2020 Nissan Titan vs 2020 Nissan Frontier

The 2020 Nissan Titan maintained its reputation for being handsomely generic, with a stocky and masculine build. Despite its solid construction, it struggled to stand out against competitors like the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado, which offered more luxurious interiors and dynamic designs. For 2020, Nissan introduced new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, adding some flair to the Titan's appearance. The Pro-4X trim featured unique styling elements like gray grilles with red accents and blacked-out badges, while the interior of the lower-trim SV King Cab impressed with improved materials and a modernized infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Frontier retained a design reminiscent of its 2005 model, which had aged well over the years. The PRO-4X trim added distinctive features such as a tube-style roof rack and unique alloy wheels, enhancing its rugged appeal. Available in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, the Frontier offered a practical and straightforward design. Inside, the cabin reflected Nissan's mid-2000s interior design, with hard plastics and a solid build quality. Despite its dated appearance, the Frontier's charm lay in its simplicity and durability, appealing to those who appreciated a traditional truck experience.

The 2020 Nissan Titan was equipped with a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium gasoline. This powertrain, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and towing capabilities. The Titan could tow up to 9,370 pounds and carry a payload of 1,680 pounds with the towing package. While the steering and ride quality didn't match the refinement of some competitors, the Titan offered a quiet and composed driving experience, thanks to features like double-pane windows and an acoustic-laminated windshield.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier introduced a new 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission, replaced the previous powertrains and offered improved fuel efficiency. The Frontier's towing capacity remained at 6,720 pounds, and its driving dynamics were characterized by strong acceleration and smooth shifts. However, the steering was heavy, and the ride quality was less refined compared to modern standards. Despite these drawbacks, the Frontier's new powertrain was a significant improvement, providing a more enjoyable driving experience.

The 2020 Nissan Titan offered a spacious interior, with the King Cab featuring double-hinged rear doors for easy access. The Crew Cab provided additional legroom, making it a comfortable choice for passengers. The Titan's bed was equipped with a factory spray-on liner, LED lights, and a rail system for securing cargo. The Utility package added features like a fold-down tailgate step and a 400-watt AC outlet, enhancing the truck's practicality. Inside, the Titan boasted ample storage options, including a new smartphone holder and a cargo organizer on the rear floor.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, particularly in the PRO-4X trim, provided a functional interior with plenty of storage options, including dual glove compartments and a bin under the center armrest. The driver's seat was power-adjustable, offering a supportive position, though it lacked Nissan's Zero Gravity design. Rear seat space was limited, typical for midsize pickups, and lacked amenities like air vents and USB ports. The Frontier's bed featured a standard spray-in bedliner and a Utili-Track channel system with adjustable tie-down cleats, though it was relatively shallow with a total volume of 27.1 cubic feet.

The 2020 Nissan Titan's infotainment system was a significant upgrade, featuring an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen with modern functionality. The 9-inch display offered high resolution and intuitive controls, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect data services provided remote capabilities and voice searches through Google. The Titan also included a 7-inch color display in the instrument panel and Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered a suite of driver-assistance features.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Frontier's technology was limited, with a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, and a Rockford Fosgate sound system. The Frontier's voice recognition system worked adequately, but the lack of modern connectivity features was noticeable. The simplicity of the Frontier's technology was both refreshing and outdated, appealing to those who preferred a straightforward approach.

The 2020 Nissan Titan had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but improvements in body structure and standard driver assists suggested better safety performance. The Titan offered features like adaptive cruise control, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. A rear-door alert was also standard, enhancing safety for rear passengers.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal-impact protection. IIHS ratings were similarly unimpressive, with a "marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact tests and "poor" headlights. The Frontier's safety features were basic, including a reversing camera and stability control, but lacked advanced driver-assistance technologies.