By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 3, 2018) Last year, we reviewed the then all-new 2017 Nissan Titan full-sized pickup truck that slots above the mid-sized Nissan Frontier. But don’t confuse the new Nissan Titan with its almost heavy-duty version, Titan XD, which actually appeared a year earlier as a 2016 model and slots a bit above the regular issue Titan. Confusing, I know.

The Titan XD was the first complete redo of the first-generation Titan truck that went on sale back in 2004; the Titan mimics the looks of the XD. The regular Titan half-ton uses a different, shorter chassis and isn’t quite as heavy duty. Titan isn’t a scaled down version of the XD, and similarities end with the close appearance.



To further confuse you, both vehicles use the same 5.6-liter gasoline engine with 390-horsepower and a seven-speed automatic transmission. A diesel engine is only available in the XD.

For 2018, Nissan offers a broad range of Titan half-ton pickups including Single Cab, King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations, 4x2 and 4x4, and a choice of up to five trim levels including the luxury oriented Platinum Reserve and off-road-oriented Pro-4X.

New for 2018 is the addition of the optional new Midnight Edition Package, available on Titan and Titan XD Crew Cab SV and SL 4x4 and 4x2 models.

The Midnight Edition, which is also available on seven other Nissan vehicles products, is a trim-only package that includes body color grille with dark insert, dark headlamps, black fog lamp finisher, black exterior badging, black mirrors, black door handles, 20-inch black wheels, body color front and rear bumpers, black step rails, dark charcoal interior trim and "Midnight Edition" exterior badging. Only the SV and SL crew cab models can be had as a Midnight Edition.

The Midnight Edition package is an extra $1,250, but Nissan says that the elements priced individually would total $1,810, a savings of $560. However, special Midnight Edition floormats do not come in the package and are an additional $205.

We recently drove the SL 4x4 Crew Cab version with the Midnight Edition package. Driving impressions are identical to when we first drove the Titan last year, feeling every bit as solid, comfortable and well screwed together as its domestic competitors. Ingress and egress to the cabin was easy, seats and driving position very comfortable. Rear seating was exceptionally roomy with seats that flip up or fold forward for additional cargo-hauling options.

Handling and steering are surprisingly nimble, but like other pickup trucks it’s noticeably top heavy when cornering or negotiating twisty roads. Still, it’s no better or worse than other full-sized trucks we’ve tested. A short turning ratio made it easy to park, visibility was excellent and the cabin pleasantly quiet.

Standard safety features on our test Titan included a full complement of airbags, blind-spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, rearview camera monitor, front and rear sonar parking warning, and vehicle dynamic control. Last year, Nissan promised that automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems would be available at a later date, however they are still not part of any offering on 2018 models.

During the past few months we’ve had the opportunity to drive the significantly new 2019 RAM and the 2018 Ford F-150 Supercrew, powered by its new 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel engine. And while there is much to like about the Titan, we think the RAM and F-150 were better choices with superior rides, better infotainment and tech features, and higher predicted reliability and resale ratings.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $51,655
Price as Tested: $54,775
Powertrain: 5.6-Liter 390-hp V8 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 15-mpg City – 21-mpg Highway 17-mpg Combined
Seating: 5

Crash Test Ratings: Overall 4 out of 5 star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and overall “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Competes With:
Chevy Silverado 1500
Ford F-150
GMC Sierra 1500
RAM 1500
Toyota Tundra

Fab Features
Attractive Midnight Edition package
Segment best bumper-to-bumper warranty
Powerful engine