Compare the2023 Ram 1500VS 2023 Nissan Titan

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the Ram 1500 and the Titan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ram 1500 is safer than the Nissan Titan:

	Ram 1500	Titan
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	226	295
Neck Compression	35 lbs.	84 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	3 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	36%	70%
Neck Stress	218 lbs.	263 lbs.
Neck Compression	71 lbs.	80 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	395/44 lbs.	331/276 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ram 1500 is safer than the Nissan Titan:

	Ram 1500	Titan
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	25	40
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
Abdominal Force	107 lbs.	125 lbs.
Hip Force	196 lbs.	225 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	13	93
Spine Acceleration	29 G’s	31 G’s
Hip Force	334 lbs.	446 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	16 inches	17 inches
Hip Force	657 lbs.	845 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Ram 1500 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 158 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Titan last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

There are over 2 times as many Ram dealers as there are Nissan dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 1500’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Ram 1500 has a standard 730-amp battery. The Titan’s 710-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ram 1500’s reliability 23 points higher than the Titan.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Ram vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ram 6 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

The Ram 1500’s 3.0 turbo V6 diesel produces 67 lbs.-ft. more torque (480 vs. 413) than the Titan’s 5.6 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ram 1500 V8 hybrid gas is faster than the Nissan Titan:

	1500	Titan
Zero to 30 MPH	2.1 sec	2.5 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.9 sec	6.3 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	9.7 sec	10.5 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	2.9 sec	3.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.4 sec	14.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.6 MPH	94.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Ram 1500 gets better mileage than the Titan:

			MPG
Ram 1500
	RWD	HFE 3.0 turbo V6 Diesel	23 city/33 hwy
		HFE 3.6 V6 Hybrid	20 city/26 hwy
		3.6 V6 Hybrid	20 city/25 hwy
		5.7 V8 Hybrid	17 city/23 hwy
		3.0 turbo V6 Diesel	22 city/32 hwy
	AWD	3.6 V6 Hybrid	19 city/24 hwy
		5.7 V8 Hybrid	18 city/22 hwy
		3.0 turbo V6 Diesel	21 city/29 hwy
Titan
	RWD	5.6 DOHC V8	16 city/21 hwy
	AWD	PRO-4X 5.6 DOHC V8	15 city/20 hwy
		5.6 DOHC V8	15 city/21 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Ram 1500 V8’s fuel efficiency. The Titan doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Ram 1500 eTORQUE’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Titan doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Ram 1500 eTORQUE/Diesel’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Titan doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ram 1500 uses regular unleaded gasoline (mid-grade octane recommended with the 5.7 V8 hybrid engine for maximum performance). The Titan requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 5 to 40 cents more per gallon.

The Ram 1500’s optional fuel tank has 7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Titan (33 vs. 26 gallons).

The Ram 1500 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Titan doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Ram 1500’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Titan:

	1500	Titan
Front Rotors	14.9 inches	13.8 inches
Rear Rotors	14.8 inches	13.6 inches

The Ram 1500 stops shorter than the Titan:

	Ram 1500	Titan
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Ram 1500 has larger standard tires than the Titan (275/65R18 vs. 265/70R18). The Ram 1500’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Titan (285/45R22 vs. 275/70R18).

The Ram 1500’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Titan Chrome/Midnight/Platinum’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Ram 1500 offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Titan’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Ram 1500 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Titan doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

The front and rear suspension of the Ram 1500 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Titan, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Ram 1500 has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Titan doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Ram 1500’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Titan doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Ram 1500’s wheelbase is longer than on the Titan:

	Ram 1500	Titan
Extended Cab Standard Bed	140.5 inches	139.8 inches
Crew Cab Short Bed	144.6 inches	139.8 inches
Crew Cab Standard Bed	153.5 inches	n/a

The Ram 1500 standard bed Big Horn Quad Cab handles at .76 G’s, while the Titan SV King Cab pulls only .73 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Ram 1500 standard bed Rebel Quad Cab 4x4 handles at .76 G’s, while the Titan Platinum Crew Cab 4x4 pulls only .72 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Ram 1500 standard bed Big Horn Quad Cab executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Titan SV King Cab (28.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 29 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

The Ram 1500 standard bed Rebel Quad Cab 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Titan Crew Cab 4x4 (27.7 seconds @ .73 average G’s vs. 28.5 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Ram 1500 standard bed Quad Cab w/20” Wheels’ turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the Titan’s (45.1 feet vs. 48 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Ram 1500 short bed Crew Cab Pickup w/Air Suspension has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Titan PRO-4X Crew Cab (10.8 vs. 9.8 inches), allowing the Ram 1500 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The Ram 1500 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 750 pounds less than the Nissan Titan.

