2017 Nissan Titan Owner Says He’s Upgrading - “I Drove a GMC Sierra AT4 and Wasn’t Impressed, Toyota’s Tundra Engine Scares Me, So Now It’s the Ram Hemi Vs Hurricane”

After years of Titan loyalty, one owner’s search for a new truck has turned into a high-stakes showdown. Find out why he’s ditching GMC and Toyota for a heated Ram rivalry!

Imagine having spent nearly a decade behind the wheel of a rock-solid 2017 Nissan Titan, a truck that never let you down, but the itch for modern tech and fresh power has finally become impossible to ignore. You spent your evening testing the latest from Detroit and Japan, only to realize that the "perfect" upgrade is much harder to find than you ever anticipated.

Brian Biggs on the 6th Gen Ram 1500's (2024+) Facebook page says:

“Currently, I own a 2017 Nissan Titan; it's been great, but I want to upgrade soon. I drove a 2026 GMC AT4 last night and wasn't impressed. I want to drive a 2026 Toyota Tundra Platinum, but the engine problems are scaring me away. So now, it’s down to the Ram Laramie with the Hurricane engine or the Ram Hemi. Does anyone have regrets about the Ram or thoughts on GM, Toyota, and Ram trucks I mentioned?”

As a Senior Reporter with over 30 years in the automotive trenches, I have seen these cycles of brand loyalty and "engine anxiety" play out many times. Brian is standing at the edge of a massive industry shift. The transition from the legendary V8 to high-output turbocharged six-cylinders is the most polarizing topic in the truck world today. According to a recent deep dive by MotorTrend. Hemi vs. Hurricane: Which 2026 Ram 1500 Engine Is the Best Choice for You? The choice often comes down to a battle between the heart and the head because the Hurricane does everything better on paper, yet the Hemi offers an emotional connection and proven simplicity that is hard to replace.

I have covered this exact sentiment before at Torque News, noting that the return of the 5.7L V8 essentially saved the brand's sales figures after a lukewarm reception to the all-turbo lineup. In my previous analysis, I noted how truck owners are flocking back to the V8 because one engine leaves the other feeling like a science project, especially for those who value long-term durability over raw 0-60 mph times. Here's Why Truck Owners Are Flocking Back to the V8.

When you look at the landscape Brian is navigating, his hesitation makes perfect sense. The industry is currently plagued by "first-run" issues that are making even the most loyal buyers nervous. Experts at Toyota of Katy have pointed out that while the Sierra edges out in max towing, the Tundra leans heavily on its hybrid torque and modern safety, yet the "legendary reliability" of the Toyota brand has taken a massive hit recently due to widespread engine recalls. 2026 Toyota Tundra vs. 2026 GMC Sierra 1500.

I’ve personally handled reports of these Tundra "horror stories," in which 2024 and 2025 models are experiencing catastrophic failures that leave owners stranded for months. In one of my recent Torque News reports, I highlighted that a 2026 Toyota Tundra buyer’s issue is compounded by a parts shortage, making a brand-new truck feel like a liability rather than an asset. I Traded My 2021 Ford F-150 For This 2026 Toyota Tundra, and Now I'm Told There's a Recall.

Brian is Right to be Skeptical

If you are searching for the most reliable full-size truck brand in 2026, the answer is more complicated than it was five years ago. Brian’s "lack of impression" with the GMC Sierra AT4 likely stems from its ride quality and interior ergonomics, which, despite recent refreshes, still struggle to match the Ram 1500's interior luxury and comfort.

The real debate is between the Ram Hemi and the Hurricane engine in terms of reliability. The Hurricane 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering up to 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. It pulls like a diesel and cruises like a luxury sedan. However, as an industry insider, I advise caution. For a buyer coming from a Nissan Titan a truck known for being “overbuilt" the complexity of a twin-turbo setup with high-pressure fuel systems is a significant jump in maintenance risk.

If you want the best truck for towing 10,000 lbs, the Hurricane is statistically superior. But if you want the best truck for 200,000 miles, the Hemi remains the "devil you know."

Key Takeaways for Truck Buyers

1. The "Science Project" Factor: The Hurricane engine is in its early years; expect software glitches and potential sensor issues that the Hemi has already ironed out.

2. Toyota’s Trust Gap: Until Toyota proves the V35A-FTS engine failures are fully resolved, the Tundra remains a high-risk purchase for high-mileage drivers.

3. GMC’s Value Prop: The AT4 is a great off-roader, but if the "vibe" isn't there on the test drive, it rarely improves with ownership.

4. Resale Value: Hemis are becoming collector's items. A 2026 Hemi Ram may hold its value better than a first-gen Hurricane due to enthusiast demand.

What Ram Owners Are Saying

The community is just as split as Brian. Here are some direct insights from owners on the front lines:

The Reliability Realist: "The Hemi is reliable and low maintenance while making good noises. I won't touch the hurricane with a 10-foot pole." Lucreth2 via Reddit

The Performance Convert: "Hurricane beats it every way you want to argue it, except for the start up sound... it moves so easily and effortlessly." Specialist-Knee-3777 via Reddit

The "Wait and See" Crew: "Until you get a large amount of them with high mileage and out of warranty, there isn't any way to know what the long-term reliability is." ComfortableAnnual216 via Reddit

What’s the Best Truck?

Brian Biggs is doing exactly what a smart consumer should: he is listening to his gut and looking past the marketing brochures. While the GMC failed to impress and the Toyota failed the "trust test," the Ram stands as the final contender. In my three decades of experience, I would tell Brian this: if you want the thrill of the future, go Hurricane. If you want a truck that will still be in your driveway in 2035, grab one of the last remaining Hemis while you still can.

What Would You Do? Would you take the risk on the high-tech Hurricane, or stick with the legendary Hemi V8? Let us know in the comments below!

Next Up: The Dead Battery Club: Think engine issues are the only thing to worry about? Some 2025 Ram owners are finding their trucks dead in the driveway just days after purchase. Read about the 2025 Ram 1500 "Dead Battery Club" here.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Brian Biggs