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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