So, you’re looking for a new pickup truck, eh? There’s a lot to choose from, and it’s easy to get lost in the many multitudes of similar and competing models out there. There’s a huge variety of reasons to own a truck, and depending on your needs, the best truck for you could be completely different than the best truck for your close personal friend Dave (who we’re just going to assume exists for his sake). While this versatility is great for people who already own a truck, it can make finding your perfect pickup difficult if you don’t already know exactly what to look for. One of the best ways to determine your specific needs is by comparing models one on one and finding the key differences that have meaning to you. The 2018 GMC Sierra vs. 2018 Nissan Titan debate has been a hot topic lately, so we figure that’s probably the best place to start.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Capability
The Sierra 1500 offers multiple options when it comes to its EcoTec3 V8 engine. With a maximum of about 420 horsepower and 460lb-ft of torque, it’s no surprise this truck is highly popular for both commercial and personal use. If you’re looking for a pickup truck then you’re probably curious about the Sierra’s towing capabilities as well, and we’re willing to bet you won’t be disappointed. If you opt for the available towing features, you’ll be able to haul up to 12,500 lbs of bricks, feathers, horses, or whatever else you can fit in a trailer. A trailering camera is available in case you want to check up on how secure your cargo is, as well as a Trailer Sway Control system and Trailer Brake Controller to keep it that way. If you’re looking for a good way to move something big and heavy, it might be in your interest to consider what the Sierra can do for you.
If you’re someone who values a comfortable drive, you may also want to check out Magnetic Ride Control, which manages your shocks to keep your ride smooth and comfortable. While we’re on the topic of suspension, the off-road features on the All Terrain versions of the Sierra 1500 are so numerous that it would actually be a nuisance to read such a long list. Rather than bore you with a myriad of technical information, we decided that we would just boil it all down and tell you what it means in English: this truck is fantastic at off-roading.
Technology
The most important thing for an infotainment system these days is smartphone integration, and of course, the best versions of this feature come straight from the companies that build the phones. That’s why Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are absolutely essential for any modern vehicle, and why they’re becoming the most popular additions to infotainment systems across the country. For anyone unfamiliar, integration between your phone and car allows you to listen and respond to texts, make phone calls, select music, set a GPS destination and more, all while keeping your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.
If you’ve got a newer phone, you may feel inclined to opt for wireless charging, but if you don’t trust what is clearly alien technology, then there are still a number of USB ports you can use to charge your phone. If you’re okay with advancements made through salvage and reverse engineering in the wake of events like the Roswell Incident, then you might also be interested in the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot offered by the Sierra 1500.
2018 Nissan Titan
Capability
With the Endurance V8 direct injection engine, the Titan delivers 390 horsepower and 394lb-ft of torque. The same towing features offered by the Sierra 1500 are also available for the Titan, from the trailer camera to the brake controller. However, the Titan’s towing capacity maxes out around 9,400 lbs, so the Sierra is definitely the better choice if towing is important to you.
Like with it’s towing options, the Titan’s optional off-road features are essentially the same as those offered by the Sierra 1500. The main differences between these parallel features come from brand name, but since both GMC and Nissan use 5-star rated performance manufacturers it’s difficult to determine a clear victor here that isn’t dependant on personal opinion. The Titan’s option for performance shocks comes from Bilstein, while the Sierra 1500 uses Rancho shocks. To many people, these two would be interchangeable, but all-terrain enthusiasts probably already know which they prefer.
Technology
Unfortunately, the Titan does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, but the Nissan Intelligent Mobility system does its best to replicate the same experience with apps like Facebook and Pandora. With the same basic functions in terms of hands-free calling, texting, and available navigation, you won’t be missing out on any of the modern conveniences you might hope for in a new vehicle, but at the same time it’s hard to justify the decision not to use the far more popular and intuitive version of the same basic thing. Wireless internet is also available for the Titan, but can only support up to five devices at a time. Even five devices is more than most people would probably use on a regular basis, though, so that should only be a problem for someone who expects they’ll be using more.
2018 GMC Sierra vs. 2018 Nissan Titan, and the Winner is?
Like we said before, it’s hard to quantify what “better” really means when it comes to a vehicle as versatile as a pickup truck, but when it comes down to it, GMC has got more bases covered with the Sierra than Nissan has with the Titan. While the Titan is still great for off-roading, the 2018 Sierra ticks more boxes and has more power overall, so it’s hard not to give a pretty solid win to GMC on this one. Hopefully following us through this process has helped you to figure out what you’re looking for in your perfect truck, and hey, maybe it’s one of these two. Either way, we hope we could be of help.