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    Categories: New Launch

2017 Nissan TITAN Review

2017 Nissan TITAN © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab V8 Set To Compete In The Heart Of The Full-Size Pickup Truck Segment

2017 Nissan TITAN © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

In 2016, the Nissan TITAN XD shook up the highly competitive full-size pickup segment in the United States and Canada with a bold design and capabilities that staked out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries. Now, for the 2017 model year, the Nissan full-size pickup lineup expands with the arrival of the all-new TITAN half-ton. Powered by Nissan’s new 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine, the TITAN half-ton will initially be offered in a roomy Crew Cab body in both 4×4 and 4×2 configurations and in five well-equipped grade levels: S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. Single Cab and King Cab variants, along with a V6 engine, will follow at later dates.

2017 Nissan TITAN © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Like the TITAN XD, the new TITAN half-ton was developed with core Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi. The TITAN half-ton is assembled in Canton, Mississippi, with its V8 engines built in Decherd, Tennessee.

Aggressive Style, Smart Utility

2017 Nissan TITAN © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The new TITAN half-ton builds on the foundation of design innovation established by the original Titan full-size pickup, including bed and cab features that are now industry standard, and the rugged workhorse sensibility of the new TITAN XD.

The TITAN half-ton has the same aggressive style of the TITAN XD, but is built on a completely separate chassis and is about a foot shorter in wheelbase (139.8 inches versus XD’s 151.6 inches). At 228.1 inches in length, it is 14.7 inches shorter than the larger TITAN XD (242.8 inches). TITAN and TITAN XD share the same cabs, and both offer similar ruggedness, durability and innovative interior, bed and driving aid features.

The TITAN half-ton’s exterior design was created at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Calif. The design’s focus on improved aerodynamics (an approximate 10 percent reduction versus the previous-generation TITAN) incorporates a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers, front tow hook hole cover, underbody covers, rear tire wind deflectors and a seal between the cab and bed.

2017 Nissan TITAN © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The TITAN half-ton also includes an Active Grille Shutter, which helps reduce drag by closing the grille opening behind the radiator when a large amount of airflow is not needed (based on coolant temperature, vehicle speed and air conditioning system pressure). Available exterior features include LED headlights and taillights, signature Daytime Running Lights, puddle lamps, and step rails for cabin and bed entry/exit.

The 2017 TITAN Crew Cab half-ton’s standard 5.5-foot bed is designed to work hard and play hard, with a wide range of available functionality features. Nissan’s popular Utili-track® Bed Channel System, which made its industry-first debut on the original TITAN, features four heavy-duty aluminum alloy cleats that move and lock anywhere along the walls, as well as bed floor and header tracks that give the user endless tie-down possibilities.

The new TITAN adds available dual lockable in-bed “TITAN Box” storage boxes that sit sight-unseen at street level and can hold a wide range of essential work and recreational equipment. Unlike other pickup bed storage boxes, the TITAN XD units are accessible from inside the bed without having to remove a camper top or tonneau cover. The boxes are watertight (and drainable) and can be used as a cooler for picnics or tailgating. They are also easily removable for times when extra bed capacity is required.

Other TITAN XD bed features include the popular spray-on bedliner, flush-mounted LED bedrail lighting, cargo and tailgate lamps, 120-volt in-bed access and a damped tailgate that is light to lift and smoothly damped when lowering.

A Full-Feature, Multi-Functional Interior

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The TITAN half-ton’s designers focused on enhancing utility and on making the interior easy to use through an improved layout of switched, driver control and storage spaces. The interior offers enhanced storage versus the previous generation Titan – front storage has been increased 33 percent and rear storage 28 percent – and new 2nd row underseat storage includes a locking lid for added security, along with an integrated foldout flat floor. Relocating the shift lever to the steering column (from the previous center console location) puts controls within easy reach and creates a huge center console that is large enough to hold a computer tablet with case or a 15-inch laptop without giving up rear cupholders and 2nd row climate control vents.

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The standard front and rear Zero Gravity seats help maximize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving. Heating and cooling front seats are also available, along with a choice of water-repellant fabric or durable leather-appointments. Heated front and rear seats are available in both cloth and leather trim levels.

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

All switches are now grouped by function type and location is based on frequency of use. Other convenient interior design features include seven assist grips, console-side map pockets, 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets (in addition to the bed), remote start* with climate control function, and Rockford Fosgate premium 12-speaker audio system. The special attention to detail even includes moving the glove compartment handle to the left hand side for easier access by the driver.

