2022 Nissan Titan vs 2021 RAM 1500

The 2021 RAM 1500 continued to make a statement despite being a carryover model from its 2019 redesign. Its design offered a blend of robustness and luxury, without any significant cosmetic upgrades. The RAM 1500 configurations included quad and crew cab options, with bed lengths of either five feet, seven inches, or six feet, four inches, for the crew cab, and the longer box exclusively for the two-door version. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) were available, adding versatility to this lineup.

The Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition was introduced, but the spotlight was firmly on the all-new TRX model. The TRX, inspired by off-road rally races, distinguished itself with functional design elements such as a functioning hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. The TRX was a crew-cab-only 4x4 with a smaller 5-foot, 7-inch bed and an overall length of 232.9 inches. Unique dimensions included a 145.1-inch wheelbase, a height of 80.9 inches, and a width of 88 inches – towering over the standard model's 77.6-inch height and 82.1-inch width.

The TRX's imposing stance was complemented by driver-focused features such as 35-inch all-terrain tires, prominent "R-A-M" badging, and an eye-catching Ignition Orange paint option. Inside, the cabin exuded first-class comfort and technology. Standard upholstery featured black premium cloth and vinyl with red accents, while optional upgrades included leather and suede materials. The flat-bottom performance steering wheel added both comfort and functionality. Dominating the center console was a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display, seamlessly integrated into the dark-themed interior. Personalized touches abounded, from the vehicle-specific ID marker on the console storage lid to measurement tools and Easter Eggs inside.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Nissan Titan also showcased an appealing design with a rugged yet elegant exterior. It featured strong lines and an expressive front face while maintaining a tidy look without excessive detail. The Titan's assertive stance and premium fit and finish ensured it didn’t fall short against older rivals in the market.

The interior echoed the exterior's theme with clean lines, minimal clutter, and high-quality materials. Generous proportions gave an airy feel to the cabin. Notably, the moonroof package enhanced the sense of roominess, featuring a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and a power sliding rear window. The design was practical, ensuring ample storage with numerous cup and bottle holders, alongside an excellent build quality.

The RAM 1500 TRX wasn't just about looks—it boasted impressive performance capabilities. Under the hood was a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, producing a whopping 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the TRX to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and hit 100 mph in 10.5 seconds. It ran a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph, with a top speed of 118 mph. However, performance came with a fuel economy sacrifice, offering only 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined.

The TRX's off-road prowess was put to the test through various terrains, handling everything from dirt tracks to rock climbs with ease. Its eight on- and off-road drive modes and high ground clearance of 11.8 inches (plus the ability to fjord up to 32 inches of water) contributed to its versatile performance. Whether navigating tight city streets or tearing up off-road courses, the TRX delivered a thrilling and capable ride.

On the flip side, the 2022 Nissan Titan stuck with a tried-and-true approach to its powertrain. All models featured a 5.6-liter gasoline V8 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, yielding 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. RWD was standard on most trims, with 4WD available or standard depending on the model. Fuel economy was relatively respectable, with RWD models achieving 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined; 4WD models slightly less at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.

The tested 2022 Titan Pro-4X model featured advanced off-road equipment, including a two-speed transfer case, electronically locking rear differential, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and Bilstein off-road shocks. Despite being designed for off-road adventures, the Titan exhibited refined on-road manners, delivering a smooth, comfortable ride with its stable handling and composed cornering. Towing capacity reached up to 9,310 pounds, and maximum payload was 1,710 pounds—decent figures for its class.

Functionality was a defining feature of the 2021 RAM 1500, particularly in its TRX variant. Despite its larger exterior dimensions, interior space remained consistent with other RAM models. Front headroom and legroom measured 40.9 inches, while rear space offered 39.8 inches of headroom and an expansive 45.2 inches of legroom. A plethora of storage compartments designed to accommodate any gear further enhanced the cabin’s practicality. Features like the powered-adjustable pedals allowed drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable seating position.

The RAM TRX came with full-length rock rails, which not only served as steps for easier cabin access but also provided body protection for off-roading. A full-size spare tire and LED headlights with optional auto high beams further added to the vehicle’s functionality.

Similarly, the 2022 Nissan Titan boasted practical and user-friendly features. Available in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, the Titan's interior space varied. The King Cab's second-row space was tight with 24.8 inches of legroom, but it offered functional benefits such as lockable cargo hauling and pet transport. The Crew Cab offered a more spacious 38.5 inches of second-row legroom.

Cargo wise, the Titan provided two bed lengths: 78.7 inches for the King Cab and 67 inches for the Crew Cab. Its interior storage features included the innovative Utili-track Channel system and accessory Titan Boxes for lockable, waterproof storage in the bed sidewalls.

Technology is a forefront consideration for both the 2021 RAM 1500 and 2022 Nissan Titan. The RAM 1500 came standard with a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, running the Uconnect 4C system with navigation. This system allowed for extensive customization, including a home screen configurable as a single-panel or split-screens. Although it lacked haptic feedback, it offered a wealth of features such as Performance Pages, Off-Road Pages, wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, 4G LTE WiFi hot-spot, and a six-month SiriusXM Radio trial.

Besides, the RAM 1500 could be equipped with advanced conveniences like a new HUD displaying up to five pieces of real-time information, and an available Harmon Kardon premium audio package with 19 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. This array of tech features ensured a modern and connected driving experience.

On the other side, the 2022 Nissan Titan was upgraded with Nissan’s latest infotainment system, offering an 8-inch display as standard with an optional 9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, NissanConnect, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot for up to seven devices. The standard audio system comprised six speakers, while a Fender-branded 12-speaker system with subwoofer was available on higher trims.

Nissan also offered door-to-door navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and TravelLink, and TomTom Weather on higher trims. These features enhanced overall functionality, making communication and navigation easy and efficient.

Safety was paramount in the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX. While specific crash-test ratings were yet to be released, Ram equipped the TRX with over 100 safety and security features, albeit with some as optional extras. Basic features included a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines. More advanced options in the safety packages included 360-degree camera views, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitoring, trailer sway control, and front and rear park assistance with automatic braking.

Passive safety systems included auto-reverse for windows and sunroof and an advanced accident response system for emergency situations.

The 2022 Nissan Titan came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered an impressive suite of driver-assist technologies such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Intelligent forward-collision warning was also standard, adding another layer of defense in hazardous situations.

The Titan garnered top ratings from the IIHS in most categories, with “Good” ratings across the board except for an “Acceptable” in the small overlap front: passenger-side crash test. It received “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention. However, its standard halogen headlights received a “Poor” rating, while the LED headlights on higher trims were not rated.