2019 Ram 1500 vs 2019 Nissan Titan
Posted on August 11, 2020
Japanese automakers would love to take a big slice of the North American full-size pickup truck market for themselves, but domestic models continue to rule the roost. Japanese manufacturers are masters of producing compact and midsize models that sell in big numbers around the globe, but their full-size offerings have never caught our imagination like domestic trucks. Perhaps the best Japanese attempt so far is the 2019 Nissan Titan, so let's see how it shapes up against the all-new 2019 Ram 1500.
Exterior styling
Straight away, you can tell the Nissan Titan isn't a North American full-size pickup, even though it's designed and built here and not back in Japan. Nissan has made a decent attempt to make the Titan look the part, but Ram trucks are in a class of their own when it comes to exterior styling. This new 2019 model may have been toned down a little compared to its predecessors, but this Ram 1500 is still a sensational looking truck that's way more attractive than the Nissan.
Engines
Ram trucks have really upped the ante this year when it comes to engines in its full-size light-duty pickup with two powerplants with 48-volt mild hybrid systems. The smallest engine is a 3.6-litre V-6 that comes standard with the new eTorque mild-hybrid system and develops 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5.7-litre V-8 is also available that puts out 295 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. in its standard form, or an additional 130 lb.-ft. when fitted with the optional eTorque mild hybrid system.There's no V-6 option with the Titan, so you'll have to put up with a 5.6-litre V-8 that puts out a useful 390 horsepower and 394 lb.-ft. of torque. No mild hybrid and no frugal V-6 option gives another round to the Ram.
Capability
How much a pickup can tow, and haul is a big deal for many buyers, and the 2019 Ram 1500 doesn't disappoint. With a maximum payload of 1,043 kg (2,300 pounds) and a maximum towing capacity of 5,783 kg (12,750 pounds), the Ram is a seriously capable light-duty pickup.The Nissan is no lightweight in this area, but its maximum payload of 880 kg (1,940 pounds) and a maximum towing capacity of 4,427 kg (9,760 pounds) is a long way short of what's offered from the Ram.
Trim levels
Neither Nissan or Ram have gone overboard with the number of trim levels they offer here, but there is a little more choice with the Ram 1500. The Nissan Titan is available in five different trim levels of S, SV, Midnight Edition, Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve. The Ram 1500, however, comes in six flavours, which are the Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and the Limited.
Price
If you're trying to get the most affordable full-size light-duty pickup truck, the Nissan Titan used to have a slight edge. The starting MSRP for the Nissan is a single cab S costing from $36,498, but the most affordable all-new 2019 Ram 1500 now starts from just $32,845 and the gap is even bigger at the other end of the trim level spectrum.
Verdict
Nissan has an enviable reputation for reliability and durability, and they are admirable and important attributes for any pickup truck. However, the 2019 Ram 1500 is better looking, more affordable, better on gas, better equipped and massively more capable than its Nissan rival, so it's hard to make a case for not checking out an all-new Ram 1500 today.For more details and to arrange a test drive in the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 for yourself, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today here at North York Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, the premier choice Ram dealer in Thornhill, ON, and the surrounding area.