2022 Nissan Titan

When you visit Nissan USA's website and click on the Nissan Titan tab, you're greeted with a bold statement. This, according to Nissan, is the full-size pickup with the most standard power, technology, and safety features in its class. So why does it struggle to post anywhere near the same sales figures as its rivals? During the height of the pandemic, the Ford F-Series still managed to sell 787,422 F-Series trucks in the USA. During that same time, Nissan managed to sell just 26,441 Titans. And don't go thinking it's patriotism, as the Toyota Tundra managed to sell 109,203 units. Nissan had high hopes for the heavily-facelifted 2020 Titan, but it did not deliver, not even with 400 horsepower as standard and a towing capacity of up to 11,040 lbs. Looking at the spec sheet, it's difficult to see why the Titan pickup keeps on struggling. It's class-leading in so many ways, yet it remains the class dunce when it comes to sales. This anomaly requires further investigation.

The Titan has a distinctive exterior thanks to a large grille and Nissan's "double boomerang" LED daytime running lights. Not all models have the latter feature, yet the Titan remains easily distinguishable in a crowd. Base models ride on 18-inch steel wheels, while upper-tier models get 20-inch alloy wheels. There is some awkwardness to the design when viewed from the side. The large headlights are at odds with the smaller tail light clusters. This will sound like an odd description, but it looks as if the front end of a full-size pickup was welded to the body of a mid-size pickup. It's just an illusion, as demonstrated by the ample dimensions.

Nissan's Titan is a big beast. All Titan models have a 139.8-inch wheelbase, with the overall length depending on the trim. The Pro-4X is 229.5 inches long, while the rest of the range is 228.1 inches long. The truck has a width of between 79.5 and 80.7 inches and it is 75.1 to 77.2 inches tall. The Pro-4X is the most off-road-oriented model in the line-up. It has 10.6 inches of ground clearance, accounting for the skid plates. From the ground to the rear axle, the ground clearance is an impressive 9.8 inches. The approach/breakover/departure angles vary according to trim, but the best it can muster is 22.8/21.7/23 degrees respectively.

The bed is 63.8 inches wide and 50 inches between the wheel wells. The King Cab's bed is 78.7 inches long, while the Crew Cab has a 67-inch bed.

The Titan King Cab SV 4x2 is the lightest model at 5,472 pounds, while the Crew Cab Platinum Reserve 4x4 has a weight of 5,938 lbs.

Nissan's Titan is available in several different hues, but specific colors are only available on high-spec models. The base model is available in Red Alert, Super Black, Gun Metallic, and Glacier White. Further up in the lineup you can add Deep Blue Pearl at no charge, along with Cardinal Red Tricoat and Pearl White Tricoat for $395 each. The top-spec Crew Cab Platinum Reserve comes with four additional dual-tone color options. Deep Blue Pearl/Gun Metallic and Super Black/Gun Metallic are no-cost options, while Cardinal Red Tricoat/Gun Metallic and Pearl White Tricoat/Gun Metallic cost an additional $395. The Pro-4X is also available in Baja Storm, retailing for $395.

There's only one available engine option: a 5.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 good for 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Both 4x4 and 4x2 derivatives are available, both mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. While top speed and 0 to 60 sprint times are meaningless in a truck, it's worth stating that the Titan's V8 does an admirable job in the city and at freeway speeds. It never feels short on grunt and performance is generally satisfying.

Towing figures are more important, so it's satisfying to see that the 4x2 King Cab models have a tow rating of 9,310 lbs. Not bad at all, and sufficient for most owners. Ford's F-150 is capable of towing much more, though, at up to 14,000 lbs.

Nissan claims the Titan is the most powerful pickup in its class - at least in terms of standard power. That's not hard to do when you're competing against naturally-aspirated and turbocharged V6s. Still, you won't hear us complain too loudly about 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque delivered from the big 5.6-liter engine.

This power is sent to the wheel wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. It makes Nissan more competitive against rivals like Ford and GM, both of which are already using ten-speed transmissions.

