2022 Nissan Titan vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2022 Ram 1500 was available in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, with the former featuring a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box and the latter offering an optional 5-foot, 7-inch box. The seven available trims ranged from the no-nonsense Tradesman to the powerhouse TRX, introduced with much anticipation in the previous year. The Ram 1500 also boasted various appearance and option packages, as well as special editions to suit a variety of customer preferences.

New for 2022, all Ram 1500 models were equipped with a standard Clean Air System that filtered out 95% of particulates from the cabin. The Big Horn trim and above received the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a choice of an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The Trailer Tow Group introduced a new Trailer Hitch Light feature, enhancing visibility when hitching after dark.

Our test model arrived as a Limited trim Crew Cab variant, powered by the EcoDiesel V6 engine, four-wheel drive, and an electronic locking rear axle with a 3.92 axle ratio. It came loaded with packages including the Limited Level 1 Group, Technology Group, and Trailer Tow Group. It also featured power-folding trailer mirrors and a tri-fold tonneau cover. A Limited 10th Anniversary Edition package added luxurious Indigo and Sea Salt leather upholstery, a suede headliner, ventilated rear seats, a premium sound system, and Ram's multi-function tailgate. This impressive setup brought the price to $77,260, which included a $1,795 destination fee.

Visually, the Ram 1500 managed to combine traditional “big rig” aesthetics with a clean, contemporary design that avoided the loud and flashy look common in the segment. Even with chrome accents, the vehicle maintained a refined and elegant appearance.

Inside, the Ram 1500 Limited exuded luxury, with intricate design elements like exposed stitching and various high-quality materials adorning the cabin. The Indigo and Sea Salt color scheme, premium construction materials, and the overall fit and finish contributed to a sense of high quality and craftsmanship not easily matched by competitors.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Nissan Titan featured rugged yet elegant styling, with clean lines and an assertive stance that commanded attention. Despite being a relatively recent entry in the full-size truck market, the Titan held its own with first-rate fit and finish and a well-proportioned exterior. The design was uncluttered and straightforward, aligning with the practical sensibilities of truck buyers.

Once inside, the Titan's cabin continued the theme of simplicity combined with quality. The design featured clean lines, minimal clutter, and an abundance of high-quality materials. Our test vehicle, a fully-loaded Titan Pro-4X, included an optional moonroof package that enhanced the spaciousness of the interior while a power sliding rear window improved cabin airflow.

The 2022 Ram 1500 provided a variety of engine choices. The base model came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, featuring a mild-hybrid system called eTorque to enhance performance and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power and a traditional engine sound, a 5.7-liter V8 engine—with or without eTorque—was available. For off-road enthusiasts, the TRX trim boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 based on the Hellcat engine from Dodge muscle cars.

Our test Ram 1500 featured the optional EcoDiesel V6, which cost an additional $3,200 in our Limited trim. This 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine produced 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Configured as a Crew Cab Limited 4WD, the truck could tow up to 9,600 pounds and carry a payload of 1,780 pounds. The official EPA fuel economy rating was 24 mpg combined, but our test loop achieved an impressive 24.8 mpg.

The Ram 1500's coil-spring rear suspension, supplemented by an optional four-corner air suspension, provided exceptional ride comfort, often causing it to be compared to a luxury SUV. This suspension system delivered smooth handling over various road conditions, and even in challenging scenarios, the Ram retained its composure and provided a quiet cabin experience.

Conversely, the 2022 Nissan Titan came with a singular engine option—a robust 5.6-liter V8 outputting 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard on most trims, with four-wheel drive available and standard on the Pro-4X model.

Fuel economy ratings for the Titan ranged from 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for RWD models to 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway for the Pro-4X model. Compared to the Ram, the Titan's towing and payload capacities were slightly lower at 9,310 pounds and 1,710 pounds, respectively, but the truck was well-equipped for various towing needs with features such as an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer sway control.

The Titan’s ride quality was notable, especially given that our Pro-4X model had off-road equipment like Bilstein shocks and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road gear, it was comfortable and composed on pavement, thanks to its fully boxed ladder frame and independent double-wishbone front suspension.

Ram's attention to interior versatility was evident in the 1500's comprehensive suite of features. Our test model arrived with disabled power-deploying running boards, which could be reactivated through the Uconnect 5 system's menus—a minor inconvenience but demonstrating the depth of customization options. The cabin offered heated and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, substantial legroom, and an abundance of storage options, including the multi-functional center console and RamBins under the rear floor.

Cargo flexibility was impressive, with the multi-function tailgate providing versatile loading options. Though our test truck lacked RamBox storage bins, their availability provided additional secure, weatherproof storage in the cargo bed sides.

For the 2022 Nissan Titan, two body styles were available: King Cab and Crew Cab. The King Cab, with its rear-hinged doors and 60/40-split bench seat, offered tight 24.8 inches of legroom, while the Crew Cab provided a more spacious 38.5 inches of legroom and front-hinged doors for easier access. The King Cab's 78.7-inch bed was longer than the Crew Cab's 67-inch bed, highlighting a trade-off between passenger space and cargo capacity.

The Titan's cabin layout included practical elements like the multi-functional front bench seat in the base model, transforming into an armrest with storage when needed. Higher trims featured dual power-adjustable bucket seats and additional storage solutions like flat-floor functions for the second row.

While the Titan didn’t have the fancy tailgate functions of the Ram, its well-balanced tailgate and easy-to-use Utili-track Channel system for adjustable tie-downs ensured practical utility.

The 2022 Ram 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system on Big Horn and higher trims, featuring faster loading times and improved responsiveness. It included an 8.4-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 12-inch option available on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and a suite of connected services, including WiFi access.

Our test vehicle featured the 12-inch display and the 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While Uconnect 5 offered significant improvements, occasional glitches like stubborn reboots and specific voice recognition challenges were noted. Yet, the system remained a robust upgrade from its predecessor.

Trailering tech was another highlight—features like Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, and Trailer Light Check simplified the towing experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Titan, updated in 2021 with Nissan’s latest infotainment system, featured an 8-inch standard or an optional 9-inch touchscreen interface. Standard equipment included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hot spot for up to seven devices. The NissanConnect system provided navigation and a suite of connected features in higher trims.

Our Pro-4X model test vehicle boasted a Fender 12-speaker audio system and various advanced tech features, though the voice recognition system was limited to higher trims. The seamless integration of tech made everyday use straightforward and user-friendly.

Ram equipped lower trims like the Tradesman and Big Horn with essential driver-assist features such as lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional options like the Rebel Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, packing in features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.

Our test truck encountered some issues with the rear automatic braking system, which was overly sensitive in certain situations. Despite these drawbacks, the Ram 1500 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a robust choice for safety.

On the other hand, the 2022 Nissan Titan implemented its Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all models. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. Intelligent forward collision warning was a standout feature, providing extra caution and reaction time for the driver.

The Titan earned solid ratings from the IIHS, with minor exceptions. However, standard halogen headlights' “Poor” rating on lower trims was concerning, although higher trims with LED headlights performed better.