2022 RAM 1500 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, while the Platinum Reserve boasted a satin chrome one, and the Pro-4X had a black grille with lava-red script. The Pro-4X also included 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 having a black finisher and the Platinum Reserve a satin chrome one. The Titan's interior received a modern upgrade with a large infotainment screen and piano-black plastic trim, though the steering wheel design felt dated.

The 2022 RAM 1500, available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offered eight trim levels, from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a notable addition, with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The Limited trim, equipped with a turbodiesel engine and four-wheel drive, featured a luxurious interior with Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and a 19-speaker premium sound system. The Ram 1500's design was clean and contemporary, with chrome elements fitting naturally into the overall aesthetic. Inside, the cabin exuded quality, with mixed materials and patterns creating a busy yet luxurious feel. The Ram 1500's interior was praised for its construction quality and attention to detail, making it a standout in the full-size truck segment.

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. However, 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. The Pro-4X grade had slightly higher figures. The Titan's steering was traditional, with plenty 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. The Pro-4X model featured off-road-centric equipment, making it capable off-road.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered several engine options, including a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 for the TRX. Our test truck had the EcoDiesel engine, producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel's towing capacity reached up to 5,697 kg, with our test truck managing 4,354 kg. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.7 L/100 km combined, with our test averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The Ram 1500's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the interior remained quiet. The truck handled well, though the brake pedal could be challenging to modulate.

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 for long journeys. Heated and cooled front seats were available, though petite adults might struggle to find a comfortable 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 RAM 1500's power-deploying running boards could be toggled on and off through the Uconnect 5 system, useful for off-roading situations. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a spacious cabin with reclining rear seats. Practical storage solutions included trays, bins, and cubbies throughout the cabin, with concealed storage under the rear floor. The multi-function tailgate supported 900 kg and could swing open for easier access. RamBox storage bins were available, though not included in our test vehicle.

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

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the 12-inch display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Ramcharger wireless charging dock were available. The system worked well, though voice recognition and complexity posed challenges. Additional tech options included a head-up display, digital rearview camera mirror, and trailer-specific technology.

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, high beam assist, 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 RAM 1500 offered driver-assist features starting from the Big Horn trim, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and parking assistance. The Ram 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.