2021 Nissan Titan

With 400 hp and 413 lb-ft churned out by its 5.6-liter V8 gas engine, the 2021 Titan is the most powerful truck within the classification. All of that power is managed by a 9-speed automatic transmission and sent through to a standard rear-wheel drivetrain or all-wheel drivetrain. Even so, the Titan isn't the most capable half-ton truck in the class. Performance-wise, the Titan's V8 and auto transmission do well at both city and highway speeds. Acceleration responses are always strong and dependable and the transmission switches through gears quite instinctively. When appropriately outfitted, the most the Titan pickup will tow is 9,310-pounds, which while just fine for most, isn't even nearly as much as what competitors can do.

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.