I’ve always seen them on the road, and a member of our MWS team owns one. As far as trucks go, this one’s design really stands out from the others. But in a competitive pickup segment, this truck isn’t the first that comes to mind. I believe that tide is beginning to shift.
I had the opportunity to drive one for a few days, and the phrase I heard most often from friends was “Nissan makes that in a diesel?” Yep. The Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X is offered with a Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, and I’m impressed.
TITAN DESIGN
Seeing the Titan for the first time in its beautiful “Midnight Pine” paint job and its beefed-up exterior got me a little excited, I’ll admit. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel to test it out. Once I stepped inside, I knew I’d later invite all my friends on a ride to show off this month’s showcase. The Titan features a cab you don’t mind spending time in. In fact, some might prefer this truck to their office. And when your job calls for long trips to the worksite or driving a client to lunch, the cab of your truck isn’t the place for a compromise in quality—which isn’t the case for the Titan.
Honestly, one of my favorite aspects of the Titan was its interior. The center console is large enough to use as a makeshift desk with plenty of storage inside. Foldable rear seats create a flat surface for backseat storage, and lockable compartments hide equipment and tools under the rear seats.
Aside from storage, the Titan’s sophisticated, techy infotainment system with Sirius XM and Apple CarPlay kept me tuned in to anything I was in the mood to hear. The 7-inch touchscreen also relays image and video from the truck’s many cameras to assist in parking, towing, and driving over rocks and boulders if the occasion were to arise.
I don’t know about everyone, but a main concern I have with a vehicle is its level of comfort. I’m constantly on the road, and driving in an uncomfortable vehicle quickly gets old. To me, comfort should begin the moment you open the door and step a foot inside. The Titan XD PRO-4X is a tall truck, built specifically to bound over rough terrain. Because of this, expect to climb into the truck using the steps provided. But once you’ve perfectly adjusted the seat and the steering wheel is in your hands, you’re set for a comfortable ride no matter how long.
DIESEL POWER
A nice interior is great, but it’s all for naught if the truck doesn’t have enough muscle to get the job done. The Titan XD PRO-4X I drove was built on a Cummins 5-L V8 Turbo Diesel. The engine started quickly and as many of my friends said: “This diesel is quiet!” Considering I didn’t have to turn off my engine when going through the drive-thru, I’d have to agree—for a diesel, its noise level was extremely low.
The Cummins pumps out 310 hp with 555 lb-ft of torque. The Titan’s maximum payload of 2,490 lbs when equipped properly and a towing capacity of up to 12,710 lbs give owners confidence to haul equipment and a crew. Although the diesel engine takes a bit to go from zero to 60, once it gets going, its power is impressive.
The Titan XD PRO-4X I drove wasn’t equipped to tow, so I wasn’t able to experience its capabilities firsthand. However, Titan XDs feature an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control, and a Trailer Light Check system that checks turn signals, brake lights, and running/clearance lights with the key fob or from inside the Titan cab. Trailer hook-ups are easier with the Titan’s camera system, which also features Moving Object Detection that alerts a drier when moving objects are detected around the vehicle. All of these features help provide a better towing experience from hitch to haul to unhitch. And with a Titan XD, you can haul your load anywhere.
4X4-CAPABLE
For a full-size pickup, this baby can sure get around. Even with its muscly, large stature, I found the Titan handles extremely well on backroads over mud, dirt, and rocks. The Titan XD PRO-4X came ready for less-traveled roads with all-terrain off-road tires with plenty of traction to tackle the red Alabama mud I drove it through. The truck had no problems gliding over rocks, even in two-wheel drive, and I’m confident it could tackle the same terrain while carrying a heavy load—just make sure there is plenty of room for the truck and the haul to maneuver.
TAKEAWAY
All of my friends and family who saw this truck wanted a ride. They were impressed with the diesel engine, its looks, and its technology. But from a work truck perspective, would I buy this for my fleet? Absolutely. The truck is capable, available with premium features, and affordable. What it lacks in flash (and it lacks little), it makes up in practicality and capability. The need to go from zero to 60 as quickly as possible is nonexistent in the work truck industry; this truck is definitely made for the long haul. It’s a high-end truck with a reasonable price tag and work truck elements you want in your fleet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jade Brasher is the editor of Modern WorkTruck Solutions magazine. A graduate of The University of Alabama, Jade resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and enjoys writing about her town, travel, and of course, work trucks. Reach her at jade@mwsmag.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS:
OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE
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