How many country songs are written about the Nissan Titan? Not too many. But that doesn't mean the Nissan isn't as much a workhorse as the American haulers. Indeed, the heavy-duty Titan XD boasts a maximum 12,310 pound towing capacity and a top payload rating of over 2,000 pounds. A Japanese full-size truck may still sound like an oxymoron to some, but there's no denying that the Titan XD has the stats to back up its assault on the traditional American trucks.
What's New for 2018
Rhinestone cowboys will appreciate the new Midnight Edition package, which outfits the Titan with a body-color grille and bumpers, black 20-inch wheels, and black badging, interior trim, door handles and mirrors. Otherwise, the Titan is unchanged.
Choosing Your Nissan Titan XD
Nissan offers two Titans. The base is roughly analogous to light-duty trucks like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and is listed separately. The Titan XD, listed here, challenges the heavy-duty F-Series Super Duty and Silverado 2500HD.
Nissan offers an array of choices regarding the combination of cab and bed. Buyers can choose from three cabs – Standard, King and Crew – as well as from either an eight-foot or 6.5-foot bed. The Crew Cab, with it's four full-size doors, is paired exclusively with the 6.5-foot bed. The King Cab, which uses smaller but wide-swinging rear-hinged doors, is available with either bed, as is the Standard Cab.
Of the five trim levels, only the Crew Cab is available across the Titan XD line. The Single Cab is relegated to just the S or SV SV, while the King Cab can be had in S, SV or Pro-4X.
Under the hood, power is all of the eight-cylinder variety, with one burning gas and the other drinking diesel. The former displaces 5.6-liters, and with help from technology like variable valve timing and direct injection, puts out 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike the 5.6, which is built in-house by Nissan, the diesel is a 5.0-liter affair made by Cummins. It uses a two-stage turbo system to help avoid low-end turbo lag, and also employs technologies to reduce "diesel chatter" and improve cold starting - two notorious traits that often plague diesels of any make or model. It uses a six speed automatic versus the 5.6-liter's seven speed unit, and power output is 310 horsepower and a stout 555 lb-ft of torque.
With the diesel, max payload and towing capacity is 2,420 and 12,640 pounds, respectively. The gas engine can haul up to a 2,910 lb payload and trailer up to 11,590 lbs.
CarsDirect Tip
No matter the exact model, the diesel is a hefty upcharge - $5,000-$7,000 depending on trim. Only spurge for it if planning on doing regular towing; otherwise, the gas engine will more than suffice.
Pickups are enjoying a strong presence in the US market, but that means competition is fierce. Practical trucks can cover uses from kid-carrier to lux-mobile, and the traditional heavyweights from Ford and GM could tow a small planet. Sadly, this leaves the 2018 Nissan Titan XD without much terrain to claim. It has its virtues, but it’s overkill for a light-duty pickup and can’t keep up with the big boys. In an industry this competitive, compromise can be a killer.
Best Value
The 2018 Nissan Titan XD’s best attribute is it offers a healthy feature set (and a supremely good warranty) at good value. For most buyers, this means grabbing a crew cab with its usable second row and 6.5-foot bed. A payload capacity over 2,000 pounds should be plenty for most.
Speaking of capacities, the available Cummins diesel engine improves towing less than you’d think. The aging but capable gas V8 is nothing to write home about, but it gets the job done. Upgrading to the SV trim adds front tow hooks and a better audio system, and it unlocks useful packages. Buyers who need the practicality might consider the bed-focused Utility Package.
Our Titan XD is far from the cheapest in the lineup, but for a luxurious ride and the XD’s capability, it’s not a bad value.
Model: 2018 Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab SV
Engine: 5.6-liter V8
Output: 390 hp / 394 lb-ft
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
MPG: 15 City / 21 Hwy
Options: Convenience Package ($2,695, automatic headlights, 20-inch rims, running boards, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, navigation, seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, mobile apps, voice recognition, XM radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, console power outlets, power back window)
Base Price: $45,675 (including the $1,295 destination charge)
Best Value Price: $48,370
Performance
Both of the Titan XD’s engines are competent, offering up to 12,640 pounds of towing capacity. The Cummins diesel boosts torque to 555 pound-feet. A reinforced chassis helps durability, and the steering is mostly well-sorted.
But, overall, the Titan XD is a mid-pack performer. The transmissions are down a speed or two on rivals, and they can be hesitant to shift. The torque on the diesel doesn’t hold a candle to the HD engines from American companies. And don’t expect nimble turns or high efficiency – the Titan XD wants to be a heavyweight, and it handles (and drinks) like one too.
Style
The Titan XD’s exterior is imposing but restrained, with an extra-tall grille and streamlined, sharp lines. Rims run from 17 inches all the way up to 20, and 2018’s new Midnight Appearance package adds fresh exterior accents (in black, of course). Not that the Titan XD can be called stealthy, at 20 feet and over 5,000 pounds. The ride is another high point – compared to many rivals, the Titan XD is smooth and comfortable. Then there’s the warranty of five years or 100,000 miles, bumper to bumper.
The interior can range from spartan to deluxe, but Nissan’s interiors aren’t as pleasant as they could be. The center console is clunky in all trims, as is the instrument display. Even with the touchscreen, the infotainment system lags behind modern rivals. None of these are fatal flaws, but with the Titan’s competition, refinement counts.
The Best and Worst Things
The engine and warranty make a tempting combination, but it’s hard to find any superlatives to bestow on the Titan XD. It’s solid enough, but it’s filling an awfully small niche.
Right For? Wrong For?
The Titan XD would be excellent for that rare buyer who does need just a bit more than mid-weight trucks can offer. Especially with a nifty feature set, the XD will please by offering decent value.
But on either side of that fine line lie the majority of pickup buyers, either utilitarian power-users or everyday citizens. The former would be better served by a tried-and-true heavy-duty truck, and the latter will be better off in a more versatile light- or medium-duty.
The Bottom Line
The 2018 Nissan Titan XD tries valiantly to fill a gap, but disappears into it instead. It’s too unwieldy to match lighter trucks but not burly enough to out-gun the establishment. A solid feature set and warranty help, but aren't enough to overcome flaws like a clunky transmission and dated systems. In the end, it’s a miss.
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Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
5.6L V-8 / 390 HP / 394 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
7-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Not Available
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
3
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
5.6L V-8 / 390 HP / 394 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
Not Available
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Leaf
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
26.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$100
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
Passenger Volume
62 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
231.0 "
Exterior Width
79.5 "
Exterior Height
77.3 "
Front Headroom
41.0 "
Rear Headroom
Front Legroom
41.8 "
Rear Legroom
Front Shoulder Room
63.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
5,682 Lbs.
Wheel Base
140 "
Turning Radius
26.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
2 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Silver Styled Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Manual
Bumpers
Black
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
3
Seat Trim
Cloth/vinyl
Front Seat Type
40-20-40 Split-bench
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
4-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Passenger
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Used 2018 Nissan Titan XD for Sale
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