2017 Nissan Titan 5.6 Liter V8 PRO-4X 4WD CC Review

Hypes: Good Value, Strong Motor
Gripes: Needs Running Boards

In 2015, Nissan reinvented the Titan pickup line with a truck designed to bridge the gap between traditional half ton and three-quarter ton load ratings. At the same time, they introduced a Holset two stage turbo diesel engine which produced 310hp and a whopping 555lb.-ft. of torque. They also introduced an all new V8 for the Titan, and that is the 2017 model we recently tested. Both the block and heads of this 5.6 liter “Endurance V8” are made of aluminum. Compression ratio of 11.2:1 helps the motor produce 390hp and 390lb.-ft. of torque. The Endurance V8 feeds its substantial output to a 7-speed automatic transmission which is activated by an anachronistic column shift lever. This device has lasted into the 21st century because it still works well, while freeing up floor space between the front seats for storage and cup holders. At the end of the column shift lever, you’ll find a push button to activate “Tow Mode,” a setting that optimizes the Titan for heavy hauling use. In 4WD configuration, the Endurance V8 Titan will pull a 9,230lb. trailer.

Nissan equipped the PRO-4X Titan with a number of savory upgrades over the base truck. For example, you will receive, in addition to the V8, a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with an easily reachable control knob located next to the steering wheel. The 4WD architecture consists of a 2-speed transfer case which administers 4Hi and 4Lo settings. This Titan is all-terrain suited thanks to PRO-4X monotube Bilstein shocks at each corner and 4-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip which operates through an electronic locking rear differential. Putting the V8’s abundant torque to the ground are General Grabber apt radials (275/70R18) mounted on model specific grey and silver 7.5”x18” alloy rims. A full-size spare is included.

Our test Titan benefitted from a couple of pricey upgrade packages. The “PRO-4X Utility and Tow Package” ($1,820) provides front and rear sonar detectors which inform you of your truck’s proximity to nearby objects. This information, conveyed by the increasing frequency of a warning beeper, is essential when trying to park a vehicle that weighs 3 tons and occupies 19 feet of roadway. If you plan on working your Titan, this option group will ease your burden by providing LED lights under the bed rails, a 120v outlet in the bed, and illumination of the tailgate area. In addition, you get a trailer brake controller, and an electronic lock for the tailgate. Perhaps the niftiest inclusion in this package is the ability to check your trailer lights from the key fob remote.

Despite the fact that our test Titan’s interior benefitted from a $3,520 optional “PRO-4X Convenience Package,” the surroundings inside were a little less festive than you might expect. Yes, the “Leather appointed seats with contrasting stitching and PRO-4X embroidery” are an improvement over the standard cloth seats. But there are too many unrelieved expanses of black plastic on the doors, dash and consoles for the Titan to achieve interior splendor. This is not to say that the cabin wonts for convenience or ease of use. In that regard, we found the heated steering wheel and four heated seats to be sublime on sub zero morning starts. But the rear seats in this spacious club cab are too upright for comfort, and the oversized front seat headrests largely block rear passengers’ frontal view. Having rear windows that retract entirely into the doors is a definite plus – as is the power sliding and defrosted rear window which is included in the utility and tow package. Overall, however, the PRO-4X interior misses the elegance flashpoint achieved by Ford’s Raptor and King Ranch trim levels.

In a landscape where the Raptors and King Ranch models are hard to find for less than $65,000, the Titan V8 presents something of a bargain at $52,305 a figure that includes $6,090 worth of options that aren’t strictly necessary unless you have serious tow requirements. Furthermore, Nissan is offering some worthy 2017 year-end bargains on the Titan V8 pickup. They will deduct up to $10,260 off select Titans. Or should you choose to finance your truck, Nissan will extend credit for 72 months with zero interest, and no down payment requirement.

Before you dismiss this cumbersome Titan as your daily driver, take it for a spin in today’s traffic nightmare. Its sheer height (77.2 inches) gives you a giraffe’s leg up on seeing your way clear of other motorists. Another benefit of Titan driving in traffic is the indisputable intimidation its sheer size generates. Forget about buying those “Back Off!” mud flaps. You will almost always be granted right-of-passage at intersections, a privilege not usually accorded to diminutive hybrids or nimble sports cars. So, if you’re looking for a lot of lane hogging real estate for not a lot of bucks, let Titan make you king of the road.

2017 Nissan Titan 5.6 Liter V8 PRO-4X 4WD CC