2021 Nissan Titan vs 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

In 2021, the Nissan Titan continued with the design aesthetic introduced in its 2020 refresh. It offered three King Cab grades and five Crew Cab trim levels, each with a distinct design identity. The Titan's base model (S) and the next level up (SV) featured dark grilles. The SL grade sported a bright chrome grille, while the top-of-the-line Platinum Reserve came with a satin chrome grille. The Pro-4X version had a unique black grille, with a black Nissan logo accented in lava red script, complemented by lava-red tow hooks below. The 2021 Titan showcased new headlights that offered 120% more light output compared to the 2019 model, along with available LED fog lights enhancing visibility by 15%. The truck bed had advanced LED lighting from four separate sources, a major improvement over older models relying on a single light source. The rear profile featured LED taillights and tailgate finishers, with the Pro-4X getting a black finisher and the Platinum Reserve a satin chrome one. The Titan Crew Cab models came with a 5.5-foot bed, whereas the King Cab models had a 6.5-foot bed. The Utili-track Bed Channel System, reputed for having the most bed rails in its category, a spray-in bedliner, a 100-volt power outlet, and a damped tailgate were all standard. For 2021, Nissan offered the Titan in eight exterior colors, including the stylish Baja Storm, which particularly stood out. The interior was modernized with a large infotainment screen surrounded by sleek piano-black trim making it look significantly more upscale. However, while the upholstery and overall seat design were competitive with top brands like GMC and Chevrolet, the steering wheel design felt ages older, primarily due to its small buttons and outdated aesthetic. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning seemed deceptively ordinary at first glance. From a distance, it looked much like other F-150s on the road, yet several unique exterior features set it apart. It was available in four trims: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum, each only offered as a crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed. Identifying the Lightning was easy with its bold LED headlight bar stretching across the front, where a traditional grille would reside on gas-engine variants. This space was occupied by a plastic façade, flanked by stacks of three lights on each side. The rear was adorned with badges announcing the Lightning’s name. The basic trims, Pro and XLT, retained the blue oval Ford emblem on the tailgate, but the higher Lariat and Platinum trims sported a taillight bar spanning the rear width, moving the blue oval emblem to the left corner. Inside, the F-150 Lightning was both a workhorse and family vehicle, boasting 43.9 inches of front-seat legroom and 43.6 inches of maximum rear-seat legroom. Interiors were a balance of practical plastic components and pleasing touchpoints, especially in the Lariat trim. The Lightning proved thoughtful in its design—integrating features like a panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and multiple power outlets, including a 240-volt in the bed. Its air conditioning and ventilated seats were perfect for hot climates, quickly cooling the cabin.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a singular powertrain: a 5.6-liter V8 engine that delivered 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, marking the best-in-class standard powertrain. However, these numbers were achievable only with premium fuel. The engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission which performed effectively on lower and higher gears but had issues finding the right spot mid-range. While the acceleration was strong enough for a truck, fuel economy suffered without an engine start/stop system. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) models achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined, with 21 mpg on the highway and 15-16 mpg in the city based on the drivetrain. The Titan’s steering was traditional, offering a truck-like feel with some play in the wheel, making it less smooth compared to competitors like the Ram 1500. Payload capacity varied slightly between 1,600 pounds for RWD models and 1,680 pounds for 4WD, while the towing capacities stood at 9,310 pounds for RWD and 9,260 pounds for 4WD, both equipped with standard trailer sway control. The Titan Pro-4X added off-road prowess with equipment such as hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential, making it competent off-road. Each Titan had an off-road gauge displaying tire angle, pitch, and roll angles, using accelerometer data. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning broke ground with its dual electric motors providing AWD. The standard-range battery brought 426 horsepower, extending to 563 horsepower with the extended range, and both offered a staggering 775 pound-feet of torque. The standard range could cover an EPA-estimated 230 miles on a full charge, while the extended-range variant stretched this to 320 miles. While the towing capacity maxed out at 10,000 pounds, significant payloads impacted driving range. The onboard scales were particularly useful, adjusting the driving-range estimate based on payload weight. The Lightning’s low center of gravity from the batteries made it feel more stable, although it was no cornering champion. The independent rear suspension also differentiated it from other F-150s with traditional leaf springs, designed to accommodate the battery packs. With charging compatible with both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets and fast-charging capabilities delivering 15-80% battery in under 45 minutes, convenience was standard with the Lightning.

The 2021 Nissan Titan could accommodate either five or six passengers depending on the front bench seat configuration. The Zero Gravity design seats were comfortable, with available heating and cooling making long journeys pleasant. Yet, the driver seat positioning posed an issue for shorter drivers trying to simultaneously reach the pedals and maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel. Legroom in both front and rear seats was adequate for adults, rivaling competitors in the segment. Storage was optimal, with the center console spacious enough to hold personal items securely. Additional features, like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window, enhanced the cabin experience. Model specifics included a payload capacity of up to 1,680 pounds with 4WD and a towing capacity of up to 9,310 pounds for the RWD model. Thoughtful touches like the easy-to-reach grab handles and under-seat storage made the Titan appealing for everyday utility. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning being electric, offered unique advantages in form and function. The 5.5-foot bed featured multiple tie-down points, ensuring versatility though it fell short for larger items. The Mega Power Frunk, offering 14.1 cubic feet of lockable, weather-proof storage with an underfloor storage bin, significantly boosted practicality. One standout feature was its capability as a backup generator. A fully charged Lightning could power a typical household for three days, with the 9.6-kilowatt onboard power supply supporting this function. In the bed, payload and towing were impressive, with 2,000 pounds in the payload capacity and a 10,000-pound towing capacity, although real-world ranges could vary based on load.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came standard with a 9.0-inch WXGA resolution infotainment touchscreen, surpassing high-definition standards. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. Higher trims offered navigation, HD Radio, additional USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and other luxurious features. The Wi-Fi hot spot could support seven devices simultaneously. But the Titan’s graphics lagged behind competitors, despite a swift interface. The 7-inch programmable display for the driver was a competitive highlight. The upgraded Fender Premium Audio System provided immersive sound, enhancing the infotainment experience. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning brought advanced tech features across its trims. The Pro and XLT trims came with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 with three years of navigation. The Lariat and Platinum exhibited a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen. Despite visual splendor, the larger screen had a learning curve. Audio systems scaled from an AM/FM radio in the Pro trim to a 15-speaker B&O setup in the Platinum. Wireless charging pads, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included from the Lariat trim. The Lightning’s infotainment added entertainment value with games, pertinent for EVs needing charging time fillers.

Every 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional safety features like forward-collision warning, parking sensors, Around View Monitor camera system, adaptive cruise control, and rear door alert enhanced its safety profile. The Titan also boasted America’s best truck warranty: five years or 100,000 miles. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning offered Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and optional features like a surround-view camera, trailer assist systems, and forwards sensing. The XLT trim included additional options like adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered Ford BlueCruise, a driver attention-monitoring hands-free system active on designated roads, providing a cutting-edge safety feature.