2022 Nissan Titan vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While its exterior design was considered one of the better-looking among heavy-duty trucks, the interior fell short in material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. Despite being functional and spacious, the cabin didn't match the luxury feel of its rivals. The Sierra 2500HD was available in five trim levels, each offering distinct features, from the no-frills Pro trim to the luxury-focused Denali. The AT4 trim, which we tested, was designed for off-road enthusiasts, featuring rugged aesthetics and premium interior elements like heated leather seats and a Bose audio system.

The 2022 Nissan Titan, a relative newcomer in the full-size truck market, maintained its rugged yet elegant exterior with strong lines and an expressive face. Despite its late entry, the Titan was as attractive as its competitors, with a well-proportioned and assertive stance. Inside, the Titan continued the theme of clean lines and excellent material quality, offering a spacious and airy cabin. Our test vehicle, equipped with an optional moonroof package, further enhanced the cabin's roominess. The Titan's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous cup holders and storage options, making it a comfortable and functional choice for drivers.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD was equipped with two powerful 6.6-liter V8 engines, a standard gas and an optional turbodiesel, paired with an excellent Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel engine delivered 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a maximum payload capacity of 3,597 pounds and a towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. Despite these impressive figures, it lagged behind competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 in towing capacity. The Sierra 2500HD's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the AT4 trim's features, including an automatic-locking rear differential, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. The truck handled off-road conditions with ease, though it exhibited a slightly jittery ride on uneven pavement.

The 2022 Nissan Titan featured a 5.6-liter gasoline V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Titan offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims and standard on the Pro-4X model. Fuel economy for the Titan was estimated at 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway for RWD models, with slightly lower figures for 4WD models. The Pro-4X trim, which we tested, included off-road features like an electronically locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks. Despite its off-road focus, the Titan provided a comfortable ride on pavement, with a smooth power delivery and composed handling. Its towing capacity was 9,310 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,710 pounds, making it suitable for moderate towing and hauling needs.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations and two bed lengths, accommodating up to six passengers. The interior provided ample space for passengers, with abundant headroom and legroom. Accessing the cabin required some effort due to the truck's height, but side steps and assist handles facilitated entry. The Sierra 2500HD featured a spacious center console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats. The truck also offered convenient power outlets and USB ports, along with the innovative MultiPro tailgate, which provided six functions for improved cargo access.

The 2022 Nissan Titan came in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, both with two rows of seating. The King Cab's rear-hinged doors provided access to a tight second row, while the Crew Cab offered more legroom and full front-hinged doors. The Titan's bed lengths varied between the two body styles, with the King Cab offering a longer bed. The Titan featured practical storage solutions, including a flat-floor function with tie-down hooks and storage boxes. While it lacked advanced tailgate features, the Titan's tailgate was well-balanced and easy to operate.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment options, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on higher trims, and a navigation system was available. The truck featured a Bose premium audio system, multiple camera views, and a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility. However, the voice-recognition system occasionally delivered unexpected results.

The 2022 Nissan Titan came with an upgraded infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch display as standard and a 9-inch touchscreen as an option. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot and Bluetooth connectivity. The Titan offered a Fender-branded 12-speaker audio system on higher trims, and navigation was available on select models. The infotainment system included features like over-the-air map updates and online POI search.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD was equipped with a range of safety and driver-assistive features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Standard safety items included HD Surround Vision and a Teen Driver system. Due to its high GVWR, the Sierra 2500HD was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Titan featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, offering automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. The Titan also included intelligent forward collision warning and eight airbags. It received "Good" ratings from IIHS in most crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention. However, its standard headlights received a "Poor" rating.