The combination of engine and gearbox work well. Shifts are quick when you give it some stick, and it feels effortless when merely cruising along.

Most pickup owners know the quirks of the traditional body-on-frame driving experience. They shake and shimmy over big bumps, which they frequently encounter due to how they are used. Still, some manufacturers have managed to hide this inherent flaw quite well. The Ram 1500 is a good example. The Nissan is adequate rather than superb. With that in mind, 2020's extensive revamp feels like a missed opportunity. The steering is unacceptably heavy at slow speeds, but it does get better once on the move.

There are no special driving modes, apart from a Tow Mode. We applaud Nissan for including a useful driving mode and not going the "Sport" route.

A part-time four-wheel-drive system is standard on the 4x4 models. It's an odd cost-saving, considering most of its rivals have a full-time system. A full-time 4WD can still be used in low grip situations on tarmac, while a part-time system can't.

The 4x2 model returns the best gas mileage, but what surprises us is the slight differences between the various models. The 2WD Titan has an EPA-estimated figure of 16/21/18 mpg for the city/highway/combined cycles. In 4WD guise, it gets 15/21/18 mpg, meaning it's only less economical in the city. The Pro-4X's consumption is rated at 15/20/17 mpg.

Here we can see the downside of only having one engine option, as customers searching for a frugal pickup will immediately eliminate the Titan from their list. A Ford F-150 hybrid's EPA estimates are 25/25/25 mpg.

The Titan is equipped with a 26-gallon tank, giving it a theoretical driving range of up to 468 miles.

The Titan's interior is a highlight. You get a large touchscreen interface and a color LCD that doubles as an information display for the driver. The primary controls are where you'd expect them to be. Interior space is sufficient, though not class-leading. The Titan has Nissan's patented Zero Gravity seats with 14 pressure points, designed specifically for long-haul journeys.

Base models are sparsely equipped, with manual seats and manual air conditioning. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 is standard across the range. It includes automatic rear braking, intelligent forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. Optional extras include a surround-view camera, a dual-panel sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.

The Titan is available as a five- or six-seater. Base models come with a front bench, which means three people can sit in the front. The bench is replaced with two individual seats and a center armrest with higher-spec models getting a storage bin.

Both King Cab and Crew Cab models offer a bench for three in the rear. The Crew Cab has 41 inches of headroom in the front and 40.4 inches (37.6 inches with a moonroof) of headroom in the rear. The legroom up front is a generous 41.8 inches, but the 38.5 inches in the back starts to feel cramped. The King Cab is the perfect car if you don't like your rear passengers. With just 24.8 inches of legroom, they're going to struggle back there. To put that into perspective, it's less legroom than you get in the rear of a Mini Cooper convertible.

The base model is a bare-bones workhorse, and the interior reflects that. It gets simple charcoal cloth and vinyl flooring. As you climb up the specification ladder, Nissan adds more luxury to disguise the Titan's agricultural nature. SV models get metallic trim, chrome interior door handles, and optional beige seats. The Pro-4X has more chrome, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, floor carpets with Pro-4X logos, and charcoal seats with contrast stitching. A leather interior is available for the Pro-4X. The Platinum Reserve has leather seats as standard. The SL gives you a choice between beige or charcoal leather, while the Platinum Reserve comes with Platinum Reserve Premium Brown leather upholstery. SL models get wood-tone inlays, and the Platinum Reserve comes with open-pore wood trim. The interior is a nice place to spend time, but, once again, not class-leading.

Disappointingly, the Titan truck is let down by the very thing that makes it a pickup. You get a 6.5-foot bed in the King Cab, shrinking down to 5.5 feet in the Crew Cab. The maximum payload capacity is 1,680 lbs. The Chevy Silverado, for instance, offers an eight-foot bed, and it can carry more than 2,000 lbs. Ford's F-150 has an equally impressive load capacity.

