by Aiden Eksteen
The Ford F-150, RAM 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are all pickup trucks you've very likely heard of before. However, nobody would blame you for never having heard of the 2021 Nissan Titan, which seems totally out of place beside these US giants. While the second-generation Titan has been streamlined to better its standing within the highly competitive classification, it still doesn't quite measure up to its ever-popular rivals, not even with the 400-horsepower V8 motor that makes it the most powerful truck in the class. The Titan pickup still has to offer, though; just take a peak at the spec sheet and you'll see Nissan presents the lineup with some compelling models. Creature comforts, conveniences, and safety features are plentiful across the board and Nissan's infotainment system is rather impressive with higher-spec models getting a nine-inch touchscreen bundled with a 12-speaker audio system. It's a solid and nicely balanced truck that packages a lot of value at the price it's offered, so why is it so overshadowed by its contemporaries?
Since it received a significant overhaul in 2020, there are no changes for the Nissan Titan pickup for the 2021 model year.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
S |
5.6L V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$36,950 |
SV |
5.6L V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$40,790 |
PRO-4X |
5.6L V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$48,470 |
SL |
5.6L V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$54,930 |
Platinum Reserve |
5.6L V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$56,440 |
As a workhorse, the Nissan Titan is certainly not the best pickup truck you can buy in America. It can haul 9,310 pounds when properly equipped, which is fairly useful for the average Joe, but most pickup truck fiends and seasoned workman will be sure to let you know that the Titan can't hold a candle to their Ford F-150. While first-time truck buyers may give the Nissan Titan a chance, most existing owners have become diehard supporters of their chosen brands, which vary between the F-150, RAM 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. All of these half-ton trucks are immensely popular for good reason, boasting commanding and distinct designs, well-rounded performance, and astounding capability. The Titan is a pleasant and well-rounded vehicle, but it doesn't perform particularly well in any one regard where its competitors can boast leading off-road capabilities and, of course, payload and towing capacities. The Titan is an easy-going truck that delivers an almost car-like driving experience, though, and it does come standard with a proper selection of features and driver assists. From the NHTSA, the Titan received a five-star overall safety rating, complementing the IIHS's favorable review of the 2021 Nissan Titan. It also scores really high for overall quality and reliability. Seeing as it is one of the most expensive trucks on the market, though, you'll want to carefully consider if its pros outweigh its cons for the intended purpose.
If you're set on the 2021 Nissan Titan and are in the truck market for a dependable workhorse, then we'd recommend going for one of the entry-spec King Cab models configured with the 4x2 drivetrain. Within the Titan lineup, these models can tow the most, but as workhorses, they still don't nearly match up to competing half-ton trucks. If you're just looking for a bold and well-rounded pickup truck with modest capability, the Pro-4X is the Titan truck to go for. With its standard-fit 4x4 system, Bilstein off-road shocks, and a locking rear differential, it exhibits some impressive off-roading potential without compromising on its easy-going on-road handling and ride quality. This model also comes outfitted with some charming cabin improvements including power-adjustable front seats, a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, and red contrast stitching in the seating upholstery. The starting price of a 2021 Nissan Titan pickup in this trim is around $48,000. However, we might spend an extra $2,000 or so to equip the roomier 4-door Crew Cab.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Nissan Titan: