2020 Nissan Titan vs 2021 RAM 1500

The 2020 Nissan Titan had a solid and somewhat generic appeal. From its stocky and masculine appearance to its sturdy build, the Titan didn’t exactly struggle to maintain a handsome presence. However, compared to its competitors, it lacked that extra spark of excitement. The Titan tried to keep pace with the industry by introducing new exterior paints, wheels, and three grille choices that varied by trim, but it still didn’t stand out in a crowded market. Additional embellishments like new LED headlights that seamlessly flowed into the fenders and the introduction of restyled LED taillights attempted to inject some flair, but the overall design remained rather pedestrian.

The interior experience varied significantly by trim. The SV King Cab 4WD, for instance, lacked some of the styling flourishes seen on higher trims but made up for it with comfortable, cloth-lined seats and markedly better materials than previous models. The introduction of a glossy, 9-inch touchscreen, a larger instrument panel display, and a panoramic moonroof were welcomed additions, offering a modern touch to what used to be a fairly lackluster cabin. Still, while these updates improved the Titan, it struggled to compete against rivals that consistently brought a luxury-like feel even to lower trims.

In contrast, the 2021 RAM 1500 kept much of its cosmetic design from the complete redesign in 2019, but it didn’t need much updating because it already offered a head-turning look, especially with the introduction of the TRX model. The TRX, engineered with a focus on off-road rally races, presented a more aggressive and functional exterior. Features like the functioning hood scoop, oversized grille, and wider fender vents were not just for show—they added to the truck's robust, rally-inspired aesthetic.

The interior of the TRX combined high durability with luxury. From premium cloth and vinyl to available leather and suede materials, the cabin was designed to be both practical and plush. The SRT-signature flat-bottom performance steering wheel with its leather-wrapped grips enhanced both comfort and control. The 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display dominated the center console but did so in a manner that maintained an upscale feel without being overwhelming. Additional design touches like a vehicle-specific ID marker and the playful Easter eggs featuring scales of a T-Rex and a velociraptor were delightful quirks that added personality to the TRX.

Performance-wise, the 2020 Nissan Titan packed a punch with its 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when running on premium gasoline. This engine, combined with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, delivered impressive straight-line acceleration and responsive low- to mid-range power. The Titan also upped its towing game with a maximum payload capacity of 1,680 pounds and a towing capacity of 9,370 pounds when outfitted with the towing package. While the steering and ride quality didn't quite match the finesse of the RAM 1500, the Titan remained composed and quiet, thanks to double-pane front windows and an acoustic-laminated windshield.

The Titan XD variant, although dropping the Cummins V8 diesel for 2020, offered a beefier setup with reinforced frame components, an extended wheelbase, and upgraded suspension, axle, and brakes to handle higher weight capacities. This configuration resulted in slightly lower gasoline towing and payload numbers compared to 2019 but remained competitive within its class.

Meanwhile, the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX set a new benchmark with its 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine delivering a staggering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This engine enabled the TRX to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and tackle the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. With a maximum payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, the TRX balanced brute strength with impressive speed.

The TRX's on- and off-road prowess was enhanced by multiple drive modes, including a newly calibrated Baja mode, allowing it to handle everything from slow city commutes to high-speed desert runs. Whether on the open highway or rugged off-road terrain, the RAM TRX proved to be an all-around performer with minimal compromise on comfort or capability.

In terms of functionality, the 2020 Nissan Titan offered practical configurations and ample interior space despite lacking the single cab option with its longer 8-foot bed. The King Cab came with a 6.5-foot bed while the Crew Cab featured a 5.5-foot bed. The King Cab's double-hinged rear doors provided versatile cargo and passenger entry methods, albeit with the caveat that rear passengers couldn’t open their doors without the front doors also being open.

The Titan’s interior was roomy, offering plenty of storage solutions like the rear floor cargo organizer and an upgraded center console with a smartphone holder. With the Utility package, the Titan's bed turned into a practical workspace with built-in LED lights, cargo hooks, and a rail system for securing loads, augmented by amenities like a fold-down tailgate step and a 400-watt AC outlet.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, despite its larger exterior, shared similar interior dimensions with the standard 1500. The TRX boasted 40.9 inches of front headroom and legroom, while the rear seats provided 39.8 inches of headroom and 45.2 inches of legroom, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The cabin was packed with practical storage options, including a large top tray and a main storage compartment in the center storage bin.

The TRX took user comfort to another level with things like power-adjustable pedals, which should be standard on all large trucks or SUVs. The seating in the TRX was both compliant and supportive, making long drives less tiring. While both trucks provided competitive towing capacities—9,370 pounds for the Titan and 8,100 pounds for the TRX—the RAM 1500’s significant horsepower advantage and superior suspension system made towing and hauling more efficient and enjoyable.

The technology offered in the 2020 Nissan Titan represented a significant leap from previous iterations, with an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen replacing the dated displays of old. The 9-inch screen, in particular, was notable for its sharpness and responsiveness, easily on par with the best computer monitors. The infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and NissanConnect data services provided a suite of convenient features such as remote unlocking and starting via various devices and voice-activated Google searches.

On the other hand, the standard stereo system in the Titan was merely adequate, making the optional 485-watt Fender stereo a smart choice for audiophiles. The inclusion of four USB ports, including a USB-C port, and a 7-inch color display for detailed driving information rounded out a well-considered suite of technology features.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX didn't just keep pace—it set new standards. Its 12-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen became the centerpiece of the truck’s advanced technology suite. The highly customizable display allowed for quick access to frequently used controls and could be configured as either a single-panel or split-screen. While the glossy surface attracted fingerprints, the intuitive interface and plethora of features like Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages made it indispensable.

Standard tech features in the TRX included wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 4G LTE WiFi, and a six-month SiriusXM subscription. But what truly set the RAM apart was the all-new, customizable head-up display (HUD), the first in any FCA vehicle, offering real-time driving information from navigation and speed to ADAS settings. This leading-edge technology provided a seamless and personalized driving experience.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2020 Nissan Titan, even if it hadn’t yet received ratings for 2020 from NHTSA or IIHS. The Crew Cab model earned respectable 4 out of 5 stars for crash tests in 2019, with top marks for side impact and significant improvements in structural integrity for front impacts. The Titan's suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360 with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warnings, and auto high beams, provided an extra layer of security. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras added to the comprehensive safety package.

For the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, safety came in spades, although official crash-test ratings were not available. Offering more than 100 safety and security features, the TRX could be equipped with advanced ADAS systems, albeit at an additional cost. Features like a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines were standard, while a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking were part of optional packages.

Passive safety measures such as auto-reverse windows and sunroof and an enhanced accident response system, which automatically unlocked doors and illuminated interior lighting after a collision, demonstrated RAM’s commitment to occupant safety.