Starting at
Starting at
400 | Horsepower (hp) | 290-430 |
413 | Torque (lb-ft) | 265-570 |
11,060 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 8,200-14,000 |
For the average consumer, a vehicle is an important quality of life purchase. Like many of the major purchases we'll make in our lifetime, a vehicle is a sizable investment. This means getting the most for your money and walking away knowing that you've made the right decision concerning your new set of wheels. While the compact car and SUV have become the ideal choice for many drivers in recent years, some need a workhorse, which is why they search the truck market for a vehicle.
While domestic brands such as Ram, Ford, and Chevy have served as the go-to choice for many, overseas manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have their own options for consumers. The Ford F-150 has been a cornerstone of the industry for decades, while the Nissan Titan is a relative newcomer making a name for itself in the pickup world. Let's examine both of these vehicles to determine the better cost-effective option for consumers: the 2022 Nissan Titan vs the 2022 Ford F-150.
Because these vehicles are built to provide driver capability and versatility, an engine and transmission that can deliver the goods and answer the call is a requirement on many job sites. Both Nissan and Ford have offerings that can accomplish mammoth tasks but have different power options available.
Since 2020, Nissan has elected to limit their trucks with a uniform powertrain. One engine, one transmission, and one purpose—to make performance readily available. This consists of a 5.6L V8 engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission and produces 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, making this offering a formidable one. While the lack of variety might turn some off, there is a significant advantage in offering that much performance right out of the gate and not hindering it with a hefty price tag.
As far as the F-150 is concerned, variety is the name of the game. Compared to Nissan, which makes their optimum performance available out of the gate, Ford has five different engine options available (or six, if you count the one formulated and designed exclusively for the F-150 Raptor). The base offering is a 3.3L V6, which is underpowered compared to the Titan, with 290 hp and the ability to generate 265 lb-ft of torque. Leveling up to 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 nets an improved output of 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
To match the capability of Titan, one has to spring for the Coyote, a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine that generates 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, or the 3.5L V6, which outclasses the Titan in torque at 500 lb-ft but matches it in horsepower at 400 hp. If you want an F-150 that can outperform the Titan, you'll have to go all out with the 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6, producing 430 hp and the ability to generate 570 lb-ft of torque. All engines in the Ford lineup are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
While Ford offers a variety of engines, obtaining peak performance requires spending more money and going with their upper trim levels (of which there are seven, not including the Raptor). Nissan gives you the goods, no matter which level of trim you decide to go with, and limits itself to four trim levels, making it more accessible for the average consumer.
With the rugged determination of powertrains aside, today's pickups are known for having a variety of technology applied to them for the best in driving assistance and safety. Across the entire industry, you might have noticed that manufacturers all offer items and features that are identical to one another. This is due to the tendency of competing brands to follow the rise and fall of trends and consumer needs. The point of any discourse regarding what manufacturers offer is no longer a matter of what but whether or not these features come standard or are reserved for the higher trim levels.
While Ford certainly equips their flagship pickup with a variety of features that are par for the course, only a few are standard across all trim levels. For instance, the standard features of the Ford F-150 are pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. Other features such as adaptive cruise control, the lane-keeping system, and a 360-degree camera package to assist with towing and parking are available for a slightly higher price. While all companies need to make a profit on the vehicles they sell, withholding safety features from those who can't afford them comes across as a red flag for those who put safety as a top priority.
Nissan, which has always kept a keen eye out for the development of technology, has the exact opposite approach to Ford. Standard with every Nissan Titan is the brand's suite of driving assistance features known as Nissan Safety Shield 360. This collection includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and high beam assist. Nissan also provides the Titan with a state-of-the-art traffic control system that applies brake pressure when conditions on the road are less than favorable.
Our pick for this round is the Nissan Titan. While the Ford F-150 has retained its popularity over the years, Nissan demonstrates a willingness to offer their customers more assistance features to allow for maximum safety and peace of mind. We want to take the time to remind our readers that driving assistance features are meant to aid you in your commute and don't replace the effective habits of a responsible driver. Always exercise caution when on the road. After all, safety starts with you.
Having the ability to accomplish heavy workloads and keeping yourself safe are attributes someone should keep in mind when purchasing a pickup; however, a third attribute that many people look at is comfort and style. We all love to look our best, whether out for a cruise or hard at work. After all, shouldn't you have maximum comfort while accomplishing an honest day's work?
To its credit, the F-150 has remained relatively unchanged for years. This certainly appeals to those who observe brand loyalty, but it comes up lacking in grabbing someone's attention. The exterior of the Nissan Titan, which benefited from a refreshed design during the 2022 model year, certainly has a more appealing aesthetic. This is present in the Titan's jet-black grille with its red nameplate. The upward-pointed headlights are a nice touch that lends to the intimidating nature of the truck's front end.
But what about what happens when you get behind the wheel? After all, this is where you'll spend most of your time. Truth be told, both interiors have a similar look regarding infotainment center placement design. The F-150 uses a folding gear shifter to turn its interior into a mobile workplace. Aside from this novelty item, comfort and amenities are again restricted to the upper trim levels.
Once again, Nissan appears to be the better option for comfort. Emphasizing roomy seating and extra legroom, the Titan provides spacious room and comfort for drivers and passengers alike. The Titan's "zero gravity" seats are a popular feature, as is the cabin's design, which is meant to keep unwanted noises out and the sounds of the interior within. In an age where cost-effectiveness means more than ever, the 2022 Nissan Titan delivers the goods and gives you more bang for your buck.