At its 2016 introduction, the Titan XD was Nissan's first-ever exploration of the truck segment beyond the half-ton slice of the marketplace. It's something like a semi-heavy-duty model that offers payload and towing capacities more robust than a half-ton but less impressive than those of true heavy-duty models.
For 2018, Nissan has pared down the XD lineup to a single crew cab body configuration, having eliminated the entry-level single cab model that was also the only version to offer a 2WD powertrain layout.
Nissan has left alone the rest of the XD's powertrain options, so base power is from a 5.6L gasoline V8 that puts 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Optional is a Cummins-built 5.0L turbodiesel that makes 310 hp and 555 lb-ft, which comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
While the gas engine's output is comparable to that of its domestic-branded heavy-duty competitors, the diesel shows the XD's halfway-heavy positioning, as it gives up a lot of bragging rights to engines like the Ford Powerstroke, GM's Duramax and Ram's own Cummins, all of which boast at least 800 lb-ft of torque.
The Titan XD's maximum towing capacity is 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) and it can carry 907 kg (2,000 lbs) in its bed. Nissan offers a fifth-wheel hitch integrated into the bed and a nifty trailer lighting check function which is accessible through the key fob.
As before, the Titan XD crew cab comes with a 5.5-foot bed; the eight-footer disappeared with the regular cab model.
Trim levels include S, SV, Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum, all of which can be optioned with gas or diesel.
Pro-4X trim is the one to have for off-roading with an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and skid plates.
Platinum trim brings the kind of upscale appointments high-end truck buyers have become accustomed to, like navigation, 360-degree exterior camera system, passive keyless entry, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rears, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker stereo and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Titan S and SV trims get a 5.0-inch display audio system with USB port and Bluetooth audio while Pro-4X and SL share the larger 7.0-inch touchscreen along with navigation, mobile apps, and Siri Eyes-Free for voice control of iPhones.
As for advanced safety features, the Titan XD is not yet available with features such as radar cruise control, forward collision warning or emergency autonomous braking. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Pro-4X and higher trim levels. A basic backup camera is standard across the range.
Because the XD is classified a commercial vehicle, Natural Resources Canada doesn't require Nissan to provide fuel consumption estimates.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
