Full Size Truck Showdown: Chevy vs Nissan vs Ford
The full-size truck segment is marked by fierce competition, driving manufacturers to continually improve their pickups and integrate new functionalities. Nissan has recently undergone a comprehensive facelift and update for the Titan, resulting in a rejuvenated model. The Chevrolet Silverado has made significant strides, making it even more capable and user-friendly compared to its previous iterations. Additionally, Ford has introduced a completely redesigned F-150 for the 2021 model year, offering the option of a hybrid powertrain. In the following section, we provide a concise overview of the distinguishing characteristics among these three models.
Chevy Silverado 1500
The configuration process for a Chevrolet Silverado can be time-consuming due to the extensive range of available options offered by Chevy. The Silverado is available in various trims, including WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, LT Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Customers also have the flexibility to choose from three body styles: Regular, Double Cab, and Crew Cab, as well as different bed sizes.
In line with its counterpart, the GMC Sierra, the 2021 Silverado comes equipped with a versatile tailgate known as the Multi-Flex Tailgate. This innovative feature can function traditionally or be flipped to serve as an assist step, load stop, or support other cargo-oriented tools, thus enhancing its utility.
The Silverado offers five engine options, including the segment-exclusive turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. These engines are paired with either a six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic transmission. Trucks equipped with the turbo four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel I6 exhibit increased towing capacities, with the maximum towing capacity for the gas engine reaching 9,600 pounds.
Among the engine options, the four-cylinder Silverado demonstrates the highest payload capacity of 2,280 pounds, while the 6.2-liter V8 engine stands out as the towing champion with a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. On the other hand, the Duramax engine offers exceptional fuel efficiency, achieving up to 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Depending on the selected specifications, the Silverado is equipped with either a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen display. Despite their relatively compact sizes, these displays compensate by offering wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the truck provides up to 15 camera views, enabling drivers to monitor the truck, its surroundings, and the trailer behind it.
In line with its counterpart, the GMC Sierra, the 2021 Silverado comes equipped with a versatile tailgate known as the Multi-Flex Tailgate. This innovative feature can function traditionally or be flipped to serve as an assist step, load stop, or support other cargo-oriented tools, thus enhancing its utility.
The Silverado offers five engine options, including the segment-exclusive turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. These engines are paired with either a six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic transmission. Trucks equipped with the turbo four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel I6 exhibit increased towing capacities, with the maximum towing capacity for the gas engine reaching 9,600 pounds.
Among the engine options, the four-cylinder Silverado demonstrates the highest payload capacity of 2,280 pounds, while the 6.2-liter V8 engine stands out as the towing champion with a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. On the other hand, the Duramax engine offers exceptional fuel efficiency, achieving up to 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Depending on the selected specifications, the Silverado is equipped with either a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen display. Despite their relatively compact sizes, these displays compensate by offering wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the truck provides up to 15 camera views, enabling drivers to monitor the truck, its surroundings, and the trailer behind it.
Nissan Titan
Nissan takes a focused and streamlined approach with the Titan, offering it in S and SV trims with a King Cab and 6.5-foot bed, or in S, SV, PRO-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve trims with a Crew Cab and 5.5-foot bed. This carefully curated selection facilitates a more efficient and straightforward decision-making process for prospective buyers.
The Titan features a single engine and transmission combination, contributing to its impressive hauling capability of up to 1,680 pounds of payload and a maximum towing capacity of 9,310 pounds. Even without a load, the Titan demonstrates favorable fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined.
As part of the comprehensive refresh in 2020, the Titan underwent notable enhancements, including a revamped "Powerful Warrior" exterior design, as well as significant mechanical and technological upgrades. Nissan optimized the Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, resulting in an increased output of 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It is worth noting that unlocking these peak performance figures requires the use of premium fuel. The Titan efficiently channels its enhanced power through a new nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling swifter and smoother acceleration.
Similar to the Silverado, the Titan does not boast the largest screen sizes when compared to some of its competitors. The base model comes equipped with an eight-inch display, while an optional nine-inch touchscreen with superior-than-HD WXGA resolution is available for those seeking an enhanced visual experience. Additionally, customers have the option to include an optional Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, providing an expansive view of the sky above.
