2022 Ford Maverick vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering three Crew Cab trim levels in Canada: SV, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve, each with distinct design elements. The Titan SV featured a dark grille, the Platinum Reserve a satin chrome one, and the Pro-4X a black grille with lava-red script. The Pro-4X also boasted lava-red tow hooks, adding character. The Titan's new headlights provided 120% more light output than the 2019 model, with available LED fog lights enhancing visibility by 15%. The truck bed featured four LED light sources, a significant upgrade from older models. The rear showcased LED taillights and unique tailgate finishers, with the Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve having black and satin chrome finishers, respectively. The Titan's interior saw a significant upgrade with a modern centre stack, a large infotainment screen, and piano-black plastic trim. The upholstery and seat design were competitive with GMC and Chevrolet, though the steering wheel design felt dated.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, in contrast, presented a conventional pickup look, drawing inspiration from larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, though its front end diverged with large headlights and a distinctive grille crossbar. Smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick measured 5,073 mm in length and 1,879 mm in height, utilizing a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The base Maverick XL came with 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels. The Maverick First Edition package added unique graphics and features. The interior, heavy on plastic, embraced a multicoloured design with exposed fasteners, offering character and practicality. The Maverick's interior was praised for its style, showing that entry-level vehicles need not sacrifice aesthetics.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was powered by a singular 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 averaged 15.2 L/100 km in the city and 11.1 on the highway, with the Pro-4X slightly less efficient. 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 equipment like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a CVT, producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.0L EcoBoost engine offered 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was FWD only, while the EcoBoost offered AWD. The FX4 off-road package added suspension tuning and drive modes. The Maverick FX4 demonstrated off-road capability, though it was more suited for light off-roading. On pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a car-like driving experience with superior ride quality. The hybrid powertrain was smoother and more refined, while the EcoBoost offered more towing capability and spirited acceleration.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered a front bench seat as standard, with bucket seats available, accommodating five or six passengers. The Zero Gravity design of the seats ensured comfort over long distances, with heated and cooled front seats available. However, petite drivers might struggle to find a comfortable driving position. The Titan provided ample seating and storage space, with a large centre console and smartphone storage. Optional features included a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window. The Titan's interior layout was practical, with easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offered more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The interior boasted numerous storage options, including cubbies, a large storage bin, and an open door-card design. The FITS system allowed for customizable storage solutions. The Maverick's 1,382 mm bed offered 680 kg of payload capacity, with features like an in-bed power outlet and tailgate tiedowns. The FlexBed system maximized bed utility with tiedown cleats and indents for dividers. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kg with the 4K Tow Package.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest standard-sized screen in its class, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Optional features included navigation, HD Radio, and a Fender Premium Audio System with 12 speakers. The interface was responsive, though the graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display was standard.

The 2022 Ford Maverick used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but not wireless versions. An 8-inch touchscreen and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The system's graphics were basic, but the screen size was adequate for the Maverick's price point. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

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 the best in Canada, offering five-year/160,000-kilometre coverage.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety ratings were not yet available. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane centring.