2021 Nissan Titan vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained the visual appeal established with its 2020 refresh. Sporting three King Cab grades and five Crew Cab trim levels, each of the Titan’s five grades—S, SL, SV, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve—boasted its own distinctive interior and exterior design. The base models, Titan S and Titan SV, featured dark grilles, while the Titan SL gleamed with a bright chrome grille, and the Titan Platinum Reserve impressed with a satin chrome variant. The Titan Pro-4X stood out with a black grille and lava-red script for the Nissan logo, complemented by lava-red tow hooks beneath. Upgraded headlights delivering 120% more light output than the 2019 model and optional LED fog lights improved visibility. The truck bed featured four LED light sources, a welcome change from older models that had a single flooding light. The rear displayed LED taillights and unique tailgate finishers; Pro-4X had a black finisher, Platinum Reserve displayed satin chrome, and other grades followed a more traditional design. In terms of bed length, the Titan Crew Cab offered a 5.5-foot bed, while the King Cab had a 6.5-foot bed. Its bed boasted a Utili-track Bed Channel System, providing the most bed rails in its class. Standard features included a spray-in bedliner, 100-volt power outlet, and a damped tailgate. Available in eight exterior colors, from Red Alert to Deep Blue Pearl, the Titan Pro-4X in Baja Storm color was notably unique and attractive. Inside, the 2021 Titan's modernized center stack featured a large infotainment screen and plenty of piano-black trim. The seats, adorned with attractive upholstery, paralleled GMC and Chevrolet products and surpassed those found in the Toyota Tundra. However, the dated steering wheel design with small buttons was a throwback and less user-friendly for gloved hands. Overall, the interior space was commendable, although not ideal for petite drivers due to pedal reach issues. In comparison, the 2022 RAM 1500 showcased a compelling package with Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offering a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box, and an optional 5-foot, 7-inch box with Crew Cabs. Renowned for its range of seven trim levels, from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX, the 1500 emerged with new appearance packages and special editions for customization. All models featured a Clean Air System filtering 95% of particulates, and starting with Big Horn trim, the advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system came standard. The new Trailer Hitch Light feature added practicality, especially for nighttime towing. The test truck in Limited trim, equipped with a turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and a suite of luxurious features, including ventilated rear seats and a 19-speaker premium sound system, epitomized luxury. The interior exuded quality with a busy yet aesthetically pleasing design, concealing the Tradesman-grade foundation well. The Indigo and Sea Salt two-tone color scheme of the seats and dashboard garnered high praise for its elegance and construction quality.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered simplicity with a singular powertrain—a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, it provided smooth and steady shifts with robust acceleration. Although lacking engine start/stop functionality, it still managed an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined, with 21 mpg on the highway. The RWD versions had a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 9,310 pounds; the 4WD models slightly increased payload capacity to 1,680 pounds while towing 9,260 pounds. The Titan excelled with off-road capabilities, especially in the Pro-4X model, and standard trailer sway control and available trailer brake controller ensured stability during towing. Meanwhile, the 2022 RAM 1500 introduced numerous engine options. The standard 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid system balanced performance and fuel efficiency. A 5.7-liter V8 provided more traditional power, but the star was the TRX’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8. Our test RAM had the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter V6, yielding 260 horsepower and an impressive 480 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With our setup, the Limited 4WD could tow 9,600 pounds and carry a 1,780-pound payload. Fuel economy was a selling point for the EcoDiesel, averaging 24.8 mpg during testing. The 1500 also featured a class-exclusive four-corner air suspension with active leveling, offering unmatched ride comfort and adaptability, likened to an SUV in handling and ride quality.

The 2021 Nissan Titan accommodated five or six passengers, depending on whether one opted for the standard front bench or available bucket seats. The Zero Gravity-design seats ensured comfort, while heated and ventilated options enhanced year-round usability. However, petite drivers faced challenges in finding a suitable driving position. While the seating was spacious enough for adults, other pickups offered more legroom. Interior storage included a well-sized center console and a designated smartphone hold. Practical features like grab handles, folding rear seatbacks, and bag hooks added to the truck’s functionality. In contrast, the 2022 RAM 1500 shone with practical storage throughout the cabin. It featured trays, bins, and concealed storage options, including the innovative Ram Bins under the rear floor. Its power-deploying running boards were practical yet needed settings adjustments for off-road conditions. The crew enjoyed heated and ventilated seats, a spacious rear seat with reclining capabilities, and thoughtful in-cab storage. The multi-function tailgate and center bed step aided in loading and unloading tasks. The RAM also offered available RamBox storage bins.

Nissan equipped the Titan with a high-definition 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard—the largest in its class. Standard connectivity features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Options for an upgraded audio system like the Fender Premium Audio System enhanced the music experience. The inclusion of a WiFi hotspot and Nissan Concierge service added modern conveniences, although the interface graphics lagged compared to competitors. The 2022 RAM 1500's significant tech upgrade was the standard Uconnect 5 system in Big Horn trims and above. Featuring an 8.4-inch or 12-inch display, it included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-In. The test truck’s comprehensive setup featured connected services, WiFi access, a premium sound system, and a sometimes finicky wireless charging dock. Additional high-tech options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and trailer-specific technologies offered enhanced utility for drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. It also offered an Around View Monitor and driver-alertness monitor. The notable warranty of five years/100,000 miles highlighted Nissan’s confidence in its safety and reliability. For the 2022 RAM 1500, available driver-assist features started from lower trims, adding up to advanced packages in higher trims. Our test truck’s features included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Despite some annoyances with systems like rear automatic braking and lane-keep assist, the truck boasted comprehensive safety offerings. The RAM 1500 earned high ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, showcasing commendable safety performance.