There is a saying where I’m from in Alabama that goes, “if you/you gotta hold your mouth just right…” This is an oldtimer saying that can be used several ways but most commonly means if you look at something the right way, it can change. Or more funnily, you’d say it after getting really lucky on something you aren’t good enough to do with just your skill. Either way, the 2021 Nissan Titan is listed third on Consumer Reports full-size trucks, but if you hold your mouth just right, it’s really in second. 

Is the 2021 Nissan Titan a good truck? 

Consumer Reports gave the newest Titan an overall score of 55. While that might not sound like much, the two trucks tied for first, the Ram 1500 and the Toyota Tundra, only got a score of 63. Even if those weren’t tied for first, the race is still closer than it seems for Nissan. 

Consumer Reports breakdown

The Ram 1500 got an 83 on the road test but got hurt by its predicted reliability. On the other hand, the Toyota Tundra did terribly on its road test but being a Toyota, it hit the reliability score out of the park. The Nissan skates in between with a decent road test but didn’t do so hot on predicted reliability. So let’s break it down and see what the Nissan is all about.

2021 Nissan Titan has a strong powertrain 

To be clear, there are two Titans. We are talking about the smaller of the two, not the heavy-duty diesel verison of the Titan XD. The gas-powered Titan comes with a 5.6-liter V8 making 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan truck can run 0-60 mph in only 6.7 seconds. Consumer Reports liked the nine-speed automatic transmission. All that horsepower comes at the cost of a combined 16 mpg. The lack of fuel economy hurt the Titan’s rating pretty badly. But that massive V8 makes towing the 9,300 capacity a cinch. 

How does the Titan handle the day to day stuff?

CR found the ride comfortable, and most bumps are absorbed by the shocks and not the driver’s back. Although it did well on the bumps, CR still makes a point to say it wasn’t as comfortable as the Ram 1500. The Ram is clearly ahead of the other two, but the Tundra is only riding on its reliability and nothing else. 

CR says that the Titan is also decent in the corners. Cornering is done without much drama, and the weighty steering wheel helps the driver feel connected to the road. The Titan also mitigates body roll better than most. If you compare this to the Tundra’s road test from CR, the two are night and day different. The Tundra is clunky and clumsy. CR has very few positive comments to make about the Tundra’s ride and comfortability. 

Other Nissan Titan notes

Noise tends to be a problem area for many pickups, but not for the 2021 Nissan Titan. It is said to be nice and quiet, and although the engine noise is pronounced, the growl of the V8 is more pleasing than annoying.

Is the Nissan Titan reliable? 

CR was not kind when it came to the Titan’s predicted reliability. Based on previous models’ service history, CR gave the 2021 model a two out of five. In fact, while the 2021 Titan is third from the top overall, it is third from the bottom in predicted reliability. Though, trailing right behind it is the No. 1 truck on the list, the Ram 1500. Of course, the 2021 Toyota Tundra can be found second from the top. 

As you can see, the Nissan Titan’s place on CR’s list of full-size trucks is a bit more complicated and much narrower than the overall score shows.