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The 2022 Toyota Tundra and 2022 Nissan Titan both received some changes and upgrades for the new model year. Both of the full-size pickup trucks have an off-road trim level and tons of features as the automakers attempt to compete with the likes of Ford and Ram. Both have strengths and weaknesses, but which is better? Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between the two trucks, and whether or not either is a good purchase. Here’s the 2022 Toyota Tundra vs. the 2022 Nissan Titan comparison.

2022 Toyota Tundra – Engine options & towing

A black 2022 Toyota Tundra parked in a desert.
2022 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota Tundra received its first redesign in 15 years for the third generation. The Japanese automaker’s full-size pickup stood the test of time, but near the end was barely hanging on. The dated interior and boring exterior made it an inferior option to multiple other trucks in its class. With the 2022 model year, Toyota has taken the Tundra seriously.

For 2022, the Tundra gains a few new upgrades and features. Most importantly, the 2022 Toyota Tundra will come with one of two engines – a standard or hybrid V6. That means the V8 Tundra is no more for the 2022 model year, but the focus is on gas mileage and luxury this time around. If you’re in need of a truck for towing or hauling, fear not, because even with the hybrid engine onboard, the Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds.

Speaking of towing, the Tundra is also now equipped with towing technology to make driving easier. A rear load-leveling air suspension, two tow/haul modes, Trailer Back Guidance, and multiple high-definition rear and side camera angles come standard on the Tundra Platinum.

2022 Toyota Tundra – Interior and exterior design

The interior of a new 2022 Toyota Tundra
2022 Toyota Tundra Interior | Toyota

The all-new massive front grille leads the way as the Tundra receives a much-needed design overhaul. With TRD Pro trim, the Toyota badge is replaced with TOYOTA lettering along with a light bar. The side of the truck features large fender flares and blacked-out windshield pillars giving the Tundra a bulkier, darker look. The rear has “C”-shaped taillights, leading into the bed of the truck.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra tailgate is lightweight and features a remote-opening function with the key fob. The higher trims on the Tundra also feature a secret taillight button for opening the tailgate when your hands are full. The bed is made of “reinforced aluminum cross members and a new sheet molded compound material that can resist dents and damage more effectively than steel” according to J.D. Power.

Moving inside the Tundra, most trims now have soft-touch materials throughout. The new options available for the interior are a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear sunshade, and digital instrumentation.

Off-road TRD Pro trim

This trim level comes standard with the Toyota Tundra hybrid engine. The only trim level to do so. The i-Force Max 3.5L twin-turbo hybrid engine leads the Tundra away from the road as it receives multiple off-road features in this trim. TRD-tuned springs give it a 1.1-inch lift for extra ground clearance. A TRD Pro Tundra also comes with a TRD front anti-roll bar, an aluminum front skid plate, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Falken all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, 2.5-inch diameter Fox internal bypass dampers, and exterior and interior TRD graphics. The Toyota Tundra heads off-road in style and this time, it’s fuel-efficient.

2022 Nissan Titan – Engine options & towing

brown 2021 Nissan Titan front grille view
2021 Nissan Titan | Nissan USA

Unlike the Tundra, the Titan does still have the option of a V8 engine. The only downside is, there are no other options. A 5.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower comes standard in every single 2022 Nissan Titan. Buyers looking for power rejoice, but those looking for a more eco-friendly truck will need to search elsewhere. Four-wheel-drive also comes standard unlike the Tundra, which is a two-wheel-drive with four-wheel-drive as an option. The Titan has a massive engine, so obviously it can tow a lot of weight, right? Actually, with a standard tow hitch receiver, the Titan can tow only 10,880 pounds. Adding a gooseneck hitch turns it up to 11,040, but both pale in comparison to the 2022 Toyota Tundra.

2022 Nissan Titan – Interior and exterior design

A brown interior on the 2021 Nissan Titan
2021 Nissan Titan Interior | Nissan USA

The Titan didn’t get nearly as many changes as the Tundra did for this new model year. Though its design isn’t dated quite yet. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, with 9.0-inch as an option for higher trim levels. Apple CarPlay and Andriod Audio are also standard in every Titan. The interior design itself didn’t change much but didn’t really need to. The Nissan Titan design still has a modern look, and the sleek materials trimmed with contrast stitching look particularly good inside the truck.

The exterior of the Titan is virtually the same as the 2021 model year. The truck still keeps its chrome front grille and manages its less-bulky appearance. Though the truck doesn’t vary much in size from other pickups in its segment, it tends to look smaller with its sleek front end and less boxy shape.

Off-road XD Pro-4X trim

The trim intended for off-roading on the 2022 Nissan Titan is the XD Pro-4X. This trim level adds Bilstein off-road performance shocks, electronic locking rear differential, foglights, embroidered cloth seats with contrast stitching, and the upgraded 9.0-inch touchscreen. With many of the same features as the Tundra TRD Pro offers, the Titan brings the more powerful engine. Though it isn’t able to tow more than the weaker Tundra engine, so you decide what’s better.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra and 2022 Nissan Titan are both viable full-size pickup truck options for their own respective reasons. The Tundra receives a complete facelift and brings a fresh look and feel to the segment for the first time in a while. The Titan maintains its massive engine and rugged look from previous years while offering much of the same off-road capability as the Tundra. As with everything, the choice is up to personal preference, but since not much has changed for the 2022 Nissan Titan from older model years, we recommend the fresh 2022 Toyota Tundra. In the comparison of the 2022 Toyota Tundra vs. the 2022 Nissan Titan, the Tundra wins.

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