2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering a distinct design identity across its three Crew Cab trim levels: SV, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve. Each trim featured unique grille designs, with the SV sporting a dark grille, the Pro-4X a black grille with lava-red script, and the Platinum Reserve a satin chrome grille. The Titan's exterior was further enhanced by new headlights providing 120% more light output than previous models, and LED fog lights for improved visibility. The truck bed was equipped with four LED light sources, a significant upgrade from older models. The Titan's rear showcased LED taillights and distinct tailgate finishers, with the Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve featuring black and satin chrome finishers, respectively. The interior boasted a modern centre stack with a large infotainment screen, though the steering wheel design felt dated. The Titan was available in eight exterior colours, with the Baja Storm colour standing out for its uniqueness.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar appearance akin to traditional F-150s. Available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims, the Lightning featured a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed. Its distinguishing features included a prominent LED headlight bar and a plastic façade in place of a traditional grille. The rear design was subtle, with badges indicating the model. Inside, the Lightning offered ample space, with front and rear legroom surpassing many two-row crossovers. The interior materials were of good quality, with ergonomic design reflecting Ford's extensive experience with the F-Series. The Lariat trim included a panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and a 9.6-kWh Pro Power Onboard power supply, providing multiple power outlets throughout the vehicle. The Lightning's air conditioning and ventilated seats were particularly appreciated, and the interior work surface feature added practicality.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 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 an average fuel consumption of 13.4 L/100 km combined, with the Pro-4X slightly higher. The Titan's steering was traditional, with a full-size truck feel, and its ride quality was average for the class. It offered a payload capacity of up to 739 kg and a towing capacity of 4,178 kg, with standard trailer sway control. The Pro-4X trim featured off-road capabilities, including hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured dual electric motors, providing 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, along with 775 lb-ft of torque. The Lightning's AWD and locking differential suggested off-road potential, though its tires were more suited for on-road use. The standard-range battery offered a range of 370 km, while the extended-range battery increased it to 515 km. The Lightning's acceleration was impressive, though its weight limited cornering capabilities. The independent rear suspension, a departure from traditional leaf springs, was designed to accommodate the battery packs. The Lightning's batteries could be charged using 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast charging available at DC stations.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered seating for five or six, with front bench or bucket seats. The Zero Gravity design of the seats ensured comfort over long distances, with heated and cooled options available. The Titan provided ample seating space, though petite drivers might struggle with seat positioning. Storage was generous, with a large centre console and smartphone-specific space. The available panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added to the interior's appeal, while grab handles and folding rear seatbacks enhanced functionality.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning prioritized functionality, with a 5.5-foot bed equipped with tie-down points. Its standout feature was the Mega Power Frunk, offering 400 litres of storage with an underfloor bin and drain. The Lightning's Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature allowed it to serve as a backup generator, powering a household for up to three days. The truck's towing capacity was 4,535 kg, with a payload capacity of 907 kg, though these figures could impact driving range. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight, adjusting the range estimate accordingly.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest standard-sized screen in its class, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The interface was responsive, though its graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display was standard, with an optional Fender Premium Audio System offering enhanced sound quality.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted advanced technology, with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 on lower trims and a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen on higher trims. The larger screen, while visually impressive, had a less intuitive layout. The Lariat trim included a Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system also featured games, providing entertainment during charging.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included forward-collision warning, parking sensors, and an Around View Monitor. The Titan's warranty was notable, offering five-year/160,000-kilometre coverage.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Optional features included Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system with a driver-facing camera for safety.