2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a straightforward and practical pickup, though it didn't stand out in terms of aesthetics. Its design was clean and simple, with a few drawbacks like the tinny sound of the back doors and a non-functional hood scoop. The Tacoma's body, available in extended Access or four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet maintained enough rugged lines to distinguish it from more cushy SUVs. The TRD Pro model featured redesigned LED headlights and a bold grille, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Tacoma's interior was functional but lacked luxury, with bargain materials and a straightforward layout. Despite its shortcomings, the Tacoma's design had a psychological effect, making drivers feel ready for adventure.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering a variety of trim levels with distinct design identities. The Titan's grilles varied by model, with the Pro-4X featuring a black grille and lava-red accents. The truck boasted improved headlights and LED lighting for the bed, enhancing visibility. The Titan's interior received significant upgrades, including a large infotainment screen and modern trim. While the steering wheel design felt dated, the overall cabin was comfortable and spacious, with thoughtful storage solutions. The Titan's design was both functional and attractive, appealing to those seeking a modern full-size truck.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered a choice between a lackluster 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more robust 3.5-liter V6. The V6 produced 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Pro model came standard with 4WD and an electronic low-range transfer case, while other trims offered these features as options. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control available on certain models. However, on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering and a noisy V6 engine. Fuel economy was subpar, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

The 2021 Nissan Titan, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 5.6-liter V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and strong acceleration. The Titan offered both RWD and 4WD options, with fuel economy rated at 18 mpg combined. The Titan's towing capacity reached up to 9,310 pounds for RWD models, with a payload capacity of up to 1,680 pounds for 4WD versions. The Pro-4X model featured off-road enhancements, making it capable on rugged terrain. Overall, the Titan's performance was robust and versatile, appealing to those needing a powerful full-size truck.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size compared to full-size trucks made it more maneuverable in urban environments. It offered a choice of 5- or 6-foot bed lengths, with a rail system and optional power outlet. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the Tacoma's compact size and off-road capabilities made it a practical choice for those seeking a versatile midsize truck.

The 2021 Nissan Titan provided ample seating space with its Zero Gravity design, offering comfort for long journeys. The truck could seat five or six, depending on the configuration, with available heated and cooled seats. While petite drivers might struggle to find an ideal seating position, the Titan's interior was spacious and well-designed. Storage solutions were thoughtful, with a large center console and smartphone holders. The Titan also offered a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window, enhancing the cabin's appeal. Overall, the Titan's interior was comfortable and functional, catering to those seeking a full-size truck with modern amenities.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive interior with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8-inch version with navigation was available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a USB-C port. The Tacoma offered wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi, though some modern features like a proximity key were optional. The truck's 360-degree cameras provided useful views, and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, was standard. While not the most advanced, the Tacoma's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Nissan Titan boasted a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Additional features like navigation, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot were available. The Titan's interface was responsive, though its graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display provided useful data to the driver. The Titan also offered a Fender Premium Audio System, enhancing the cabin's entertainment options. Overall, the Titan's technology was comprehensive and appealing to tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with standard safety features like forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety options included an Around View Monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Titan's five-year/100,000-mile warranty was the best in its class, providing peace of mind to buyers.