2016 Nissan Titan XD
May/June 2016
Nina Russin
The new Nissan Titan XD could be described as a light-duty truck that thinks big, or a scaled-down 2500. The idea is to offer full-size pickup truck buyers an option in the middle, providing enough towing capacity for the average fifth wheel without the bulk of traditional heavy-duty trucks.
The Cummins turbo-diesel engine that comes standard provides an abundance of low-end power. The EPA doesn’t test heavy-duty pickup trucks for fuel economy, but I averaged about 16 miles-per-gallon on my test drive.
The Titan XD comes in five trim levels: a base work truck, the SV, off-road PRO-4X, the SL, and upscale Platinum Reserve. The Platinum Reserve model, priced from $60,520 for the 4X4, is a great choice for families who want luxury car performance along with the payload capacity to rack up an ATV or snowmobile for some weekend recreation.
On and off-road, I like the Titan’s access and egress, which is much better than competitors thanks to its slightly lower cabin and side rails that extend all the way back to the cargo bed.
Inside, the NASA-inspired zero gravity seats simulate the weightlessness of space, where the human body takes on a neutral, relaxed posture that minimizes stress on the body. This seat design helps alleviate fatigue and prevent hotspots, enhancing comfort during long road trips. The interior also provides plenty of storage for everything from cell phones to backpacks, and enough power points to plug in a gaggle of tablet computers.
A standard rearview camera enables the driver to hitch up a trailer without a spotter, while an around-view monitor makes it easier to see rocks and other obstacles near the wheels. The gooseneck trailer hitch and four or seven pin connectors come standard on the Platinum, so the truck is ready to pull a trailer out of the box.
Ride comfort is good for a big work truck, thanks to an independent double-wishbone front suspension. The recirculating ball steering system isn’t quite as crisp as rack and pinion, but it’s more durable and reliable for the types of applications for which the truck is designed.
With its bold new exterior, living-room-on-wheels comfort, and hard work capability, the Nissan Titan XD should be on the short list for families who enjoy spending life on the road.
The Cummins turbo-diesel engine that comes standard provides an abundance of low-end power. The EPA doesn’t test heavy-duty pickup trucks for fuel economy, but I averaged about 16 miles-per-gallon on my test drive.
The Titan XD comes in five trim levels: a base work truck, the SV, off-road PRO-4X, the SL, and upscale Platinum Reserve. The Platinum Reserve model, priced from $60,520 for the 4X4, is a great choice for families who want luxury car performance along with the payload capacity to rack up an ATV or snowmobile for some weekend recreation.
On and off-road, I like the Titan’s access and egress, which is much better than competitors thanks to its slightly lower cabin and side rails that extend all the way back to the cargo bed.
Inside, the NASA-inspired zero gravity seats simulate the weightlessness of space, where the human body takes on a neutral, relaxed posture that minimizes stress on the body. This seat design helps alleviate fatigue and prevent hotspots, enhancing comfort during long road trips. The interior also provides plenty of storage for everything from cell phones to backpacks, and enough power points to plug in a gaggle of tablet computers.
A standard rearview camera enables the driver to hitch up a trailer without a spotter, while an around-view monitor makes it easier to see rocks and other obstacles near the wheels. The gooseneck trailer hitch and four or seven pin connectors come standard on the Platinum, so the truck is ready to pull a trailer out of the box.
Ride comfort is good for a big work truck, thanks to an independent double-wishbone front suspension. The recirculating ball steering system isn’t quite as crisp as rack and pinion, but it’s more durable and reliable for the types of applications for which the truck is designed.
With its bold new exterior, living-room-on-wheels comfort, and hard work capability, the Nissan Titan XD should be on the short list for families who enjoy spending life on the road.
NINA RUSSIN specializes in reviewing vehicles for buyers with active lifestyles and owns a Jeep Wrangler because, like her, it likes to spend time off the grid.
Details
Fuel Economy
- 1/a MPG City
- n/a MPG Highway
Key Safety Features
- Around-view monitor
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Daytime running lamps
- Front and rear sonar
- Stability control
- Hill start assist
- Hill descent control
The Good
- Appealing styling inside and out
- Excellent power
- Good fuel economy
- Standard rearview camera enables driver to hitch up a trailer without a spotter
The Bad
- Steering feel not as precise as rack and pinion
- Towing capacity, while higher than most light-duty pickups, is significantly lower than competing 2500 models
Vehicle Type:
Truck
Base Price:
$40,290
As Tested:
$60,520