Big, powerful, and capable.
Who said American automakers are the only ones capable of building a full-size pickup truck? The Titan is Nissan’s take on the segment, and it matches its Detroit competitors in size, power, and heft. It has one engine, a beefy 5.6-liter V-8, that mates to a five-speed automatic transmission. Body choices are a four-door crew cab and the King Cab, which has hinged rear half-doors, and there are three bed lengths. We think the Titan is one of the few big pickups that doesn’t drive like one. The 317-hp V-8 provides muscular acceleration, and the steering has better feedback than that of some sedans. The Titan’s ride is comfortable and planted over lumpy roads. This big truck has a maximum tow rating of 9500 pounds and an array of tie-downs, storage compartments, and towing gear available. The roomy interior is nicely laid out and filled with storage bins and cupholders. The front passenger seat folds flat to provide a work surface, and the center console can hold hanging files. The Nissan Titan delivers on all the primary reasons for which buyers select full-size trucks: size, power, utility, and capability. Unfortunately, all those qualities haven’t translated to sales, as Nissan has been unable to gain much of a toehold in the lucrative full-size-pickup market. Currently, Nissan sells one Titan for every twenty-seven F-series pickups sold by Ford.
COMPETITORS
Chevrolet Silverado
Ford F-150
Ram 1500
Toyota Tundra
new for 2013
The three-spoke steering wheel is replaced with a four-spoke unit, and the tailgate is redesigned for better aerodynamic efficiency. The PRO-4X model is restyled with new decals, a satin chrome grille, darkened wheels, and white stitching for the seats. Step rails become standard on SV and SL models, and S models receive redesigned steel wheels. A backup camera is now standard on the PRO-4X and the SL.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Front, side, and side curtain air bags; stability and traction control; ABS with brake assist; and a tire-pressure monitoring system are standard.
MPG
CITY 8–13
HWY 12–18
PRO
Powerful V-8 engine
Spacious interior
Macho styling
CON
Bland interior design
No two-door version
Single-digit city mpg
Base Price Range: $28,500–$41,500 (est.)
SPECIFICATIONS
DRIVE: Rear-wheel, 4-wheel
TRIM LEVELS: S, SV, PRO-4X, SL
BODY STYLE: Pickup, 5- or 6-passenger
ENGINE: 5.6L V-8, 317 hp, 385 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic
CAPACITIES: Towing 7300–9500 lb; payload 1644–2153 lb