Even though they essentially share the same name, don't confuse the new Nissan Titan with its monstrous almost heavy-duty version, the Titan XD. The lighter, kinder gas-powered version is a much nicer truck in every way. The new Nissan also competes well with other light-duty 1500 competitors.
Chief attributes include the Titan's energetic V8, reasonable ride and handling, low-effort tailgate and par-for-the-course fuel economy.
Initially, just a four-door crew cab body was offered, followed by a smaller extended-cab version and a base single cab. Built in Mississippi, this Titan is quite different than its XD sibling, with a much more civilized ride and handling, easier maneuverability and a quieter cabin. The crew-cab has a standard 5.5-foot-long bed that offers a flexible system to tie down and secure cargo. Movable aluminum-alloy cleats, located on the sides of the bed, can be positioned and locked down, allowing owners to secure items large or small with straps or bungee cords. Other available bed features include a spray-on bedliner, flush-mounted LED lights, access to a 120-volt power outlet, and a damped tailgate.
The Titan is well-equipped to tow, with an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, and a trailer-light check system that makes it easier for the driver to hook-up a trailer without a spotter. Maximum towing capacity is 9,390 pounds for crew cab. Maximum payload capacity is 1,620 pounds.
This new Titan has one of the punchiest powertrains in the segment, easily catapulting the truck to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. And at 16 mpg overall, fuel economy is right in the mix with other non-diesel trucks. The ride is comfortable, handling is secure and not clumsy. Controls are intuitive and the crew cab is roomy. Inside, luxury features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and cooled front seats are available, along with a choice of fabric or leather seating surfaces. You can even get heated rear seats.
Both 5- and 7-inch infotainment screens are offered. And like most competing models, you can get a navigation system, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera (including Nissan's nifty 360-degree surround-view monitor).
As with its competitors, you can get basic work trucks priced in the mid $30,000s or go all the way to luxurious cabins in the Platinum version that can brush $60,000.