of the Silverado fell short of expectations. Despite features like silver accent trim and extensive storage options, the cabin felt dated with glossy plastic and large panel joints detracting from a sense of quality. The infotainment screens were smaller compared to those in rivals, and the overall interior lacked the finesse expected from a modern full-size truck.

The 2020 Nissan Titan boasted a powerhouse under the hood with its 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when running on premium gasoline. This engine, combined with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and enhanced low- and mid-range performance. In terms of towing and hauling, the Titan carried up to a 1,680-pound payload and could tow up to 9,370 pounds when equipped with the towing package, which also included a tow mode, adjustable trailer braking with sway control, and extended side-view mirrors. The Titan’s ride, although not as smooth or connected as a Ram 1500's, remained composed thanks to its independent front axle and rear leaf springs. The cabin was notably quiet due to double-pane front windows and an acoustic-laminated windshield. The previous diesel option, a 5.0-liter Cummins V8, was dropped for 2020, making the XD variant the sole choice for higher weights with slightly reduced towing and payload capacities compared to its 2019 counterpart. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured a range of engine options, but the Duramax turbodiesel engine in our test truck stood out. With 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm, it offered smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency, delivering an average of 22.6 mpg in combined driving. The Duramax’s towing capacity was 9,500 pounds with RWD and 9,100 pounds with 4WD, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, the Silverado’s maximum towing and payload capacities were far higher with other engine configurations, reaching up to 13,300 pounds for towing and 2,280 pounds for payload with the right setup. Despite its agility in various driving conditions, the Silverado’s standard suspension allowed excess body movement on the highway, and its off-road performance revealed a need for the Z71 Off-Road Package to handle rougher terrains better.

The 2020 Nissan Titan offered 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 were particularly practical, allowing for extensive cargo access despite limited legroom compared to the Crew Cab. The interior provided ample space for storage, including a new smartphone holder and a multifunctional center console. The bed, enhanced by the Utility package, included a factory spray-on liner, LED lights, cargo hooks, and a versatile rail system with removable cleats. A fold-down tailgate step and a 400-watt AC outlet added to the bed’s functionality. In comparison, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 excelled in interior space and cargo capacity. The crew cab provided vast amounts of headroom and legroom for rear passengers, with available heated outboard seats and a power sliding rear window. Storage solutions included dual glove compartments and in-cushion rear seat storage, though they lacked secure storage for valuables. Chevrolet claimed the deepest and roomiest bed among competitors, equipped with the useful CornerStep bumper and up to 12 tie-down hooks. The optional Multi-Flex tailgate offered six different configurations, enhancing the truck’s versatility.

The 2020 Nissan Titan introduced a significant upgrade in its infotainment system with either an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen. The 9-inch display, with its modern and intuitive interface, supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect services provided a seamless integration with features like remote start and emergency dialing. The 7-inch color instrument panel display offered detailed vehicle information. Nissan Safety Shield 360 brought a suite of advanced driver-assist features as standard, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, while offering the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 with an 8-inch HD display, lagged behind competitors in screen size. However, the system was responsive and visually appealing, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims included enhanced voice recognition and wireless smartphone charging. The Silverado also offered a head-up display and a rear camera mirror, though the standard Bose audio system lacked premium sound quality. Advanced trailering technologies were available but didn’t measure up to rivals.

The 2020 Nissan Titan’s safety credentials were bolstered by structural improvements and a range of standard safety features. Although official ratings for the 2020 model weren’t available, the 2019 Crew Cab had received favorable crash-test scores. With enhancements in body structure and additional airbags, along with features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, the Titan promised improved safety.