2017 Nissan Titan vs. 2017 Toyota Tundra

When you think of heavy-duty power trucks, you might not think of the brands associated most with budget-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles like Nissan and Toyota. However, both have exceptional offers in the Titan and the Tundra - powerful trucks that are just as reliable for work as they are fun to drive when off-roading or just touring the countryside on the weekend. 

The 2017 Nissan Titan and 2017 Toyota Tundra look very similar. Both have attractive exteriors with meaty front ends and slick bodies. Yet their differences become very apparent when you start looking at the details in their interior and under their hood. 

Powerful performance is essential in a work truck, and both the Titan and the Tundra deliver.

The 2017 Nissan Titan comes standard with a 5.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the 2017 Toyota Tundra has an ever slightly larger 5.7-liter V8 engine, but it only puts out 381 ponies and 401 lb-ft of torque. You'll definitely miss that horsepower when you're trying to haul large loads, drive through muddy fields, or maneuver snowy and icy roads.

The Titan comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission, and the Tundra offers a six-speed automatic transmission. The Titan also has a direct injection system and a variable valve event and lift design that enhances performance.

Power trucks like these aren't known for their fuel efficiency, but you also don't want to commit yourself to a gas guzzler that will drain your resources. The 2017 Nissan Titan has the edge here. It gets an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the 2017 Toyota Tundra gets only 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. When you're driving your truck for work every day or hauling heavy loads, you'll appreciate those few extra miles of fuel efficiency that the Titan offers.

Both the 2017 Nissan Titan and the 2017 Toyota Tundra offer seating for five, so you'll have plenty of space for the family or the work crew. The Tundra offers a few more inches of legroom in the back, so rear passengers will definitely prefer it.

The interior of the 2017 Toyota Tundra features cloth upholstery and bucket seats. LATCH supports are available for when you want to take the little ones for a ride. On the CrewMax version, you also get reclining seatbacks that will offer a more comfortable ride for the grownups. Besides this luxury, the interior of the Tundra is focused more on practicality and you won't find a lot of bells and whistles. Most of the materials are hard plastic.

Tech features on the Tundra include an intuitive infotainment system with lots of options for connectivity, large and easy-to-reach controls, a touchscreen display, and an integrated backup camera. 

The interior of the 2017 Nissan Titan features a more sophisticated design with higher-quality materials throughout. It also includes the LATCH supports, and it has such a quiet cabin that you'll be able to drive with napping babies. 

The Titan comes standard with a 5-inch display screen for the infotainment system (not touchscreen), easy-to-reach controls, an integrated backup camera, and plenty more. If you sign up for the NissanConnect system, you also get 4G wifi, satellite radio, premium audio, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Many more features are available on upgraded trim levels that will make you feel like you're driving a luxury vehicle.

When looking at the pricing and trim options for these two popular full-size trucks, the choice becomes even more clear. The 2017 Toyota Tundra starts at $30,020 and is offered in five trim levels. The 2017 Nissan Titan starts at $29,580 and is offered in five trim levels, as well.

The base model Tundra is the SR. With the SR5, which starts at $33,430, you get additional features like a chrome grill and bumper, integrated fog lights, power rear window, and a premium audio system with available navigation. The Limited trim, which starts at $42,330, adds 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. You can get even more with optional upgrades, such as a moonroof or blind spot monitoring.

The TRD Pro, which starts at $43,395, is designed with performance in mind, so it comes with performance shocks, a dual exhaust, and fine-tuned front springs. It also has leather seating with red stitching and a premium audio system.

The Platinum, which starts at $50,030, comes with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a moonroof, and a premium audio system.

The base model Titan is the S. With the SV, which starts at $32,460, you get satellite radio, trailer sway control, and a host of other available options that you can't get with the S. The Pro-4X trim, which starts at $45,020, comes standard with four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, front tow hooks, hill descent control, a locking rear differential, a bed liner, navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and more.

The SL trim, which starts at $46,380, adds most of the previous features plus a power rear window, heated and power side windows, leather upholstery, front and rear sensors, a premium sound system, and heated front seats.

The Platinum Reserve trim, which starts at $52,310, comes with just about all the available features. You can also get optional packages like a rear entertainment system, bed utility, and Wi-Fi.

Truly, only you can answer that question, but we think the choice is pretty clear. The 2017 Nissan Titan offers many more features, more powerful performance, and a more stylish design for a more affordable price. Whatever is not offered on a trim level, you can get in options packages, ensuring that you get the truck that perfectly meets your needs.