Nissan and Toyota have struggled for years to build a truck to compete with the domestics, but that doesn't mean they don't make excellent products. In fact, if you are loyal Japanese product owners, you may prefer the more refined, more car-like feel of the Japanese trucks versus the domestic ones. With the Nissan Titan, you get the best of both as the Titan delivers Japanese-level refinement while offering North Americanstyle "macho" feel.
The Titan is actually built in Canton, Miss., U.S.A.-go figure. Nonetheless, DNA for the Nissan Titan reaches back to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Designed for North America Not only is the Titan built on U.S. soil, it was specifically designed for the North American market and intended as a direct competitor to the F150, RAM and Silverado/Sierra 4X4 pickups. I admire the exterior design of the Titan and believe it holds its own against anything else in the field, including the Toyota Tundra and Honda Ridgeline.
My tester was the top-line SL Crew Cab model, which was nicely stocked with comfort and convenience items sans navigation, which is a $2,950 option. In my view, navigation should be included as standard equipment on the SL given the vehicle's MSRP of $50,598. (It should be noted, however, that at the time of writing, Nissan is offering a $4,500 factory price reduction on this vehicle.)
While I would argue that the Titan's exterior design is more appealing than anything else in the full-size pickup category, the same can't be said for its spacious cabin. The interior real estate is vast and well constructed, but it doesn't match the opulence found in the F150 King Ranch or the RAM Laramie.
The captain's seats up front in my tester were delightful and as comfortable as the best perches of the competition but the cabin itself was absent the upscale level of trim and high quality finishings that have found their way into the top-line F150 and RAM of late. Still, it's a better executed livingroom than that furnished by GM for their Sierra and Silverado siblings despite having a steering column that doesn't telescope; it only tilts.
Big truck-big power Like the domestic rigs, the Titan Crew Cab is powered by a thirsty V8 engine-and let me emphasize the thirst. While not the most powerful crew cab pickup on the market or bestowed with the best tow-rating, the Titan drinks fuel as if it were.
Displacing 5.6-litres, the DOHC V8 produces 317 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, but more impressively, it churns out 385 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm. Power is harnessed by a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring a tow/haul mode.
All Titan Crew Cabs sold in Canada are fitted with four-wheeldrive (4WD). The shift-on-the-fly system includes low-range gearing and a switch-on-demand locking rear differential. Also included as standard off-road equipment are skid plates to protect the fuel tank and oil pan.
Front tow hooks are provided as basic fare while a receiver hitch is included in all but the S trim level. My SL tester was towrated at 4,128 kg, which is less than the equivalent Dodge RAM's rating of 4,740 kg. Nevertheless, that's plenty of towing grunt for big toys.
Performance
Many potential customers fear the thought of navigating such large vehicles on congested city streets. The Titan doesn't feel as large from the driver's seat as other full-size crew cab pickups I've tested. It may be the short nose of the vehicle that contributes to this or the abundance of glass surrounding the driver.
The Titan's relatively quick steering helps to impart a sense of nimbleness that's not always present in such behemoths. Detracting from the ease of operation are massive A-pillars that significantly intrude upon otherwise expansive front and side sight-lines.
Parking the big rig is made easier thanks to side mirrors that tilt downward to help see where the rear wheel is in relation to the curb. An audible warning assists drivers in knowing how close the truck is to surrounding objects. A backup camera would be a major asset in this vehicle whether the navigation system is ordered or not.
Behind the wheel
Nissan's crew cab Titan is a delightful truck to drive due largely to its smooth ride and quiet cabin. There's plenty of power underfoot but its delivery is abrupt. The gas pedal is sensitive and lightly sprung, resulting in unintended neck-snapping starts until a feathery foot develops.
Trucks shouldn't be like that. Wearing clompy boots and trying to nurse the Titan smoothly through stop and go traffic takes some time to master. Yet, if that's the worst I can say about life behind the wheel, the truck must be darn good-and it is, except at the filling station.
The tester was rated at 17.7L/100km and 12.1L/100km city and highway driving respectively. My experience around town saw average usage figures fluctuate between 18-19L/100km, which isn't unusual for this sort of heavy 4WD vehicle-but it's still not desirable.
The Titan wrap Nissan's Titan SL Crew Cab 4X4 is big, bold and refined; it's also a highly capable machine that's a pleasure to drive. While I don't think it can match Ford and Dodge for upscale environs, it can play equals in the sand box in many other ways while providing its owners with more distinction and exclusivity than those of the Holy Trinity.
If driving a "good ole boy" truck isn't what you're looking for in the way of a 4X4 luxury-liner pickup, give the Titan a run. It may surprise you.
