2022 Nissan Titan vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, adding to the already diverse eight-trim lineup which included Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate. The Sierra appeared larger and more imposing, especially when compared to its counterpart, the Silverado. The illusion of added width came from an updated grille, front fascia, and new split-C headlights, which blended seamlessly with the grille.

The Denali trim sported a “tri-linear” theme with thicker chrome inserts, giving off a tough yet extravagant feel. The Denali Ultimate's grille featured dark-colored “Vader bars,” a nod to its exclusive and menacing design. SLT, AT4, and AT4X trims showcased less flashy but equally intimidating grilles with chrome, black, and dark nickel accents. The new 22-inch wheel designs further enhanced the Denali and Denali Ultimate's luxurious appeal, with bright-polished chrome and low-gloss black finishes, respectively.

The Sierra’s interior saw significant improvements, despite unchanged dimensions. The redesigned dash gave a sense of spaciousness, with long, straight lines replacing the previous model's rounded edges. New materials and luxurious touches distinguished the AT4X and Denali Ultimate. The AT4X focused on off-road prowess without sacrificing luxury, featuring premium leather, contrast stitching, and Vanta ash wood trim. Meanwhile, the Denali Ultimate epitomized luxury with full-grain leather, open-pore Paldao wood, and intricately embossed topographical maps of Mount Denali.

The 2022 Nissan Titan sported a rugged yet elegant exterior, with strong lines and a robust front fascia that matched the appeal of any competitor. The truck exuded an assertive stance and first-rate fit and finish, devoid of unnecessary embellishments. Inside, the clean lines continued, accompanied by excellent material choices and build quality. The cabin offered an airy feel with many practical storage solutions, including numerous cup and bottle holders.

The Titan's optional moonroof package further enhanced the sense of space, featuring a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and a power sliding rear window for improved ventilation. The well-appointed interior ensured a comfortable and practical driving experience, making the Titan an appealing choice for both daily driving and family outings.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 provided four engine options, catering to a variety of driving needs. The base 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, a significant improvement over the previous model. Its eight-speed automatic transmission was refined for smoother shifts. The enhanced 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with a class-leading towing capacity of up to 13,200 pounds for certain 2WD models.

Other engine options included a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims came standard with the higher-output V8, providing robust performance both on and off the road.

During tests, the Sierra Denali Ultimate 4WD demonstrated a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride, despite its sizable dimensions and weight. The AT4X impressed with its on-road manners while excelling in off-road conditions thanks to its Multimatic DSSV dampers, extra suspension travel, and front and rear e-locking differentials. The AT4X handled the challenging terrain of the Anza-Borrego Desert with ease, showcasing its off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Titan stuck with a single powertrain option: a 5.6-liter gasoline V8 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, providing ample thrust and a satisfying engine note. The Titan offered RWD as standard on S, SV, and Platinum Reserve models, with 4WD available on these trims and standard on the Pro-4X off-road model.

Fuel economy for the Titan ranged from 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway/18 mpg combined for RWD models to slightly lower figures for 4WD models. The Pro-4X managed 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway/17 mpg combined. The Titan's fully boxed ladder frame and robust suspension setup, including Bilstein off-road shocks on the Pro-4X, contributed to its commendable on-road performance. The Pro-4X’s electronic locking rear differential and ample ground clearance made it a capable off-roader as well.

The GMC Sierra 1500 excelled in interior roominess and utility. Front headroom measured around 43 inches, while rear-seat headroom was roughly 40 inches. Front legroom across all trim levels was about 44.5 inches. Rear legroom varied by cab type, with 35.2 inches for double-cab rear seats and 43.4 inches for crew-cab models. Despite the smaller glove compartment sizes, the Sierra offered ample nooks and crannies for storage. The cargo bed options, including a carbon fiber composite bed and the versatile MultiPro tailgate, added to the Sierra's practicality.

The Nissan Titan, available in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, offered two rows of seating. The King Cab's second row was accessible via rear-hinged clamshell doors, providing 24.8 inches of legroom. The Crew Cab featured a more spacious second row with 38.5 inches of legroom and independent full front-hinged doors. Both body styles shared a 139.8-inch wheelbase, with overall lengths of 228.2 inches. The King Cab’s bed measured 78.7 inches, while the Crew Cab’s bed was 67 inches.

The Titan's payload and towing capacities were noteworthy. The maximum towing capacity was 9,310 pounds, and the maximum payload was 1,710 pounds. The available Utili-track Channel system and Titan Boxes enhanced bed utility, although the truck lacked the innovative tailgate features found in the Sierra.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 featured larger display screens, including a 12.3-inch digital cluster for the driver and a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in. This system was compatible with Android and Apple devices, offering three years of complimentary service for AT4 and Denali trims. The infotainment interface was user-friendly, with large icons and responsive controls. Personalization options allowed drivers to view navigation and trailering details simultaneously. Standard wireless device charging and available features like a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system added to the Sierra's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2022 Nissan Titan benefited from an infotainment upgrade in 2021, featuring a standard 8-inch display screen with an optional 9-inch touchscreen interface. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hot spot, ensured connectivity on the go. The basic audio system included six speakers, while an available 12-speaker Fender-branded setup with a subwoofer enhanced the audio experience. The NissanConnect system with navigation was standard on higher trims, offering features like over-the-air map updates and online POI search.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 featured GM’s Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system standard on the Denali Ultimate. Super Cruise made long drives less stressful with its intuitive operation, even handling automatic lane changes and trailering capabilities. The Sierra also offered up to 14 camera views and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert for enhanced safety while towing. Standard GMC Pro Safety features included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, and IntelliBeam automatic headlights. The Sierra received mixed crash safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with 2WD models earning four out of five stars for crashworthiness.

The 2022 Nissan Titan came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Titan also featured intelligent forward collision warning and eight standard airbags. The Titan earned top “Good” ratings in most IIHS crash tests and “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention. However, its standard halogen headlights received a “Poor” rating. NHTSA ratings for the 2022 model were unavailable, but the 2020 Titan received four out of five stars for overall safety.