2021 Nissan Titan vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering a distinct design identity across its three Crew Cab trims: 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 Pro-4X also boasted lava-red tow hooks, adding character to its appearance. The Titan's exterior was enhanced with new headlights providing 120% more light output than the 2019 model, and LED fog lights for improved visibility. The truck bed was equipped with four LED light sources, a Utili-track Bed Channel System, and optional features like a spray-in bedliner and a 100-volt power outlet. The interior saw significant upgrades, including 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 brown Baja Storm being particularly unique.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned in 2020, presented a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While the interior was functional, it fell short in material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. The Sierra 2500HD offered five trim levels, each with distinct features, and was available in regular, extended, and crew cab styles. The AT4 trim, focused on off-road capabilities, featured black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a rugged interior with Jet Black and Kalahari upholstery. The AT4's off-road equipment included a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, premium infotainment system, and a Bose sound system, making it a luxurious off-roader.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was powered by a single 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, affecting fuel efficiency. The Titan's 4WD drivetrain provided an average fuel consumption of 13.4 L/100 km combined, with slightly higher figures for the Pro-4X grade. The Titan's steering was traditional, with a bit of play, and its ride quality was average for the class. It had a payload capacity of up to 739 kg and a towing capacity of 4,178 kg, with standard trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. 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 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two 6.6-litre V8 engines: a standard gas and an optional turbodiesel, with the latter providing 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax diesel engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered abundant power, though it wasn't the most capable in its class. The Sierra 2500HD's towing capacity reached 8,391 kg on the AT4 trim, with a maximum payload of 1,637 kg. The truck's ride was jittery when unladen but improved with added weight. The AT4 trim excelled in off-roading, equipped with features like an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and an X31 off-road suspension. Despite a third-place finish in towing stats, the Sierra 2500HD's off-road capabilities were impressive.

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 for long journeys, and heated and cooled front seats were available. While the Titan provided ample seating space, petite adults might struggle to find a comfortable driving position. The truck's centre console offered generous storage, and features like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added convenience. The Titan's interior was thoughtfully designed, with easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, available in three cab configurations and two bed lengths, accommodated up to six passengers. The truck offered abundant passenger space, though getting in required some effort due to its height. The AT4 package included a side assist step for easier access. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD featured a wide centre console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats. The truck offered a 120-volt power outlet, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. The MultiPro tailgate, standard on SLE and above, provided six functions for improved cargo access.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Additional features like navigation, HD Radio, and a Fender Premium Audio System were available. The Titan's interface was responsive, though its graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display was standard, and the audio system could be upgraded to a 12-speaker Fender system.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SLT and above. The Denali trim included a navigation system, and the truck featured hitch guidance, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, though the voice-recognition system had some quirks. The Sierra 2500HD boasted 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhancing towing and visibility.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and rear automatic braking. Additional safety features included forward-collision warning, parking sensors, and an Around View Monitor camera system. The Titan offered a five-year/160,000-kilometre bumper-to-bumper warranty, the best in Canada.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Teen Driver system was standard, allowing parents to monitor their teen's driving habits. The Sierra 2500HD's mass provided safety in collisions, though it posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians. The truck's numerous camera views were essential for safety, though it lacked crashworthiness ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.