Starting at
Starting at
460 | Max Torque (lb-ft) | 413 |
11,800 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 9,310 |
2,250 | Max Payload (lbs) | 1,690 |
Comparing the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Nissan Titan leaves little doubt that the Sierra is a tough truck that performs very well and boasts a tough yet sporty look. It is quite easy to see why the Sierra appeals to a variety of personalities. Whether you want a Sierra 1500 for work or recreation, it is suitable for all types of lifestyles. The votes are in, and the GMC Sierra 1500 is a very capable truck that is both affordable and stylish.
There are a lot of notable changes with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1550, changes that only improve upon an already quality full-size pickup truck. New additions and changes include more standard features, new exterior colors, and even new wheel choices. There are also several changes and improvements to the interior, including the much-anticipated addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As good as the 2020 model was, these additions and improvements cement the 2021 GMC Sierra as the top choice in the segment.
At heart, the GMC Sierra is a work truck, but that doesn't mean it has to feel like a work truck. Thanks to the many features and options available, the Sierra is a comfortable truck that is fun to drive and offers drivers a very enjoyable experience. Even at the base level, the Sierra delivers plenty of comfort and tech features sure to pique your interest and compel you to at least take one for a test drive.
Thanks to a very user-friendly infotainment system with a standard 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, workdays can be more enjoyable and more productive. For those who have mastered multi-tasking, it is far easier to get more than one thing done at once with the hands-free features of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As you work your way through the trim levels, the features and options keep getting better. For example, the SLE trim offers a heated driver's seat, remote start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; just remember to wash your hands before you take a drive if you are using the Sierra for a work truck.
Not all of the Sierra's features and options are for added comfort and convenience; several serve important utilitarian purposes. Let's start with the ProGrade Trailering System, a must-have for those who do a lot of towing. The ProGrade Trailering System isn't your typical towing package; it eliminates the guesswork associated with trailering and provides the guidance you need for confident trailering. ProGrade Trailering includes hitch area lighting, an integrated trailer brake control, and an auto electric parking brake assist, which helps better positioning by automatically applying the parking brakes when shifting into park to prevent additional movement.
One of the reasons people gravitate towards trucks is because they offer a lot of ways to customize your ride and the updates are always exciting. Unfortunately, the Nissan Titan offers nothing new for the 2021 model year, which is a shame. While it does have a lot of the standard and luxury features that you are looking for in a truck, it lacks some of the Sierra's more advanced technologies and is clearly an older model.
With the Sierra 1500, you have choices, a lot of choices. So when you are discovering cargo space, you must first determine cab choice. For example, with the Double Cab, you enjoy over 71 cu-ft of cargo space. If you opt for the Regular Cab, you get nearly 90 cu-ft of cargo space. But whichever cab choice you make, you will never have to worry about having enough space for what you need to transport. In addition to varying cargo space, the cab choice you make also determines how many passengers you can comfortably carry. For example, the Regular Cab seat three quite comfortably, while the Double and Crew Cabs can seat up to six adults in comfort.
Everybody likes to make choices when it comes to shopping for a truck; too bad the choices are limited with the Titan. The 2021 Titan offers only two body style choices, which leaves you quite limited. If you are the type of person who has a difficult time making choices, then perhaps the Titan is right for you. Otherwise, you just have to settle for what they offer.
Let's talk a bit more about choices. When it comes to engine choices, the Sierra gives you several quality choices ranging from four to eight cylinders and a variety of horsepower options. You might feel quite comfortable behind the wheel of a Sierra 1500 with a V6 boasting 285 horsepower. Others will opt for a bigger engine and more power, like the V8 with 420 horsepower. The 2021 Sierra even comes with a powerful Duramax engine for drivers who need what only a diesel can offer.
The Nissan Titan offers a powerful V8 with plenty of power and 400 horsepower, but that is the only choice. If you want a more efficient V6 or a rugged diesel, this is not the truck for you. Even if a large V8 is your style, the Sierra offers a more powerful V8 option. Again, the choice limits of the Titan give the Sierra a huge edge.
As far as towing, the GMC Sierra 1500 can tow up to 11,800 pounds with the right options. It can also haul up to 2,180 pounds of payload. These are very good numbers for a truck that is often used for work purposes. Meanwhile, the Titan's towing capacity is just 9,310 pounds when properly equipped; even if you opt for the Titan XD, the towing capacity is still lower than the Sierra 1500. The maximum payload of the Titan is 1,690, far short of what even a Sierra with the base V6 engine can offer.
One major highlight of the Sierra 1500 is the exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which is super functional. In 2019, GMC introduced the MultiPro Tailgate, which represents the most innovative tailgate to date, and it boasts both flexibility and functionality, all while minimizing effort. The MultiPro is basically two tailgates in one, and both parts work in tandem or independently depending on the function. The MultiPro Tailgate can work as everything from an entry step to a bed extender. Unfortunately, the Titan offers no such tailgate.
There are two trims that are very appealing to truck lovers, and they are the reason why the Sierra is such a popular choice. The AT4 trim is very well equipped with the features and options you desire for off-road adventures. There is no need to pick and choose off-road options and features; they are all nicely packaged in one trim.
As far as the Nissan Titan is concerned, the PRO-4X is an admirable trim and well-suited for off-road adventures. However, it falls short of the combination of performance and luxury offered by the GMC AT4. And if you want even more luxury, then GMC is the obvious option.
The much distinguished Denali trim makes the Sierra look and feel like a completely different truck. With the Denali trim, you enjoy all of the best luxury upgrades, including GMC Navigation, an 8-inch digital driver information center, and wireless device charging. If that doesn't impress you, the power sliding rear window and defogger, heads-up display, and HD surround vision will.
The interior of the Denali is nothing short of spectacular, with brushed aluminum trim, handcrafted materials, and perforated leather seating surfaces. Other interior features of the Denali will certainly whet your appetite, including 10-way power-adjustable seats that are ventilated and heated, real ash wood trim, and premium carpet floor mats. These are all wow factors for sure.
Take one look at the Denali, and your heart will skip a beat. A few exterior highlights include polished dual exhaust outlets, signature chrome accents, and premium lighting. Finding the right words to describe the exterior is difficult; you should check out at your local GMC dealership to get a better idea of how the Denali looks in person. On a side note, the grille alone will blow you away.
The Titan's top tier trim is the Platinum Reserve, and it offers gun-metallic painted bumpers, a unique grille, and 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, but the overall looks pale in comparison with the Denali. The feature set is also behind what GMC offers.