2020 Ford Ranger vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the North American market after an eight-year hiatus, bringing with it a design heavily influenced by its international counterpart. This iteration was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, aligning itself with the F-Series lineup through similar grille styling. However, the Ranger maintained a distinct identity, avoiding the "bigger-and-blockier" trend prevalent among American trucks. Its clean and somewhat aggressive appearance highlighted its sporty and capable nature. Inside, the Ranger featured a function-first cabin with hard plastics, which, while durable, gave it a less premium feel compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering varying levels of features and comfort, with the XLT being recommended for its additional content at a reasonable price.

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from the previous year, offering three Crew Cab trim levels in Canada. Each trim—SV, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve—had distinct design elements, such as different grille finishes and unique tailgate designs. The Titan featured new headlights with significantly improved light output and multiple LED light sources for the truck bed. The interior received a substantial upgrade, boasting a large infotainment screen and modern design elements. While the steering wheel design felt dated, the overall cabin was comfortable, with Nissan's Zero Gravity seats providing long-distance comfort. The Titan offered ample seating and storage space, with thoughtful features like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel drive system in Canada. The Ranger's turbo engine provided ample power for low-speed driving and highway passing, with a towing capacity of up to 3,401 kilograms (7,500 pounds) and a payload capacity of 748 kilograms (1,649 pounds) in the SuperCab configuration. The FX4 Off-Road package further enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and Trail Control.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Titan came with a single powertrain option—a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, making it the best-in-class standard powertrain. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Titan offered smooth acceleration and strong off-the-line performance. While it lacked engine start/stop functionality, it provided a traditional truck driving experience with a four-wheel drive system. The Titan's fuel efficiency was competitive, though not the best in its class. It offered a towing capacity of 4,178 kg (9,210 pounds) and a payload capacity of 739 kilograms (1,630 pounds). The Pro-4X trim added off-road features like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential, enhancing its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab, with its 2+2 layout, was less accommodating for adults in the rear seats, while the SuperCrew offered more comfortable seating for five. Both configurations provided ample storage options, with deep in-door pockets, a centre console bin, and additional storage cubbies. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting available.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered seating for five or six, depending on the configuration, with Nissan's Zero Gravity seats ensuring comfort for long journeys. While the seating space was adequate for adults, petite drivers might find it challenging to find an ideal driving position. The Titan's interior featured ample storage space, including a large centre console and a smartphone holder. Optional features like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added to the cabin's appeal. The Titan's thoughtful design included easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks for added convenience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic entertainment setup with an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect was included, offering remote access features and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim offered an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen for a premium audio experience.

The 2021 Nissan Titan boasted a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features like navigation, HD Radio, and a power-sliding rear window were available. The Titan's interface was responsive, though its graphics were less modern compared to competitors. The audio system could be upgraded to a Fender Premium Audio System with 12 speakers, providing a high-quality sound experience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and Ford's CoPilot360 technologies. The Ranger earned top scores in most crash tests by the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had a recall related to the ten-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features included forward-collision warning, parking sensors, and an Around View Monitor camera system. The Titan's warranty was the best in Canada, providing five-year/160,000-kilometre bumper-to-bumper coverage.