2017 Chevy Silverado vs 2017 Nissan Titan

Technology

At the LTZ trim level, the Silverado 3500 HD is Bluetooth-enabled for phone and music streaming, and is equipped with OnStar 4G LTE WiFi. Its infotainment system is built around an 8-inch touchscreen (with rearview mirror) and six-speaker audio system, with satellite radio and connectivity to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additional perks include remote start (standard), an upgraded driver information display, seat memory settings and the ‘ever-handy’ 110-volt household style power outlet.

Step inside the Bluetooth-enabled Titan XD Platinum Reserve and you’ll find a 7-inch touchscreen (linked to a surround-view camera system) and a premium connective audio system with satellite radio. Also offering remote start (standard), parking sensors, and climate-controlled seating there are a nice array of features.

That said, it’s hard to measure up to the well-realized features of the Silverado. The icing on the cake is, of course, the WiFi. By all accounts this should be a standard inclusion by all automakers by this point, and few can measure up to Chevrolet in terms of standardizing WiFi as an available feature across models and trims.

Design

Exterior

One of the difficult things about assessing the design of these two trucks comes from the thought we shared at the opening of this piece. If you favor a Chevy truck, that’s what you’ll gravitate to. If you like non-traditional truck styling the Titan might be more up your alley.

These two offerings, in particular, are definitive representations of Chevy and Nissan styling. The Silverado is a natural progression of the classic square-body, while the Titan shares many of the front-end design notes of its SUV stablemates.

Bottom-line both are strong offerings within the segment, and within their respective lines. That said, we’ll consider this a tie, give each one a point, and leave it up to you.

Interior

Here’s another subjective category. In terms of interior layout, the Silverado is very much designed using classic ‘truck interior’ styling albeit it with richer materials (leather, at this trim level). On the other hand, the Titan’s leather interior echoes many of the design cues you’d find in the higher-trim Pathfinder or Armada.

While there’s a lot to be said for a more comfortable (SUV-styled) ride, it’s important to recognize that some people want a truck to ‘feel like a truck’. That said, we’ll throw each one a well-deserved point and leave it up to you. Both offer up great cabins, so it just comes down to what you value in a truck interior

Performance

Under the hood of the Silverado 3500 HD is a Duramax 6.6-liter V8 TurboDiesel, mated to an Allison 1000 six-speed transmission. Rated for 445 horsepower and a whopping 910 lb-ft of torque, the 3500 HD is a beast. Properly-equipped, it can tow up to 13,900 LBS with a 7153 LB Max Payload.

The Titan XD Platinum Reserve is powered by a Cummins 5.0-liter V8 TurboDiesel, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, that summons up 310 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. Properly-equipped the XD can tow up to 11,920 LBS with a max payload of around 1680 LBS.

With a clear lead, the Silverado continues to outclass the Titan in terms acceleration, handling and overall drivability. With a 7.7 second sprint from 0-60 mph the Silverado is a full 2 seconds faster, and it’s just a more solid performer in terms of steering, braking and ride quality. For those reasons (plus the versatility offered by its low-end torque and low-range gearing) the Silverado steps forward with confidence.