Nissan Titan Platinum Reserved For "Right Duty"

When Nissan redesigned its full-size, over-sized Titan pickup, it started with the “Xtra Duty” XD model with an available Cummins Diesel engine.  The XD split the difference between heavy duty and lighter duty full-sized, but it was a little too much for the average truck buyer.  That’s where a new “right duty” half-ton truck comes in.  It’s even better with a V8 engine in luxury Platinum Reserve trim.

Handsome Styling

There’s still an uncanny resemblance to a certain pickup from Dearborn, Michigan, but the Titan looks handsome with its big chrome grille, flexed fenders, and 20-inch Dark Chrome alloy wheels.  Bucket-size chrome fender vents hold V8 logos – in case you had no idea what you bought or insist on telling everybody your engine size.  Kick down the cool retractable step to ease getting into the bed with handy tie-downs and LED lights.  Extra chrome and “Platinum Reserve” lettering on the tailgate finish dressing for the rodeo.

Getting to your Rodeo, whether that’s in Beverly Hills or Mesquite, Texas, will keep five passengers in serene luxury.  Two-tone heated/cooled leather front seats with embossed waffle pattern, a heated flip-up 60/40 bench in back, leather with woodgrain heated steering wheel, and wood tone trim dress up the cabin.  Rockford Fosgate audio, dual-zone automatic climate control, and deep cubbies make it more comfortable.  Navigation gets you there.  Safety is enhanced with an in-dash trailer brake controller, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, front/rear sonar, and 360-degrees Around View Monitor camera.    

Stoked To Move

Stoked to move heavy loads, Titan stomps out with a 5.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 390 horsepower and 394 lb.-ft. of torque.  It’s all routed to the road through a 7-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive system sporting a 2-speed transfer case with 4Hi and 4Lo gearing.  The transmission features a tow/haul mode to optimize shift patterns with trailer out back.  Unloaded, expect 15/21-MPG city/hwy.  Yep – she’s a little thirsty, but what did you expect with a full-size crew cab pickup?

Not only is the engine refined, but so is ride and handling.  Many full-size pickups feel huge, but despite its name, the Titan not overwhelming when slipping through rush hour traffic.  Even over rough pavement, the chassis was poised and controlled.  Out on the interstate, it settled down and rode serenely.  Steering feels precise no matter the road.  It’s not as quiet and refined as an Armada SUV, but it’s not far off.  At any rate, it’s a darned sight better than the big bounding first-generation Titan.

Almost nobody took that old Titan as serious competition for segment leaders like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.  In fact, Titan was the worst-selling full-size truck available.  With a considerably more refined interior, styling, and driving experience, this one has what it takes to be a winner.  The only question is, “Will loyal truck buyers give this ‘right duty’ Titan a try?”  If they do, they’ll find much to like.  A base price of $29,580, or $56,595 as tested, should put them in the right mood right from the start.

Storm Forward!

Watch Casey’s video review of the Nissan Titan. Follow him on YouTube and Twitter:  @AutoCasey.

2017 Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve

• Five-passenger, 4WD Pickup
• Powertrain: 390hp 5.6-liter V8, 7-speed auto trans
• Suspension f/r: Ind/Solid axle
• Wheels f/r: 20”/20” alloy
• Brakes f/r: disc/disc
• Must-have features: Luxury, Powertrain
• Fuel economy: 15/21 mpg city/hwy
• Assembly: Canton, MS
• Base/as-tested price: $29,580/56,595