The Ram 1500 offers available computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Titan doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Ram 1500 Quad Cab has 19.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Titan King Cab (117.2 vs. 97.7). The Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup has 12.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Titan Crew Cab (132.4 vs. 119.7).

The Ram 1500 Quad Cab has 2.6 inches more front hip room, 2.7 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom, 10.8 inches more rear legroom, 4 inches more rear hip room and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Titan King Cab.

The Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup has 2.6 inches more front hip room, 2.7 inches more front shoulder room, 6.7 inches more rear legroom, 3.1 inches more rear hip room and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Titan Crew Cab.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Ram 1500 Crew Cab’s available rear seats recline. The Titan’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Ram 1500 Quad Cab has a much larger cargo box than the Titan King Cab shortbed (61.5 vs. 59.6 cubic feet).

The Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Titan Crew Cab shortbed (53.9 vs. 50.7 cubic feet).

The Ram 1500’s cargo box is larger than the Titan’s in almost every dimension:

	Ram 1500 Quad Cab	Ram 1500 Crew Cab Pickup	Titan Crew Cab	Titan King Cab
Length (short/long)	76.3”	67.4”/76.3”	67”	78.7”
Max Width	66.4”	66.4”	63.8”	63.8”
Min Width	51”	51”	50”	50”
Height	21.5”	21.5”	20.8”	20.8”

The Ram 1500 has an all welded cargo box to eliminate possible corrosion spots and to provide better chassis stiffness. The cargo box in the Titan is bolted through the bed to the frame with large bolts. These bolts are a prime area for corrosion to start as the normal flexing of the truck’s chassis causes them to eat through the finish; they can also snag cargo as it slides in and out.

Payload and Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Nissan Titan is limited to 9320 pounds. The Ram 1500 standard bed Quad Cab offers up to a 12750 lbs. towing capacity.

The Ram 1500 4WD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Ram 1500 can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Titan can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Ram 1500 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Titan:

	Ram 1500	Titan
Extended Cab 1500	2300 lbs.	1574 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500	2030 lbs.	1558 lbs.
Extended Cab 1500 4x4	1830 lbs.	1657 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500 4x4	1840 lbs.	1609 lbs.

The Ram 1500 has much higher optional payload capacities than the Titan:

	Ram 1500	Titan
Extended Cab 1500	2300 lbs.	1613 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500	2030 lbs.	1607 lbs.
Extended Cab 1500 4x4	1940 lbs.	1697 lbs.
Crew Cab 1500 4x4	1860 lbs.	1658 lbs.

Servicing Ease

The Ram 1500 has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The Titan doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

Ergonomics

The Ram 1500 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Titan doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Ram 1500’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Titan’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the Ram 1500 and the Titan have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Ram 1500 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Titan prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Ram 1500’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Titan’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn/Limited has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Titan doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Ram 1500 has standard power remote mirrors. The Titan S doesn’t offer either a remote driver side or passenger side mirror. The driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Ram 1500’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Titan and aren’t offered on the Titan S.

The Ram 1500 Laramie/Longhorn/Limited has standard front air conditioned seats and the Ram 1500 Longhorn/Limited offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Titan doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Ram 1500 has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Titan S doesn’t offer rear vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ram 1500 (except Tradesman/HFE/Rebel/Big Horn/Lone Star) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Titan doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Ram 1500 Laramie/Longhorn/Limited’s optional Active Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Titan doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Ram 1500 is less expensive to operate than the Titan because it costs $454 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Ram 1500 than the Titan, including $203 less for a muffler, $19 less for front brake pads, $286 less for a starter, $166 less for fuel injection, $145 less for a fuel pump, $22 less for front struts, $775 less for a timing belt/chain and $297 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ram 1500, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Ram 1500 first among large light duty pickups in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Titan isn’t in the top three.

The Ram 1500 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 3 years. The Titan has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Ram 1500 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” in 2019. The Titan has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

Motor Trend selected the Ram 1500 as their 2019 Truck of the Year. The Titan was Truck of the Year in 2017.

The Ram 1500 was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 4 of the last 13 years. The Titan has never been an “All Star.”

The Ram Pickup outsold the Nissan Titan by almost 20 to one during the 2021 model year.