2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from 2020, offering three Crew Cab trim levels in Canada, each with distinct design elements. The Titan SV featured a dark grille, the Platinum Reserve had a satin chrome grille, and the Pro-4X boasted a black grille with a unique lava-red script logo. The Pro-4X also included lava-red tow hooks for added character. The Titan's new headlights provided 120% more light output than the 2019 model, with optional LED fog lights enhancing visibility by 15%. The truck bed featured four LED light sources, a significant improvement over 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 received a modern upgrade with a large infotainment screen and piano-black plastic trim, offering an attractive look. However, the steering wheel design felt dated compared to competitors.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform, offered increased rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its styling was conservative, with a snub nose hinting at its crossover roots. The Ridgeline's front-end styling was updated in 2021, giving it a blockier, more truck-like appearance. The Black Edition test vehicle featured Berlina Black paint and matching alloy wheels and trim. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish. The Black Edition included leather upholstery, heated seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudging and scratching, detracting from the overall interior appeal.

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. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which performed well in low and high gears but struggled mid-range. The Titan's acceleration was strong, though it lacked engine start/stop functionality, impacting fuel efficiency. The Titan's 4WD drivetrain averaged 15.2 L/100 km in the city, 11.1 on the highway, and 13.4 combined, with slightly higher figures for the Pro-4X grade. The Titan offered 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 hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential. The Titan's ride quality was average, with traditional truck steering and a few bumps transmitted through the cabin.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Ridgeline's towing capacity was 2,267 kg, with a payload capacity of 690 kg for the Sport and EX-L trims, and 674 kg for the Touring and Black Edition. While the Ridgeline's towing capacity lagged behind other midsize pickups, it was sufficient for small boats or jet skis. The V6 engine provided ample power, but the transmission was slow to respond, and the engine start-stop system was sluggish. The Ridgeline excelled in handling and ride quality, thanks to its unibody platform, fully independent suspension, and torque vectoring AWD. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional 4WD systems, with a maximum ground clearance of 19.4 cm.

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 front and rear outboard seats ensured comfort on long journeys. Heated and cooled front seats were available, though petite adults might struggle to find an ideal driving position. The Titan provided ample seating and storage space, with a large centre console and smartphone storage. A panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window were available, enhancing the cabin experience. The Titan's interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 162.5 cm bed, offering a balance of passenger and cargo space. The bed included a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for versatile cargo options. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, rear USB ports, and a pushbutton shifter for additional space. The cabin layout was user-friendly, with toggle switches for temperature control. While the Ridgeline's headroom and legroom were comparable to other midsize pickups, its wider stance and lower cowl height provided a more spacious feel.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured a standard 9.0-inch WXGA resolution infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and satellite radio. Additional features like navigation, HD Radio, and a Fender Premium Audio System were available. The interface was responsive, though the graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display was standard, offering more information than many rivals.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation were available on higher trims. The interface was straightforward, with analog controls for essential functions. While the Ridgeline's tech offerings were basic, they were functional and easy to use, with most rivals offering similar features.

The 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional features like forward-collision warning, parking sensors, and an Around View Monitor were available. The Titan's five-year/160,000-kilometre warranty was the best in Canada, covering basic and powertrain components.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included Honda Sensing, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. The blind spot monitoring system's warning light was well-placed, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.