2022 Nissan Titan vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Nissan Titan, a relatively new contender in the full-size truck segment, presented itself with a dignified and robust design that caught the eye of many. It featured an assertive and elegant exterior profile characterized by strong lines and a commanding face. Its proportions were well balanced, lending to an assertive stance enhanced by excellent fit and finish. Inside the cabin, the theme of succinct elegance continued. The interior boasted clean lines, clutter-free spaces, and used high-quality materials, contributing to the truck's overall feel of robustness yet comfort. The generous cabin space, further amplified by an optional dual-panel panoramic moonroof and a power sliding rear window, offered a sense of openness and luxury.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, a smaller midsize truck, portrayed a substantial exterior despite its comparatively modest dimensions. It maintained an upright grille and a tall bed profile, which provided it with a significant presence without appearing overly large. Available in several trims, the Tacoma offered extensive customization options, including stylish packages like the SR5 SX with its blacked-out details and the Chrome Package that provided a flashier appearance. The interior varied vastly between trims, ranging from basic to more refined with leather upholstery in higher trims. Notably, the Tacoma's TRD Pro variant dazzled with its bright Solar Octane paint and rugged features designed for formidable off-road capability.

The Titan was powered by a robust 5.6-liter gasoline V8 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivered a considerable 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This setup afforded the Titan a commendable driving experience both on-road and off-road, with stable and composed handling characteristics. Fuel efficiency was roughly on par for full-size trucks, with models varying slightly based on drivetrain options. Notably, the Titan Pro-4X model was well-equipped for rugged terrain, featuring specialized off-road gear like Bilstein shocks and an electronically locking rear differential, making it both a practical daily driver and capable adventure vehicle.

Whereas the Tacoma offered two engine options, most buyers would favor the more potent 3.5-liter V6 over the base 2.7-liter four-cylinder, as it provided better performance and capability, albeit with slightly lower fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model tested featured this V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, which furnished enough power for both highway driving and off-road challenges. It did, however, suffer from some handling quirks such as vague steering, particularly noticeable on paved roads. The Tacoma’s performance was admirable in off-road situations, particularly with Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control systems enhancing its capability.

The Titan was available in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, each offering a sensible blend of passenger comfort and cargo utility. The King Cab had less legroom in the second row but compensated with a longer bed, whereas the Crew Cab offered more passenger space at the expense of bed length. Both models featured a variety of storage solutions and a well-thought-out interior layout that maximized functional space.

Conversely, the Tacoma also came in two cab styles: the Access Cab and the Double Cab. The Access Cab was more compact, with limited rear seat space suitable mainly for short trips or additional storage. The Double Cab provided better space and comfort, particularly with its four full-size doors and more comfortable rear seating arrangement. In terms of cargo, the Tacoma offered a choice between a longer or shorter bed depending on the cab style, which provided decent versatility for hauling needs.

Technology in the Titan was up-to-date, with the latest Nissan infotainment system introduced in 2021. It featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Titan also offered a high-quality Fender audio system in higher trims, enhancing the multimedia experience.

The Tacoma's technology felt slightly outdated, though it still provided essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a functional touchscreen interface. High trims did benefit from a premium JBL audio system, but the overall tech offering was less compelling compared to newer competitors.

The Titan excelled in safety, featuring the comprehensive Nissan Safety Shield 360 system that included a suite of driver-assist technologies. It performed well in IIHS crash tests, securing mostly "Good" ratings, although its base headlights were rated "Poor."

Toyota also equipped the Tacoma with an array of safety features, including its Toyota Safety Sense package. However, it lacked some of the more advanced autonomous driving aids available in other vehicles, and its crash-test performance, while adequate, did not reach the top marks gained by some competitors.