Shopping for a pickup truck has always been different than shopping for a car. Sure, the individual who wants to own a four-door sedan is concerned with conservative fuel consumption, comfort, and a lower cost of routine service; however, the needs of the typical pickup owner are quite different. A truck owner tends to look at aspects like towing capability, powertrain options, payload, and overall cost. Because their vehicle is often utilized on the job site, they need a reliable workhorse that can deliver the goods. While features such as luxury and fuel economy are taken into account, they often don’t impact choosing the ideal pickup. For those currently in the market for a pickup, we present this in-depth look at the versatility of two models from some of the most popular manufacturers in the world; Ford and Nissan. We’re going to hold a magnifying glass to both and ascertain which is the better option. It’s the 2022 Ford F-150 vs 2022 Nissan Titan. Everyone, start your engines!
Cost Effectiveness
Before we delve into each truck’s performance, it’s important to see how cost-effective each particular model is. To do this, we’ll examine their starting MSRPs and how they rank on the list of full-sized pickups. First is the 2022 Nissan Titan. The Titan starts at $38,810 and is considered slightly over average, as many models go for a sum in the ballpark of $35,000. This makes the Titan more expensive than the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 but still cheaper than the high-grade versions of the Ford Raptor, Ram 1500 TRX, and Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2. Starting at an MSRP of $31,520, the F-150 underbids several competitors, most notably the Titan. Ford has also managed to offer their truck at a lower starting cost than its biggest rival, the Chevy Silverado 1500, which begins at a slightly higher price of $34,600.
Powertrain Variety
No two drivers are exactly the same, and their taste in what makes a truck great is very much a subjective matter. To this end, manufacturers offer up a variety of trim levels and powertrain options to satisfy the needs of their customers. While some might only need a vehicle for the job site, others need one for work, play, and everything in between.
Nissan has streamlined their production in recent years. By offering one engine option across all trim levels, high performance is made readily available to those loyal to the brand. The Titan comes equipped with a 5.6L V8 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission capable of producing 400 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque. These are admirable specifications but also very limiting. In recent years, we’ve seen larger vehicles powered by four-cylinder engines and diesel-fueled powertrains that produce admirable results with half the power. If you opt to go with the Nissan Titan, you’ll get a boisterous V8.
If Nissan is a bit too limiting in their powertrain options, Ford is the exact opposite. The newest edition of the F-150 comes with five available engines to choose from, thus appealing to a wider variety of drivers. At the top of the heap is a 5.0L V8. Affectionately referred to as the “Coyote,” it is capable of producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Aside from the Coyote, there are four V6 options that are more than effective for whatever jobs you need to accomplish.
On the low ends of the spectrum are a 3.3L V6 that produces 290 hp, while the 2.7L V6 boasts a horsepower rating of 325. Both the 3.5L EcoBoost Turbo V6 and the PowerBoost Hybrid V6 outperform the Titan, with ratings of 400 and 430 horsepower and 500 to 570 lb-ft of torque, respectively. All engines are equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 has long been considered the engine most synonymous with performance, Ford proves their V6 powertrains can do more with less.
Towing and Payload
One of the virtues that many users look for when it comes to the perfect pickup truck is their ability to alleviate the heavy burdens of the world. A truck’s ability to tow, trailer, and sustain an adequate payload are all important features for the job site and the road trip. As one might expect, both Ford and Nissan have equipped their truck with the ability to accommodate these needs.
While the Nissan Titan is limited to a single powertrain, it still possesses ample towing prowess. With a maximum capacity of 9,320 lbs., the Titan is more than capable of putting in an honest day’s work. Payload varies upon the type of Titan you decide to go with. The King Cab can easily hold a payload of 1,710 lbs, while the Crew Cab, which has a slightly smaller truck bed, maxes out its payload capability at 1,650 lbs.
At the low end of the spectrum, an F-150 equipped with the 3.3L V6 can tow 8,200 lbs and carry a maximum payload of 1985 lbs. Meanwhile, at its most formidable, an F-150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost Twin Turbocharged V6 can tow up to 14,000 lbs. and carry a payload of 3,250 lbs. This even surpasses the Nissan Titan XD, whose towing capabilities max out at 11,060 lbs. While the Titan XD is a separate vehicle from the Titan, it’s also the strongest machine that Nissan has in their arsenal. Because the Titan relies on a single powertrain, it sits at a disadvantage for towing and payload performance. The Ford F-150, with its multiple options, manages to completely overpower the Titan in terms of capability.
Conclusion: Ford Has More Bases Covered and Outperforms Nissan
Usually, when two vehicles are compared in terms of capability and versatility, it’s a hard-fought race with a close finish. Sometimes there’s no real winner at all, and the entire contest comes down to a matter of “apples and oranges.” While this is usually the case, there’s no doubt in our minds who takes home the gold from this comparison.
While the Nissan Titan’s streamlined production of a single powertrain available on all levels of trim is a move that benefits both the company and consumers, it places an enormous limitation upon the intended demographic. Not everyone who purchases a truck is looking for a monstrous V8 and might opt for something smaller and more fuel efficient. Considering the average cost of a pickup and the starting MSRP that the Titan goes for, it appears you’re not getting what you pay for; you’re actually getting much less.
Just as they’ve done time and time again, Ford provides consumers with a better product at a lower cost. More capability and variety are far more advantageous for what you pay for. By offering a multitude of choices and outperforming its rival on every conceivable level, Ford proves once again that it’s king of the hill when it comes to the pickup. When it comes to the truck market, being able to provide a variety of engine options is often the deciding factor for many consumers. Because of its options, capability, and an overall value that’s unmatched, the Ford F-150 is the truck to go with.
