2020 Nissan Titan vs 2021 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Nissan Titan was described as handsomely generic, maintaining a stocky and masculine appearance. Despite its solid build, it lacked the excitement and standout features found in competitors like the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado. For 2020, Nissan introduced new exterior paints, wheels, and grille choices, adding some flair to the Titan's design. The interior of the lower-trim SV King Cab 4WD impressed with improved materials, a glossy 9-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic moonroof, showcasing a newfound quality that elevated the Titan's appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, presented a unique and somewhat unconventional look with its tall, long, and narrow frame. Despite initial cognitive dissonance, the Gladiator's charm became apparent when driven, especially in off-road settings. The new Willys special edition and 80th Anniversary Edition added distinctive features, while the High Altitude luxury model introduced premium touches. The Gladiator's interior, though not as spacious as the Titan's, offered durable materials and Jeep's signature design elements, creating a sense of exclusivity.

The 2020 Nissan Titan featured a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided impressive acceleration and towing capabilities, with a maximum payload of 1,680 pounds and a towing capacity of 9,370 pounds. The Titan's ride was composed, though not as smooth as some competitors, and it offered a quiet cabin with standard double-pane front windows. The Titan XD variant, with its reinforced frame and upgraded components, catered to those needing more towing power, albeit with slightly reduced figures compared to previous diesel models.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine option, producing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered substantial low-end torque and improved fuel economy, averaging 22.6 mpg during testing. The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard engine, while the diesel variant managed 6,000-6,500 pounds due to cooling restrictions. Off-road, the diesel-powered Gladiator excelled, with its torque making challenging trails more manageable. However, the Gladiator's on-road performance was less refined, with a stiff ride and noticeable wind noise.

The 2020 Nissan Titan offered spacious interiors, especially in the Crew Cab variant, with its 5.5-foot bed. The King Cab's double-hinged rear doors provided flexibility for cargo and passengers, though rear legroom was limited compared to the Crew Cab. The Titan's bed featured a Utility package with a spray-on liner, LED lights, and a rail system for easy tie-downs. Interior storage was ample, with a new smartphone holder and a cargo organizer on the rear floor.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but cramped rear legroom and small door openings. Entering and exiting the vehicle was challenging, especially with side steps or rails. The Gladiator's 5-foot steel cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of space, with multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. In-cabin storage was limited, with netting on door panels and a small center console bin.

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 services provided remote capabilities and over-the-air updates. The Titan also included a 7-inch color display in the instrument panel and Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a suite of driver-assist features.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while inherently old school, offered modern technology with the Uconnect 4C system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The Gladiator also offered a forward-facing Trail Cam for off-road navigation. However, the underlying technology showed signs of aging, with slower response times and voice recognition limitations.

The 2020 Nissan Titan had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS for 2020, but previous models received favorable ratings. The Titan featured improved body structure and standard driver-assist technologies, with optional adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras. A rear-door alert was also standard.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, with optional advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. NHTSA gave it a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.