2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty underwent a subtle styling update, featuring a more detailed grille and headlights that moved away from the excessive chrome of the 2019 model. The new design elements lent the truck a more mature appearance, although it remained a modest evolution of the design introduced in 2017. Despite the updated front end, the cabin retained its blocky styling, which was less inviting compared to competitors like Ram. However, the interior was well-suited for work use, offering ample space. The F-350 was available in several trim levels, from the basic XL with its work truck aesthetic to the luxurious Limited, which boasted features like a panoramic sunroof and a premium audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained the looks from its 2020 refresh, offering three Crew Cab trim levels in Canada. Each trim had distinct design elements, such as the dark grille on the SV and the satin chrome grille on the Platinum Reserve. The Titan featured new headlights with significantly improved light output and LED lighting throughout, including the bed and taillights. The interior saw a significant upgrade with a modern centre stack and a large infotainment screen. While the steering wheel design felt dated, the overall cabin was comfortable and attractive, with ample seating space and thoughtful storage solutions. The Titan was available in a variety of exterior colours, adding to its appeal.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 6.2-litre gas V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. A 6.7-litre turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-litre gas V8, generating 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing swift acceleration even when loaded. The F-350 excelled in towing, with a conventional towing capacity of 10,977 kg, a fifth-wheel capacity of 14,742 kg, and a gooseneck capacity of 16,783 kg. The Tremor off-road package added features like a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Titan was equipped with a single powertrain—a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and strong acceleration. The Titan's fuel efficiency was competitive, though not the best in its class. It featured a 4WD drivetrain, with fuel consumption averaging 15.2 L/100 km in the city and 11.1 on the highway. The Titan's towing capacity was 4,178 kg, with a payload capacity of 739 kg. The Pro-4X trim offered off-road enhancements like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential, making it capable off-road.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors, providing decent space for rear passengers, while the Super Crew offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom. The truck came with either a 2,081 mm or a 2,492 mm bed, with the longer bed available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed included a step for easier loading, enhancing its practicality for work use.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered a front bench seat as standard, with bucket seats available, accommodating five or six passengers. The Zero Gravity design of the seats ensured comfort on long journeys, with heated and cooled options available. While the seating space was adequate, petite drivers might struggle to find a comfortable position. The Titan's centre console provided ample storage, with a dedicated space for smartphones. An available panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added to the cabin's appeal, while thoughtful features like grab handles and folding rear seatbacks enhanced usability.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, known for its intuitive interface and smartphone compatibility. While it occasionally experienced glitches, it offered useful towing features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer manoeuvring. The system's integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was seamless, though switching between menus could be cumbersome.

The 2021 Nissan Titan boasted a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with additional features like navigation and dual-zone climate control available. The interface was responsive, though the graphics were less modern compared to competitors. The Titan offered an upgraded Fender Premium Audio System, delivering high-quality sound through 12 speakers.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims added advanced features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was available on select trims, enhancing safety during towing.

The 2021 Nissan Titan featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of safety technologies including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and an Around View Monitor were available. The Titan's five-year/160,000-kilometre warranty was the best in Canada, providing peace of mind for buyers.