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The premium grade instrument panel includes a combination of analog and digital gauges, along with a 5.0-inch color display, unique diesel monitoring and maintenance displays, and available NissanConnectSM with Navigation, Mobile Apps and Services with 7.0-inch color monitor (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Special attention was also paid to reducing the intrusion of noise and vibration into the cabin. Like the TITAN XD, the TITAN half-ton utilizes laminated front side glass. Engine noise isolation and body sealing was also improved versus the previous generation TITAN design.

Available technology features include NissanConnect with Navigation, a 7.0-inch color touch-screen display, SiriusXM® Traffic and Sirius Travel LinkTM (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Siri® Eyes Free, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and RearView Monitor.

New Smooth, Efficient 5.6L Endurance V8

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

While the 2017 TITAN half-ton’s new 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine shares its displacement with the previous-generation V8, that is where the similarities end. The new engine features 390 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm (up 73 hp from the previous 317 hp) and 394 lb-ft of torque (up from the previous 385). The new engine utilizes Nissan’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology, which combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to provide high performance and crisp response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with a throttle valve, and valve timing and opening with non-variable camshafts.

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Endurance V8 also features Direct Injection Gas (DIG™) technology, which provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering precise injection control. An 11.2:1 compression ratio is provided by a new piston design, aiding overall engine efficiency and performance (previous TITAN: 9.8:1), and a Multi Control Valve (MCV) assists in managing the engine’s thermal efficiency better than a traditional thermostat.

Helping handle the engine’s power and torque is a heavy-duty 7-speed automatic transmission tuned exclusively for TITAN.

Nissan TITAN XD 4×4 models feature a new transfer case designed to ensure maximum power distribution in every gear. It distributes torque to both ends and provides four-wheel drive when added traction is needed on snow, ice, sand, mud, muck, dirt, water, gravel – whatever the job site presents.

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Durable off-road performance has also been emphasized, with features such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Brake Limited-Slip Differential (BLSD) and electronic locking rear differential. A new off-road gauge uses accelerometer data to calculate the vehicle’s pitch and roll angles.

Every TITAN half-ton also utilizes a durable chassis design, starting with the fully boxed, full-length ladder frame. The front suspension is a double-wishbone design, while a rigid rear axle suspension utilizes hefty leaf springs and leaf bushings, along with twin-tube shock absorbers. Hefty stabilizer bars are utilized front and rear. PRO-4X models feature Bilstein mono-tube off-road shocks. Also available is an Electronic Locking Rear Differential. Hydraulic cab-mounts help isolate occupants from the chassis.

The new TITAN half-ton rides on 18-inch steel or aluminum-alloy wheels or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/75R18, 265/70R18, 275/60R20 all-season or 275/70R18 all-terrain tires.

Braking is provided by a 4-wheel disc system with 13.78 x 1.2-inch front/13.58 x 0.8-inch rear ventilated discs front and rear with hydraulic power assist. The high brake fluid pressure generated by an electric pump assists brake pedal force for a confident feel. Responsive steering is provided by a rack-and-pinion steering system.

Towing and Hauling – Informed and In Control

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Like the TITAN XD, the TITAN half-ton offers cutting-edge available towing, utility features and driving aids, including an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights. It offers an available maximum towing capacity of 9,390 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 1,610 pounds when properly equipped.

Also assisting trailer hook-ups is the TITAN half-ton’s RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides. The available Around View® Monitor (AVM) provides a unique “bird’s eye” view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras to help with parking and pulling in and out of tight spaces. The system also includes Moving Object Detection (MOD), which helps the driver detect moving objects such as vehicles, shopping carts or other large objects behind the vehicle when backing out via an on-screen notification and warning chime.

The new TITAN XD also includes a range of available advanced driving aids in addition to RearView Monitor and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Front and Rear Sonar System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

2017 TITAN Crew Cab V8 Model Lineup

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The 2017 Nissan TITAN half-ton is available in five well-equipped trim levels – S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. All are offered with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drive configurations, except for the PRO-4X model, which is available exclusively as a 4×4.

