When it comes to strong, reliable pickup trucks, two auto brands come to mind quickly – Chevrolet and Nissan. If you are thinking about buying a new truck, then we strongly recommend comparing the 2020 Chevy Silverado vs 2020 Nissan Titan. These two vehicles are comparable in type, but only have a few similarities and many differences. Let’s take a closer look at both of these models to get a better idea of which one is best suited to your lifestyle needs.
Size Matters
Both of these trucks are full-size models that can carry up to six people depending on which cab style you choose. The 2020 Chevy Silverado is available in three cab sizes, including Regular, Double, and Crew. The Regular Cab is built with an 8.1-ft bed, the Double Cab is fitted with a standard 6.6-ft bed, and the Crew Cab can come with either the short 5.8- or standard 6.6-ft bed.
On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Titan is only available in two cab styles known as the King Cab and the Crew Cab. Nissan has manufactured regular cab styles in the past, but the company has decided to eliminate this option for the 2020 lineup. The bed length options are similar to the Silverado measuring at 5.6- and 6.6-ft.
Performance Specs
This is usually the most crucial part for truck drivers. After choosing which body style is best suited to your driving needs, it is time to pick the powertrain. With the 2020 Chevy Silverado, you’ve got five various options. First is a turbocharged 2.7-L engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is equipped on the LT and RST trims, and it generates 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. With the ability to tow 7,000 pounds, it has a fuel economy set at 20 MPG combined (19 city/22 highway).
Second is a 4.3-L V6 motor mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Producing 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain can haul 7,900 pounds with a fuel economy of 18 MPG combined (16 city/21 highway). You can find this powertrain under the hood of the Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss models.
The next engine is a 5.3-L V8 engine paired with either a 6- or 8-speed automatic transmission. This robust engine pushes out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It can also pull up to 10,100 pounds while getting approximately 17 MPG combined (15 city/19 highway).
Fourth is a turbo diesel 3.0L I-6 engine fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This robust powertrain pushes out 277 hp and an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque. Using start/stop technology for a better fuel economy, this engine gets 27 MPG combined (23 city/33 highway).
Lastly, the fifth engine option is standard on the LTZ and High Country trims. It is a 6.2-L V8 engine coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It can haul 13,400 pounds, and it generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The estimated fuel economy sits at 18 MPG combined (16 city/20 highway).
As for the 2020 Nissan Titan, there is only one powertrain. While that may seem a bit disappointing and somewhat strange for a pickup truck, at least you don’t have to read through a bunch of specs. Rumbling under the hood is a 5.6-liter V-8 engine mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Together, they push out 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Not too shabby, eh? The maximum towing capacity is set at 9,660 pounds, and the estimated fuel economy is about 19 MPG combined (16 city/22 highway).
2020 Chevy Silverado Trims
Slipping behind the wheel of the 2020 Chevy Silverado, you will be pleasantly surprised inside the higher trims. The lower ones are more basic, but they are just right for work crews. Regardless, there are so many options that provide you the opportunity to find the truck that is perfect for you and your lifestyle.
With eight trim levels to pick from, the WorkTruck model is the most affordable. With rubber flooring and vinyl upholstery, it is almost effortless to clean out the cab. This is especially good if you will be driving your messy children around. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System has been installed with a 7-inch touchscreen interface. Compatible with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, you can make calls hands-free, stream your personal playlist, and access your favorite mobile apps.
Next is the Custom model. This upgrades the stereo system from a 2-speaker until to an enhanced 6-speaker unit. The 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat allows for secure cab configurations as well. Stepping up to the Custom Trail Boss adds a 2-inch suspension lift for better handling over rocky terrain.
The LT version includes a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, and the LT Trail Boss gets premium leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and all-weather floor mats.
The RST gets keyless open and remote start technology, and the LTZ adds perforated leather upholstery, a larger 8-inch touchscreen interface, and voice-recognition software. Finally, the top-tier High Country model received a 7-speaker sound system with a subwoofer.
2020 Nissan Titan Trims
Coming up short again, the 2020 Nissan Titan is only available in five trim levels.
First is the base S model. This includes cloth and vinyl upholstery and vinyl flooring for easy clean-ups. The infotainment system is displayed on an 8-inch monitor that operates with NissanConnect, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Safety features include front and back emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning.
Next is the Sv version that adds carpeted floors, cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing wipers. It also includes trailer sway control, front bucket seats, and a protective spray-on bedliner. Navigation and satellite radio have also been included.
The off-roading PRO-4X adds all-terrain tires, a 4WD system, a locking rear differential, protective skid plates, hill-descent control, and Bilstein off-road shocks. This model can also be fitted with leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Fender stereo system.
Then, we have the SL version. This model eliminates the off-roading features from the PRO-4X and replaces them with leather seating, the Fender 10-speaker stereo, and a heated steering wheel for comfort during the winter.
Finally, the luxurious Platinum Reserve is only available in the Crew Cab body style. This model gets a unique logo stitched into the leather seats. The seats are heated and ventilated in the front and heated in the back. Woodgrain accents on the dashboard give the cabin a look of elegance. You can enjoy a cool breeze by opening the panoramic sunroof, and the 360-degree surround-view camera system allows you to see everything outside.
Choosing the Best Truck
The only person who can decide which model is best for your life is you. If you are still undecided about which one you want, you can always look for your location Chevrolet and Nissan dealers to schedule a test drive in both vehicles. Keep in mind that the 2020 Chevy Silverado has more options in all categories, including size, performance, and trim level.