2014 Nissan Titan in Chattanooga, TN - $9,372

Nissan has upped the ante in the full-size truck wars with the redesign of its full-size Titan pickup truck for the 2016 model year. In addition to being the first major revamp of the truck in over 10 years, Nissan pulled out all the stops and teamed up with the Cummins Diesel folks to offer a brand-new 5.0 L V8 turbo-diesel equipped version of the all-new pickup.

The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD made its world debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Engineered to shake up the highly competitive full-size pickup segment, the new Nissan pickup truck features a bold all-new design that stakes out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries.

Called the "XD," it offers the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – including an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds (when properly equipped) – yet has the fuel-efficiency of a half-ton pickup.
The new TITAN XD Crew Cab, equipped with its powerful Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, is the first of three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels to be available in the full TITAN lineup. Helping handle the power and torque of the engine is a heavy-duty six-speed Aisin automatic transmission developed and tuned exclusively for the TITAN XD.

While the original Nissan TITAN was known for its consumer-focused innovations such as the Wide-Open rear doors, bedside storage compartment, factory spray-on bedliner and Utili-track™ Bed Channel System, the next-generation starts with a focus on commercial strength components – from the radiator to the rear axle and everything in between.

The TITAN XD Cummins diesel is the first commercial application of the new Cummins M2 two-stage turbo system, which helps reduce traditional turbo-lag through precision balancing between high-pressure and low-pressure turbos. The patented Rotary Turbine Control provides solid performance across the powerband and manages exhaust gas temperatures.

The new engine also features a Bosch® HPCR fuel system to deliver precise fuel control and multiple injections per combustion stroke, which helps increase efficiency and reduce traditional "diesel clatter." And, the advanced, maintenance-free Bosch® ceramic glow plugs provide quick engine starts, even in extreme low temperatures.

Another key advantage of the new Cummins diesel design is that it provides maximum durability and power in a lightweight package. Weight was reduced by building the cylinder block out of compacted graphite iron (CGI), which is stronger and lighter than traditional iron.

Nissan TITAN XD models utilize a unique frame and chassis to handle its Cummins diesel and its expanded towing and payload potential. Starting with a durable, proven chassis design from Nissan Commercial Vehicles, the new fully boxed, full-length ladder frame is extensively reinforced and strengthened for use with the TITAN XD with added stiffness, vertical and lateral bending, and torsional rigidity. It also features an extended wheelbase which is about 20 inches longer than non-XD TITAN models.

To maximize stability, handling and ride comfort, TITAN XD uses a new heavy-duty, highly stable suspension design. The double-wishbone with stabilizer bar front suspension is reinforced and tuned for hard use and the rigid rear axle suspension utilizes hefty leaf springs and leaf bushings, along with twin-tube shock absorbers. The axle is a large purpose-built American Axle Manufacturing design. The rear differential measures 13.0 inches with 3.5-inch axle tubes, while the front differential (4x4 models) measures 9.25 inches. Also available is an Electronic Locking Rear Differential.
Hydraulic cab-mounts help isolate the occupants from the advanced TITAN XD chassis.

Inside the passenger cabin, the designers focused on enhanced utility and on making the interior easy to use through improved layout of switched, driver control and storage spaces. Front storage has been increased 33 percent and rear storage 28 percent, for example, over the previous generation Titan. New second row under seat storage includes a locking lid for added security and the integrated fold-out flat floor. The center console can hold a computer tablet with case or a 15-inch laptop.

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.

The TITAN XD also features a tilt and telescoping steering column with a standard column-mounted transmission shifter lever – a move that helps increase the visibility and usability of the center stack area. This also opened up the center console for additional storage and can fit a laptop in the center console without giving up rear cupholders and 2nd row climate control vents.

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.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 151.6; overall length: 242.9; width: 79.4; height: 78.7
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 5.0L V8 Cummins Turbo Diesel – 310 hp at 3,200 rpm and 555 lbs-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Payload capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Towing capacity: 12,000 lbs.