TITAN S models are equipped with a front manual split bench seat (40/20/40), flip-down center seat with armrest, dual cupholders and storage in the seat back and bottom. A total of six cupholders, plus eight bottle holders can be found throughout the truck. Audio and entertainment is provided via a 5.0-inch color display with AM/FM, CD player, AUX, USB, MP3 and RDS along with a USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices. Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, NissanConnect with Mobile Apps and a 6-speaker audio system also come standard.

Features aimed at fleet and commercial customers include an easy-clean vinyl floor and stain-resistant cloth seats with vinyl bolsters.

TITAN SV models add cloth seats (without vinyl bolster), standard floor carpeting, meter display control in the steering wheel, analog Fine Vision Meters, an off-road indicator and off-road menu in the Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), an overhead console with sunglass holder, grocery hooks on the cushion backside, a customizable maintenance interval reminder, front sun visor with an illuminated vanity mirror with extension, glove box lamp and mood lighting.

SV grade exterior upgrades include a chrome/mesh grille with premium metallic paint, chrome outside door handles, side mirror turn signal lamps, LED lighting with Joule-type bulbs in the rear combination lamp, front tow hooks and power adjustable heated outside mirrors. Standard Trailer Sway Control helps make towing heavy loads more stable and less burdensome to the driver.

The off-road-oriented TITAN PRO-4X model comes trail-ready with 275/70R18 OSW all-terrain off-road tires, 18×8.0-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a painted finish, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differential, lower radiator skid plate with powder-coated silver paint and Hill Descent Control.

A trailer harness that can handle both 4-pin and 7-pin connectors is mounted on the rear bumper. A receiver hitch and hitch member also come standard with the PRO-4X trim.

PRO-4X exterior features include front fog lamps, automatic on-off headlights, LED projector headlamps with LED signature and halogen high-beam lights, manual headlamp levelizer, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with door handle request switch, black front tow hooks, two-tone paint on the bodyside, gloss metallic black paint on the grille surround and mesh grille, high-gloss gray front lower fascia and rear bumpers, and a bedside decal.

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Interior features include front driver and passenger Captain’s seats, driver 8-way power seat, driver power lumbar support, stain-resistant seat covering with a vinyl bolster and “PRO-4X” embroidery, leather-wrapped steering wheel with unique contrast stitching, metallic instrument panel finishers, PRO-4X-branded floor mats, contrast stitching on the center console lid, arm rest and instrument panel, dual zone auto air conditioner plus a digital display in the HVAC control, rear A/C vents, large center console box with soft-touch topped armrest, side pockets and rear cupholders – plus a configurable center console that encompasses a cell phone box, purse holder and removable cupholders with a chrome ring. The back of the console features a 110V power outlet, with a 12V power outlet located inside the console box. The PRO-4X model’s rear seats, which can be folded flat, also contain tie-down hooks and a storage box with a removable divider and lockable lid.

PRO-4X also includes a wealth of technology, such as a “Follow Me Home” function, NissanConnect with Navigation, a 7.0-inch color touch-screen display, SiriusXM® Traffic and Sirius Travel LinkTM (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Siri® Eyes Free, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), RearView Monitor and rain-sensing wipers.

In addition, PRO-4X includes standard tow mirrors (manually extending and folding, with puddle lamps), convex spotter mirror, Trailer Brake Controller, proximity activation for the puddle lamps, LED signature headlamps and cargo lamp and Trailer Light Check function (included on the key fob).

The premium TITAN SL trim level features an interior distinguished by leather-appointed seats, heated driver and passenger seats, passenger-side 4-way power seat, power tilt and telescopic steering, memory function for both the seat and the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and wood in-mold film instrument panel finishers.

The SL grade exterior offers auto dimming outside mirrors, 265/60R20 BSW tires and 20×8.0-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels, chrome outside mirrors and door handles, removable aero front bumper spoiler, gloss chrome grille surround, satin chrome mesh grille, chrome front and lower fascias, chrome rear bumpers, four front and four rear parking sensors, power-sliding back glass, proximity-activated puddle lamps and LED signature headlights. Step rails are also available as an accessory.

SL technology features include a Rockford Fosgate Premium 12-speaker audio system, remote engine start*, NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM® (automatic collision notification with emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, remote services including lock/unlock, “flash lights” and “sound horn,” customizable alerts including drive zone, valet, curfew and speed, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts) (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), a compass on the NAVI display and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver. The SL trim level also comes equipped with a range of standard bed features, including the Utili-track® cargo channel system with tie-down cleats, tailgate lighting, spray-in bedliner, and 110V outlet in the bed. Standard SL towing features include manually extending and folding tow mirrors, Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Check function and front tow hooks (2WD models only).