The Titan features a single engine and transmission combination, contributing to its impressive hauling capability of up to 1,680 pounds of payload and a maximum towing capacity of 9,310 pounds. Even without a load, the Titan demonstrates favorable fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined.
As part of the comprehensive refresh in 2020, the Titan underwent notable enhancements, including a revamped "Powerful Warrior" exterior design, as well as significant mechanical and technological upgrades. Nissan optimized the Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, resulting in an increased output of 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It is worth noting that unlocking these peak performance figures requires the use of premium fuel. The Titan efficiently channels its enhanced power through a new nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling swifter and smoother acceleration.
Similar to the Silverado, the Titan does not boast the largest screen sizes when compared to some of its competitors. The base model comes equipped with an eight-inch display, while an optional nine-inch touchscreen with superior-than-HD WXGA resolution is available for those seeking an enhanced visual experience. Additionally, customers have the option to include an optional Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, providing an expansive view of the sky above.
Ford F-150
While concurrently engaged in noteworthy projects such as the new Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang Mach 1, and Mustang Mach-E, Ford admirably undertook the development of an entirely new F-150 for the 2021 model year. Upholding the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trim levels, as well as the Regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew body styles, and offering 5.5-, 6.5-, and 8.0-foot bed options, Ford introduced substantial changes to enhance the convenience and productivity of the F-150.
The refreshed exterior design of the F-150 showcases a tailgate equipped with loops, facilitating the secure fastening of elongated cargo, along with recesses designed to accommodate C-clamps for stabilizing lumber at construction sites. With the incorporation of the Pro Power Onboard generator system, the F-150 has the capability to provide up to 7.2 kilowatts of power, catering to a diverse range of work requirements and beyond.
The interior of the F-150 presents an array of impressive technological features. An optional 12-inch digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges, while XL and XLT standard and mid-series models come equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen. Higher-end F-150 models are fitted with a 12-inch display. Notably, a significant enhancement lies in the transition from SYNC 3 to the sophisticated graphics and rapid responsiveness of the SYNC 4 infotainment system.
Expanding the range of available powertrains, Ford introduces the PowerBoost engine, which combines the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with a 35-kilowatt electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery. This hybrid configuration generates an impressive total output of 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the PowerBoost engine achieves the highest peak fuel economy figures, with an estimated 25 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.
The other powertrain options available for the F-150 excel in their robust capabilities. A properly equipped V8-powered F-150 demonstrates an exceptional payload capacity of up to 3,325 pounds. Meanwhile, a model equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, coupled with the appropriate hardware, boasts a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, providing ample strength for demanding towing tasks.
The refreshed exterior design of the F-150 showcases a tailgate equipped with loops, facilitating the secure fastening of elongated cargo, along with recesses designed to accommodate C-clamps for stabilizing lumber at construction sites. With the incorporation of the Pro Power Onboard generator system, the F-150 has the capability to provide up to 7.2 kilowatts of power, catering to a diverse range of work requirements and beyond.
The interior of the F-150 presents an array of impressive technological features. An optional 12-inch digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges, while XL and XLT standard and mid-series models come equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen. Higher-end F-150 models are fitted with a 12-inch display. Notably, a significant enhancement lies in the transition from SYNC 3 to the sophisticated graphics and rapid responsiveness of the SYNC 4 infotainment system.
Expanding the range of available powertrains, Ford introduces the PowerBoost engine, which combines the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with a 35-kilowatt electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery. This hybrid configuration generates an impressive total output of 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the PowerBoost engine achieves the highest peak fuel economy figures, with an estimated 25 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.
The other powertrain options available for the F-150 excel in their robust capabilities. A properly equipped V8-powered F-150 demonstrates an exceptional payload capacity of up to 3,325 pounds. Meanwhile, a model equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, coupled with the appropriate hardware, boasts a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, providing ample strength for demanding towing tasks.
