2022 Toyota Tundra 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 a unique lava-red script logo. 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 received a modern upgrade with a large infotainment screen and piano-black plastic trim, though the steering wheel design felt dated.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the start of its third generation, with a complete redesign and engineering overhaul. Its exterior sported a dynamic, expressive look with a large hexagonal grille, varying in finish across trims. The TRD Pro trim stood out with "TOYOTA" badging in retro letters above an LED strip light. The Tundra's body featured chiseled side styling and pronounced wheel arches, while the rear was neatly tucked with LED taillamps. Inside, the Tundra embraced premium materials and amenities, with a 14-inch touchscreen standard on Limited and Platinum grades. The interior design echoed the exterior's shapes, creating a cohesive vehicle design. The Tundra aimed to be a family adventure vehicle, with thoughtful design elements throughout.

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. However, 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 slightly higher figures for the Pro-4X grade. 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 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 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines, moving away from the previous 5.7-litre V8. The base i-Force engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, produced 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain combined the V6 with an electric motor, delivering 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra's fuel consumption was rated at 11.8 L/100 km combined for RWD and 12.2 L/100 km for 4WD and hybrid models. The new chassis and suspension improved handling, with a multi-link rear suspension providing a more compliant ride. The Tundra excelled off-road, especially with the TRD Off-Road package, and offered a TRD Sport package for enhanced on-road performance.

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 space and storage, with a large centre console and smartphone-friendly design. A panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window were available, enhancing the cabin experience. The Titan's interior featured thoughtful touches like easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra came in Double Cab or CrewMax configurations, both offering five-passenger seating. The Double Cab had 846 mm of rear seat legroom, while the CrewMax offered 1,057 mm. The Tundra's bed options included a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed for Double Cab and a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed for CrewMax. The aluminum-reinforced composite bed saved weight and resisted damage. The Tundra's towing capacity reached 5,443 kg, with standard trailer sway control and TOW/HAUL mode. Inside, smart storage solutions included a sliding tray in the centre armrest and a 12-volt power tap on the dash. Toyota's buyer-focused design was evident throughout the cabin.

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. Navigation, HD Radio, additional USB ports, and dual-zone climate control were available. The interface was responsive, though the graphics were less modern than competitors. A 7-inch programmable information display was standard, and buyers could upgrade to a Fender Premium Audio System with 12 speakers.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced a new infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. A 12-speaker JBL audio system was standard on upper grades. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Toyota Connected services. Upper trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch head-up display. Off-roaders benefited from the multi-terrain select system and multi-terrain monitor system, enhancing the Tundra's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came 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 included forward-collision warning, parking sensors, and an Around View Monitor camera system. Nissan offered a five-year/160,000-kilometre bumper-to-bumper warranty, the best in Canada.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Eight airbags were standard, along with LATCH connectors and child-protector rear door locks. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on most trims.