2020 Nissan Titan vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2020 Nissan Titan was described as handsomely generic, with a stocky and masculine build that, despite its solid construction, failed to stand out in a competitive market. While the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado offered more distinctive styling and luxurious interiors, the Titan struggled to capture attention. However, Nissan made efforts to enhance its appeal by introducing new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, along with restyled LED headlights and taillights. Despite these updates, the lower trims, like the SV King Cab 4WD, lacked the styling tweaks of higher trims, leaving them with a plain appearance. The interior, however, showcased improved materials and comfort, with a glossy 9-inch touchscreen and a panoramic moonroof adding a touch of quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Titan retained the refreshed look from 2020, offering a range of King Cab and Crew Cab trims, each with distinct design identities. The Titan S and SV featured dark grilles, while the SL and Platinum Reserve boasted chrome finishes. The Pro-4X stood out with a black grille and lava-red accents. The 2021 model also benefited from enhanced lighting, with new headlights providing 120 percent more light output and LED fog lights improving visibility. The truck's bed featured multiple LED light sources, a Utili-track Bed Channel System, and a spray-in bedliner, making it practical for hauling. The interior received significant upgrades, including a modern center stack with a large infotainment screen and attractive upholstery, although the steering wheel design felt dated.

The 2020 Nissan Titan was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium gasoline. This engine, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and improved low- and mid-range performance. The Titan's towing and hauling capabilities were enhanced, with a maximum payload of 1,680 pounds and a towing capacity of 9,370 pounds when equipped with the towing package. The ride quality was composed, though not as smooth as some competitors, and the steering lacked the connected feel of the Ram 1500. Fuel economy was acceptable for its size, averaging 16 mpg over a 500-mile week.

The 2021 Nissan Titan continued with the same 5.6-liter V8 engine, maintaining its best-in-class standard powertrain status. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, though it struggled in mid-range gears. The Titan's fuel economy improved slightly, with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined for both RWD and 4WD models. The truck's steering and ride quality were average for the class, with the Ram 1500 offering a smoother ride when equipped with air suspension. The Titan's towing capacity was slightly lower than the 2020 model, with RWD models capable of towing up to 9,310 pounds and 4WD models up to 9,260 pounds. The Pro-4X trim featured off-road-centric equipment, enhancing its capability in challenging terrains.

The 2020 Nissan Titan offered a King Cab with a 6.5-foot bed and a Crew Cab with a 5.5-foot bed. The King Cab's double-hinged rear doors provided flexibility, though rear passengers needed the front doors open to exit. The interior was spacious, with ample storage options, including a cargo organizer and a smartphone holder. The Utility package added practical features to the bed, such as a spray-on liner, LED lights, and a rail system for tie-downs. The Titan's bed also featured a fold-down tailgate step and a 400-watt AC outlet.

In 2021, the Titan continued to offer seating for five or six, with Nissan's Zero Gravity design ensuring comfort on long journeys. Heated and cooled front seats were available, though petite drivers might struggle to find an ideal seating position. The interior provided sufficient legroom and storage space, with a large center console and a smartphone holder. The available panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added to the cabin's appeal. The Titan's thoughtful layout included easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks for added convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Titan featured a significant upgrade in its infotainment system, with an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen offering a modern and intuitive interface. The 9-inch display was particularly impressive, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect data services provided remote capabilities and voice searches through Google. The standard stereo was adequate, with an optional 485-watt Fender stereo available. The Titan also included Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a suite of driver-assist features.

The 2021 Titan boasted a standard 9.0-inch WXGA resolution touchscreen, the largest in its class. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The truck's WiFi hotspot allowed up to seven devices to connect simultaneously. The interface was responsive, though the graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display provided essential driver information. The available Fender Premium Audio System offered an enhanced listening experience, with 12 speakers in Crew Cab models.

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 included adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, and a rear-door alert as optional features.

In 2021, the Titan came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety options included an Around View Monitor camera system and adaptive cruise control. The Titan's five-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty was the best in its class.