2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from the previous year, offering three Crew Cab trim levels in Canada: SV, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve. Each trim had a distinct design identity, with variations in grille finishes and unique touches like the Pro-4X's lava-red tow hooks. The Titan's exterior was enhanced with new headlights providing significantly improved light output, and the truck bed featured multiple LED light sources for better visibility. The interior saw a substantial upgrade with a modern centre stack, a large infotainment screen, and attractive upholstery, although the steering wheel design felt outdated.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its styling and upscale Denali trim. The Sierra AT4, an off-road-ready version, featured a factory-installed suspension lift and unique design elements like red recovery hooks. The truck's black-on-black colour scheme was striking but impractical for off-road adventures. Inside, the Sierra offered a mix of durable leather and metallic accents, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The cabin's industrial design felt dated, and while the truck's cargo bed was innovative, interior storage was less impressive compared to competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped 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 shifts and strong acceleration, though it lacked engine start/stop functionality, impacting fuel efficiency. The Titan's 4WD drivetrain provided average fuel economy, with the Pro-4X grade slightly less efficient. The truck's steering and ride quality were typical for the class, with a payload capacity of up to 739 kg and a towing capacity of 4,178 kg. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Pro-4X model with features like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine as a cost-effective option, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sierra provided smooth gear changes and impressive fuel economy, averaging 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The AT4's off-road suspension handled rough terrain with ease, and the truck's all-terrain tires were well-suited for off-roading. The Sierra's towing and payload capacities were competitive, with the Duramax-equipped model capable of towing up to 4,173 kg and carrying a payload of 962 kg.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered seating for five or six, with front bench or bucket seats available. The Zero Gravity seat design ensured comfort for long journeys, and heated and cooled front seats were available. While the Titan provided ample seating space, petite drivers might struggle to find a comfortable position. The truck's storage space was generous, with a large centre console and smartphone holders. Optional features included a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured large, supportive seats with power adjustments and heating/cooling options. The rear seats were spacious, accommodating three adults comfortably. The Sierra's innovative Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro cargo bed added functionality, though interior storage was less impressive. The truck's bed offered significant cargo capacity, with multiple tie-downs for securing loads.

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. The interface was responsive, though graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch driver information display and an optional Fender Premium Audio System enhanced the tech offerings.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system offered a choice between 7-inch and 8-inch screens, with fast response times and wireless smartphone integration. The available Bose sound system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional options included adaptive cruise control and an Around View Monitor. The Titan's warranty was notable, providing five-year/160,000-kilometre coverage.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as options, with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning standard on higher trims. Adaptive cruise control was available, and the Sierra was set to receive GM's Super Cruise technology in 2022. However, the truck's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from IIHS.