Since we are well into 2020, it’s time to start pitting vehicles against each other to see which one reigns supreme in each class. Today, we are going to look at a head-to-head battle between the 2020 Ram 1500 vs 2020 Nissan Titan. Both pickups are well-equipped, but which one will come out on top? Let the games begin!
Round 1: Performance
Typically, people who want to buy a pickup truck are looking for something powerful and capable of handling tough jobs. Let’s pop the hoods on these two trucks and see how well they perform under pressure.
The 2020 Ram 1500 is available with four different engine options. All of these motors are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD. You can also opt for 4WD. The first one is a 3.6-liter V6 that uses the eTorque Mild Hybrid System. This powertrain eliminated the alternator and uses a 48-volt battery in its place; it produces 305 hp and 269 lb-ft. When equipped with this engine, the estimated fuel economy for the Ram 1500 is 23 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway), and it can haul up to 7,730 pounds.
The second option is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 motor, which produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain has a lower estimated fuel economy of 17 MPG combined (15 city/22 highway), but it has a higher towing limit set at 11,610 pounds. The third choice is a diesel turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 motor that makes 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. What’s even more impressive is that this particular powertrain can tow a full 12,560 pounds.
Lastly, the previously mentioned 5.7-liter HEMI V8 motor makes another appearance, but this time it’s equipped with the eTorque Mild Hybrid system. This pushes the towing limit up to 12,750 pounds, and it also improves the gas mileage to 19 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway).
On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Titan is not so impressive or adaptive. All of the Titan trucks are powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Generating 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, the Titan can pull up to 9,370 pounds. While these numbers are okay, they pale in comparison to the Ram 1500 engine lineup.
Round 2: Space
Now let’s take a look at the cabin configurations offered on both trucks. The 2020 Ram 1500 is amiable in two body styles. Both have four doors and the option of a short bed (5’7”) and or a long bed (6’4”). The QuadCab seats five, and the CrewCab seats six.
On the flip side, the 2020 Nissan Titan is also available in two body styles, including the King Cab and the Crew Cab. It also has two bed lengths to choose from which are 5’6” and 6’6”. Overall, the two are evenly matched for seating and body styles.
Round 3: Base Trims
Before we jump off into the deep end of trim specs, you should take note of one important fact. The 2020 Ram 1500 is available in six trim levels, and the Nissan Titan is only offered in five.
The Ram 1500 Tradesman is the base model. Featuring easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery, you can hose out mud and dirt with no problem. The infotainment interface operates on a 5-inch monitor and includes Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and three 12-volt power outlets. Storage compartments throughout the cabin include door bins, a lockable glove box, and a mini overhead console.
Meanwhile, the Nissan Titan S also comes with vinyl upholstery for clean-ups. The infotainment interface operates on an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Also included are safety features such as lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blindspot monitoring, emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Round 4: Mid-Level Trims
The Ram 1500 Bighorn and Laramie are two mid-level trims for this production year. The Bighorn comes with 60/40 split-folding back seats, and the Laramie adds heated leather seats with ventilation. It also comes with a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 9-speaker sound system, and it’s the most popular Ram 1500 trim available.
On the other hand, the Nissan Titan SV is the only mid-level model available. It comes with dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a navigation system, satellite radio, trailer sway control, and a spray-in bed liner.
Round 5: Off-Roading Trims
Switching gears for a moment, both trucks have off-roading versions available.
The Ram 1500 Rebel gets comfortable heated seats and rear parking sensors that can prove useful any time you hook up a trailer or RV. It’s got all-terrain tires, a factory-installed lift, an electronic locking rear axle, tow hooks, and LED exterior lighting for the headlights, taillights, and even the fog lamps. The stunning cabin is designed with ruby red accents that have been laser-engraved, black and ruby red vinyl/cloth seating, and unique graphics. You can also choose between the 8.4-inch touchscreen or the 12-inch touchscreen.
The Nissan Titan PRO-4X gets all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, skid plates, 4WD, off-road shocks from Bilstein, and hill-descent control. It even comes with a 10-speaker Fender sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seating.
Round 6: Top Trims
Finally, we have climbed all the way up to the cream of the crop.
The Ram 1500 Longhorn kicks off the luxury trim levels. This model comes with heated bucket seats, premium leather upholstery, and a steering wheel that is both heated and wrapped in leather. The top-of-the-line Limited trim adds a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a voice-activated navigation system. It features an aggressively styled chrome-mesh grille, a 12-inch infotainment interface, power-retracting running boards, and the class-exclusive Active Level Four Corner Air Suspension. This special suspension helps to keep the load level automatically, so you don’t have to worry when you tow something behind the truck.
Lastly, the Nissan SL and Platinum Reserve are the two top trims offered on these trucks. The SL includes leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-speaker Fender sound system. The top-tier Platinum Reserve model gets heated/cooled leather seats with unique badging, wood grain accents, and a panoramic sunroof. A 360-degree camera system has also been added.
Round 7: Exteriors
The exterior styling elements for each truck varies greatly depending on the trim. One notable feature on the new Ram is the Multifunction Tailgate. It opens traditionally and has double swing-out doors for optimized function.
Available in six to eight different paint colors depending on the trim level you choose, the 2020 Ram 1500 comes in the following shades: Bright White, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl, Granite Crystal Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Flame Red, Delmonico Red Pearl, and Patriot Blue Pearl.
The Nissan Titan is available in nine shades including Pearl White, Glacier White, Super Black, Deep Blue Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Red Alert, Cardinal Red Metallic, Gun Metallic, and Baja Storm.
The Winners Circle
At the end of the day, both the 2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Nissan Titan are both incredible trucks that any driver could love. However, if you are looking for something that can get you around in style while still working hard when it needs to, the only clear winner is the 2020 Ram 1500.