The top-of-the-line Platinum Reserve is distinguished by its premium leather-appointed seats with “Platinum Reserve” branding on the seat backs, “Platinum Reserve” exterior badging, heated steering wheel, chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers, 20×7.5-inch dark chrome-like wheels, driver and passenger heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Check function, dark chrome tailgate finisher, two-tone painted front and rear fascia, two-tone paint on the body sides, two-tone painted over-fender molding, dark chrome outside door handles and outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a wood insert, premium open-pore wood instrument panel finishers with metallic “Platinum Reserve” badging, leather-wrapped shift knob with a dark-painted trim ring, and dark chrome-accented vent knobs and cup holder trim.

Also standard are Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD), tow mirrors with a dark chrome cap, front and rear metallic kickplate finishers with “Platinum Reserve” logos and pre-wiring for the DVD Family Entertainment System. “Platinum Reserve”-branded floor mats and TITAN box bed storage units are also available as accessories.

A Range of Equipment Packages

2017 Nissan TITAN Crew Cab © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

In addition to the wealth of standard features offered across the various TITAN Crew Cab models, many different equipment packages are available.

The S Convenience & Utility Package features a front overhead console, spray-on bedliner and receiver hitch with a wiring harness connector on the rear bumper. The SV Tow Convenience Package includes tow mirrors (manually extending with heat and puddle lamp functions), Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Check function (included on the key fob) receiver hitch with 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness connector on the rear bumper, integrated gooseneck hitch and front tow hooks for 2WD models.

The SV Comfort and Convenience Package adds Nissan Intelligent Key™ with driver and passenger request switches, cloth Captain’s seats with center console, 110V outlet in the back of the center console and 12V outlet in the center console, an 8-way power driver’s seat, driver’s seat power lumbar, rear HVAC vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, RearView Monitor, power slide rear window with defogger, auto on/off headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and compass.

The package also includes Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), painted rear bumper, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, fog lamps, chrome interior door locks, rain-sensing wipers, NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, Siri® Eyes Free and heated front driver and passenger seats. It also includes step rails, 7.0-inch color touch screen display, receiver hitch with 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness connector on the rear bumper, and convex spotter mirror.

The SV Utility Package includes the Utili-track® system with four tie-down cleats, tailgate area illumination, a 110V outlet in the bed, LED under-rail bed lighting and a spray-on bedliner, while the SV Leather Package adds leather-appointed front and rear seats and 4-way power-assist seat.

The PRO-4X Utility and Tow Package includes front and rear parking sensors, the Utili-track® system with four tie-down cleats, tailgate area illumination, a 110V outlet in the bed, LED under-rail bed lighting, power sliding rear window with defogger, 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with an amplifier, underseat subwoofer, center channel speaker and front and rear tweeters. Also included are the electronic locking tailgate, Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Check Function (included on key fob), tow mirrors (manually extending/folding w/puddle lamps), Proximity Activation (puddle lamps, LED signature headlights, cargo lamp) and rear utility bed step.

The PRO-4X Convenience Package contains leather-appointed seats with contrasting stitching (unique for the PRO-4X), “PRO-4X” embroidery, 4-way power-assisted seat, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, a compass on the NAVI display, NissanConnect Navigation, NissanConnect Services (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), remote engine start*, driver’s side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated driver and passenger seats, memory driver’s seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The PRO-4X Luxury Package includes driver and passenger ventilated seats, Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Reverse Auto Tilt and memory outside mirrors.

Two packages are offered for TITAN half-ton SL grade models – the SL Towing Convenience Package with tow mirrors, Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Function Check and front tow hooks; and the SL Chrome Package with 20-inch chrome wheels and kick plates. The TITAN SL is also available with 20-inch accessory wheels and an accessory grille.

The Platinum Reserve trim level is available with the Platinum Reserve Rear DVD Entertainment System, which includes a headrest-mounted DVD Entertainment System, plus a pair of wireless headphones; and Platinum Reserve Bed Utility Package with TITAN Box, electronic locking tailgate, rear utility bed step.

Finally, a Monotone Paint Package with body color front bumper, rear bumper and over fenders is offered with PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve grades, as is an Off-Road Package with dark-finish 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and deleted front spoiler/air dam with SL 4×4 and Platinum 4×4 grades.

Price

Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $36,485

Steve Allen: