2018 Nissan Titan XD
For its second generation, the Titan line has expanded to include a model slotted above the standard half-ton truck. Dubbed the "XD,” this model straddles the line between 1/2- and 3/4-ton pickups, offering increased capacities and durability along with available V8 diesel power in a more compact, less cumbersome package.
Overview
Nissan introduced the Titan XD model as a solution for those who want more capability and rugged durability than can be found in standard half-ton pickups, but who don't want to give up the practical day-to-day advantages of owning a pickup with a standard full-size footprint.
The Titan XD shares its overall proportions and box section with the more run-of-the-mill Titan, but its frame and engine bay are unique. Sections of the forward frame were borrowed from Nissan's NV line of commercial vans, which have proven themselves worthy of heavier-duty applications.
The Titan XD's suspension is built for work. The front suspension is a double-wishbone setup, the rear a multi-leaf. The steering is a recirculating ball system for added durability and longevity over rack-and-pinion units typically found in half-ton models.
The Titan XD is available in a Single Cab configuration with an 8-foot bed, a King Cab with a 6.5-foot bed and a Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot bed. 4x2 Single Cab models have the greatest towing capacity at 12,314lbs. SV and above models can be equipped with a factory-installed gooseneck trailer hitch. Maximum payload capacity is 2,091lbs.
Other factory-installed accessories include spray-in bedliner, bed-side and channel-mounted tie-down points and 120V accessory power outlets.
For those who need heavy-duty off-road capability, a PRO-4X model is available. This model comes standard with Bilstein shocks and an electronic locking rear differential.
Life aboard
The Titan XD has several interior configurations running the gamut from utilitarian minimalism to full-on luxury. Nissan employed its "zero-gravity” seating architecture in the front and rear of the Titan, putting a priority on driver comfort.
Unlike previous Titan models, the new truck utilizes a more conventional column shifter. This signals a practicality shift for the Titan, which emphasized sporty performance with a console-mounted shifter in the outgoing version.
King Cab models boast additional interior tricks. With the rear bench stowed, a fold-flat rear floor and locking storage unit are both accessible. The storage area is modular, allowing for multiple small cubbies or a single, full-width compartment suitable for storing a rifle or other long cargo item.
Powertrain options
The new Titan XD is available in two powertrain configurations. The V6 available in the standard Titan is not offered here. However, two V8 engines—one gasoline and one diesel—give buyers choices when it comes to the heavier-duty truck.
Nissan's 5.6L "Endurance” V8 is the standard engine offering. It replaces the 5.6L VQ-based V8 found in the original Titan. It generates 390 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 401 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. It is a direct-injected unit and it is paired to a brand-new, seven-speed automatic transmission.
The second engine available is a five-liter Cummins V8 diesel. It produces 310 horsepower at 3,200 RPM and 555 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 RPM. While these numbers may not compare favorably to those of diesel offerings in the 3/4-ton arena, they're vastly superior to anything available in a current half-ton pickup. This engine is paired to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.
Both engines are available in two- or four-wheel drive configurations. Due to the Titan XD's GVWR, EPA fuel economy certification is not required.
PRO-4X models include a standard electronic locking rear differential and low-range gearbox. This combination also features hill descent control. The PRO-4X is the only model not available in a 4x2 configuration.
Standard and optional features
The Titan XD is available in S, SV, SL, PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve trims.
The S model is the base. Standard features include 17” steel wheels, black bumpers, door handles, and front grille, a sliding rear window, locking tailgate, overhead LED cargo area lighting, NissanConnect with mobile apps, hands-free Bluetooth and texting assistance, air conditioning, power windows, remote keyless entry with push-button start, cruise control, power locks, manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel, front and rear map lights, vinyl flooring, a 40/20/40 split front bench seat, dual 12V dash-mounted power outlets, a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat (when equipped), manual shift mode, AM/FM/CD/USB/MP3/WMA Radio with RDS and 5” color display and six standard speakers and electronic active brake limited slip functionality.
SV models add trailer sway control, SiriusXM radio, piano black interior trim, chrome interior door handles, stain resistant cloth seat trim, rear seat cushion grocery hooks, illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors, interior mood lighting, electroluminescent gauges, Nissan's Advanced Driver-Assist Display, a Class IV hitch receiver with 4-/7-pin harness, an integrated gooseneck trailer hitch, trailer brake controller, trailer light check system, outside mirrors with puddle lights, power heated extending tow mirrors with turn signal repeaters, chrome exterior door handles, chrome bumpers, front tow hooks and fuel tank/oil pan skid plates.
PRO-4X models are based on the SV trim, but add 18” alloy wheels, Bilstein off-road performance shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, transfer case and lower radiator skid plates and hill descent control.
SL models add remote start, leather seating, NissanConnect services and a Rockford Fosgate stereo system, along with auto on/off headlamps, fog lights, 20” machine-finished aluminum wheels, running boards, Nissan intelligent key, front captain's chairs with configurable center console, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, NissanConnect, Siri Eyes Free, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, HomeLink, chrome interior door locks, rear AC vents, a power-sliding rear window with defroster, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sonar, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
The Platinum Reserve builds on the SL model with 20” dark chrome wheels, premium two-tone leather seating, Nissan's Around View camera system and bed-mounted storage boxes.
Option Packages
Certain trims are eligible for additional equipment packages. S models can be equipped with the S Convenience and Utility package, which adds front overhead storage, spray-in bedliner and a Class IV tow hit receiver with included 4-/7-pin harnesses.
The SV Comfort and Convenience package adds auto on/off headlamps, fog lights, 20” machine-finished aluminum wheels, running boards, Nissan intelligent key, front captain's chairs with configurable center console, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, NissanConnect, Siri Eyes Free, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, HomeLink, chrome interior door locks, rear AC vents, a power-sliding rear window with defroster, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sonar, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
The SV Utility package adds a channel-mounted bed anchoring system, factory bedliner, LED under-rail bed lighting, a bed-mounted 120V outlet, tailgate illumination and a lockable rear cargo organizer.
The PRO-4X Luxury package upgrades the off-road trim to include climate-controlled front seats, Nissan's Around View monitor, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down and bed-mounted storage boxes.
A PRO-4X Convenience package adds NissanConnect, remote start, leather seating, heated front and rear seats, driver's seat and steering wheel memory, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, 4-way power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping steering column and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Finally, the PRO-4X Utility and Audio package adds a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, power sliding back window with defroster, channel-mounted bed anchors, LED under-rail bed lighting, bed-mounted 120V power, tailgate illumination and front and rear parking sonar.
Occupant safety
All Titan XD models come standard with front, side and side curtain air bags, stability control, active brake limited slip, LATCH points and advanced seat belts. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, moving object detection and trailer sway control are available on higher trim levels depending on equipment.
Key competitors
The Titan XD occupies a unique space in the market. It's larger than the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500, but smaller than the F-250, Silverado 2500 or Ram 2500. Its diesel engine option gives it a leg up over the half-ton segment for those who care about towing and hauling capability.
- Propulsion: Gas 5.6L V8
- Power: 390hp
@
5800rpm - Torque: 394ft⋅lb
@
4000rpm - Mileage: TBD MPG ( TBD city, TBD hwy)
- Transmission: 7-speed Automatic
- Seating: 5 seats
in
2 rows - Passenger Volume: TBDcu ft
- Length: 242.7in
- Wheelbase: 151.6in
- Height: 78.0in
- Weight: 6006lbs
- Cargo Volume: TBDcu ft
- Front Leg Room: 41.8in
- Front Head Room: 41.0in
- Front Hip Room: 60.8in
- Rear Leg Room: 38.5in
- Rear Head Room: 40.4in
- Rear Hip Room: 60.3in
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
- Drag Coefficient: TBD