2020 Nissan Titan vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Nissan Titan was a truck that exuded a sense of solid, albeit generic, design. It was stocky and masculine, yet it lacked the flair that made competitors like the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado stand out. Despite new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, the Titan struggled to capture attention. The SV King Cab 4WD model, in particular, lacked the styling tweaks of higher trims, with its plain halogen headlights and drab appearance. However, the interior of the lower-trim Titan impressed with its improved materials, comfortable cloth seats, and a modern 9-inch touchscreen. The Titan showcased real quality, especially in its interior, but it left some yearning for more excitement in its design.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, redesigned for 2020 and further refined for 2021. It offered a variety of body styles, trim levels, and special editions, including the Carhartt Special Edition. The Silverado 2500HD was equipped with new camera technology and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While its exterior design leaned more towards a rugged, Hot Wheels-ready look, it was immensely capable and versatile. The Silverado 2500HD was not as sophisticated as some of its counterparts, but it provided a wide range of options for buyers seeking a heavy-duty truck.

The 2020 Nissan Titan was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque on premium gasoline. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Titan offered impressive acceleration and improved low- and mid-range performance. It could tow up to 9,370 pounds and carry a payload of 1,680 pounds with the towing package. The Titan XD variant, with its reinforced frame and upgraded suspension, offered even higher towing and payload capacities. Despite its power, the Titan maintained a quiet ride with standard double-pane front windows and an acoustic-laminated windshield.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine options: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, provided smoother acceleration and superior towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. The Silverado 2500HD's payload capacity varied depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, with the gasoline engine offering up to 3,979 pounds. While fuel economy figures were not provided, the Silverado HD excelled in highway cruising and maneuverability.

The 2020 Nissan Titan offered a spacious interior, with the King Cab featuring double-hinged rear doors for easy access. The Crew Cab provided additional legroom and a 5.5-foot bed. The Titan's interior boasted practical features like a cargo organizer, removable smartphone holder, and ample storage space. The Utility package enhanced the bed's functionality with a spray-on liner, LED lights, and a rail system for tie-downs. The Titan's bed also included a fold-down tailgate step and a 400-watt AC outlet, making it a versatile choice for hauling cargo.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, with the Crew Cab offering the most rear seat legroom. The truck came standard with a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, with higher trims featuring bucket seats and a center console. Vinyl or cloth upholstery was standard, with options for power-adjustable seats in higher trims. The Silverado HD's interior included assist handles, manual windows, and a rubberized floor. While upper trims approached GMC's premium territory, competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD offered more luxurious appointments.

The 2020 Nissan Titan featured a modern infotainment system with an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen, offering a significant improvement over previous models. The 9-inch display provided high resolution and intuitive controls, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect data services included emergency dialing, remote capabilities, and voice searches. The Titan also offered a 7-inch color display in the instrument panel and Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included various driver-assist features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. While the system worked well, it had limitations when scrolling through radio stations. Standard features included two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Silverado HD offered a range of available features, such as a bed-view camera, Bose audio system, and wireless connectivity options. Chevrolet excelled in camera technology, adding a bed-view camera to lower trims for 2021.

The 2020 Nissan Titan had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2019 Crew Cab received favorable ratings. Nissan improved the Titan's body structure and added standard driver assists, earning it a higher safety rating. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS due to its heavy-duty classification. It came equipped with six airbags, a rearview camera, and an electronic stability control system. The Safety Confidence Package added features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety options included lane-departure warning and OnStar services.