2017 Nissan Titan XD

The pickup truck market offers an incredible amount of options. Luxury, technology, innovation, performance, and strength are offered by the domestic brands and Japanese brands. But Nissan has found a gap and has plugged it with the Titan XD.

Built for the consumer who needs something that can tow or haul more than a half-ton truck, but doesn't need something as big or as bulky as a three-quarter ton model, the Titan XD could be the perfect fit. For 2017, it gains new configurations aimed at fleets and business owners who need a durable work-ready truck.

The Titan XD shares its cab, plus height and width with the regular half-ton Titan, but rides on a tough fully-boxed frame and heavy-duty suspension with a longer wheelbase and a long bed. Towing capacity tops out at 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) - nearly 3,000 lbs more than the Titan - and it as much as 2,000 lbs (907 kg) can be loaded in its bed. Buyers who regularly tow heavier loads should note that the Titan XD is available with a factory-ordered fifth-wheel hitch integrated into the bed, and a nifty trailer lighting check function which is accessible through the key fob.

Buyers can configure the Titan XD in either Single Cab or Crew Cab forms. Single Cab versions feature an eight-foot bed, while the Crew Cab is available exclusively with a 5.5-foot bed. Nissan will eventually offer an extended King Cab cab style, but, the Titan will not offer the same level of cab and body lengths as the domestic brands.

Launched mid-way through last year, the base engine for the Titan XD is now the brand's 5.6-litre Endurance V8 engine, which develops 390 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Optional to XD buyers is a Cummins-designed 5.0-litre turbodiesel engine which develops 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque, which is saddled to a six-speed automatic built by Aisin. That's a sizable step up in power from the half-ton Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, but not as much as the big six-plus-litre diesel engines offered in three-quarter-ton rivals.

While the Titan XD Crew Cab can be had in S, SV, Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve trim levels, the Single Cab version is aimed more at work-truck buyers, and as such is limited to the S and SV trim levels. The base Single Cab S with the 5.6-litre V8 can also be had with two-wheel drive; all other configurations come standard with 4WD.

While limited only to the Crew Cab form, the Pro-4X is the Titan to have for off-roading. It features an electronically controlled locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and skid plates.

Compared to the old Titan, the Titan XD marks a big step forward in design and fit and finish. Available "Zero Gravity" memory foam seats provide drive-all-day comfort, while the premium Platinum Reserve trim decks the cabin in two-tone brown leather upholstery, and features open-pore wood trim on the dashboard and doors, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats.

Titan S and SV trim level trucks come standard with a 5.0-inch display audio system with USB port and Bluetooth audio. Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve models receive a larger 7.0-inch touchscreen 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 reverse camera is standard on the Pro-4X, with a 360-degree parking camera standard on the Platinum Reserve and optional on the Pro-4X.