With their rugged capabilities and work-friendly tech gear, the 2020 Ford F-250 and Nissan Titan XD make it easy to move serious weight. But which of these heavy-duty trucks should you ultimately drive home? After giving each model a whirl, we’ve got the facts you need to make the right choice.
Smooth Daily Hauling: 2020 Nissan Titan XD
The Titan XD is notable for its smooth ride, something that every commuter can appreciate. If you’ve got long distances that need to be travelled, you’ll appreciate how this Nissan pickup always feels smooth and controlled. Standard four-wheel drive is another huge plus, making the Titan XD equally competent on-road and off.
With the 2020 Ford F-250, you’re certainly getting a quick, strong performance. Though it can feel a bit jittery when you’ve got an empty bed or trailer hitch, the F-250 is pretty comfortable overall.
Spacious Comfort: It’s a Tie!
Here, both the 2020 Ford F-250 and the Nissan Titan XD have plenty to offer. Every Titan XD features a roomy crew cabin, with seating for up to five passengers and more than enough adult-friendly passenger space in both rows. The F-250 is more versatile, offering regular, extended, and crew cabins to suit your passenger-hauling requirements. However, every option will impress you with its nicely padded seats and generous legroom.
Work-Friendly Technology: 2020 Ford F-250
When you’re moving heavy weight, it’s a good idea to have a few extra tech features on your side. The F-250 gives you exactly that, with options like the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System. The system’s seven cameras upgrade your visibility and help you move ungainly trailers without incident. The F-250 also offers the Pro Backup Assist system. This technology, the first of its kind, lets you back a trailer in the desired direction via a dashboard control.
With its various towing and performance packages, you can also outfit the Titan XD to deal with a demanding daily drive. As with the F-250, you can add features like a gooseneck hitch or trailer sway control to help you tackle big jobs. The Titan XD also offers an Around View Monitor, a camera system that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the truck’s surroundings. However, this Nissan truck doesn’t offer the tech-savvy extras you’ll find on the F-250.
Max Towing and Hauling: 2020 Ford F-250
Of the pair, the F-250 is the only true heavy-duty contender. All three of its engine options—including a tow-friendly turbodiesel V8 that makes 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque—can tackle major workloads with surprising ease. Properly equipped, Ford’s heavy-duty truck can haul payloads weighing up to 4,332 pounds. Equipped for fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing, the F-250 can tow up to 22,800 pounds.
The Titan XD isn’t technically a heavy-duty truck. Instead, this Nissan pickup aims to span the gap between the full-size Titan and heavy-duty models. That is, it’s capable—just not as capable as the F-250. The Titan XD’s hefty V8 engine makes 400 horses and 413 pound-feet of torque. With a gooseneck setup, it can tow up to 11,000 pounds. Payloads max out at 2,450 pounds.
With its superior heavy-duty performance, modern utility features, and truly comfortable cabin, you can’t go wrong with the Ford F-250. Of course, the Titan XD remains a viable option for truck drivers who don’t require quite as much muscle.