We have to point out that Nissan put a lot of thought into making the bed a functional loading space, enabling owners to make the most of the limited space. All models have four tie-down hooks, and the tailgate is both lockable and removable. SL and Platinum Reserve Crew Cabs come with the Utili-track Channel System, consisting of four aluminum alloy cleats that can be moved around the bed walls and clamped in place.

On the inside, the Titan has a cubby where you can charge and store a smartphone. Models without the front three-seat bench have a large storage bin under the center armrest. One of the most annoying things about pickup ownership is the lack of a safe space for storing groceries. Put it in the bed, and you'll arrive home with all the ingredients already mixed together in an unappetizing manner unless you fit an aftermarket sliding tray system. The Titan's rear bench can fold down in a 60/40 split, which offers enough space for a week's worth of food.

The base model comes with manual adjustment for the tilt-and-telescoping steering column, manual air conditioning, remote keyless entry and with push-button start, and a 12-volt power outlet. By law, a rearview camera is standard, and Nissan includes its Safety Shield 360 suite as standard across the entire range. From Pro-4X specification and up, an eight-way power driver's seat is standard. High-end Crew Cab models get a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, a surround-view monitor, and puddle lights. The top-spec Platinum Reserve gets ventilated front seats as standard.

Nissan struggled for years to find a decent touchscreen interface for its cars. The new eight-inch system - Pro-4X models and up get a larger nine-inch unit - integrates into the cabin much better and is easier to use. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is all you need these days. However, it also comes with NissanConnect, including the Nissan Concierge. This system is usually found on high-end luxury cars and allows you to get live assistance at the push of a button. The Nissan assistant on the other end can make restaurant reservations, schedule appointments, or even order a gift for your significant other. Base models get a six-speaker sound system, while top-spec models come with a 12-speaker system, but a high-end Fender sound system with 12 speakers (ten in the King Cab) is available.

The Titan last received a J.D. Power rating last year when it attained an encouraging 85 out of 100 for quality and reliability. The Nissan Titan reliability rating is among the best in the segment.

According to the NHTSA, the 2021 Nissan Titan has so far been recalled twice for an issue whereby sudden tire air loss could result in the driver losing control of the vehicle, as well as a problem with the front turn signal bulbs. The same issues pertain to 2020 models, which were also recalled for an exposed wire in the engine harness that can lead to a stall. No recalls are applicable to 2022 models at the time of writing.

All Titan models are covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, and a powertrain warranty valid for the same period.

The NHTSA only tested the King Cab for rollover safety, and it scored four out of five stars. The Crew Cab was subjected to a more thorough test and received an overall rating of four out of five stars. For side impacts, it received five stars, but the rollover rating for the 4x4 Crew Cab was three stars; the 4x2 Crew Cab received a better four-star rating for the rollover test.

The IIHS gave the 2022 Titan a thorough review. Only two anomalies were detected; an "acceptable" rating for the small overlap passenger-side crash and the headlights were rated "poor." All other tests returned much more favorable results.

While those Nissan Titan crashworthiness reviews weren't perfect, the Titan is well-equipped to keep a crash from happening in the first place. All models come with Nissan's Safety Shield 360, which consists of a rearview camera, cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic rear braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Top-tier models get a surround-view monitor, front parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition.

The conventional safety kit consists of ABS with EBD, traction control, hill-start control, trailer assist, tire pressure monitoring, and eight airbags.

There are two major issues to consider here. The full-size pickup truck segment is one of the most ruthless segments in the automotive industry, and existing owners have already pledged their allegiance to the truck currently standing in their garage. If it's a Ram, Ford, or Chevrolet, you can forget about it. These guys already have the outline of their chosen truck tattooed on their buttocks, right next to the outline of the state they live in. The Titan offers a powerful V8, an extensive infotainment system, and many driver assistance features as standard. Does it matter? The Titan is better than the previous-gen Tundra, yet the Toyota outsold the Nissan by a vast margin. Nissan can keep on pointing at all the class-leading features as much as they want, but the Toyota fanboys will keep buying the Tundra, and there's a brand-new one here now.

The second issue has less to do with buying habits and everything to do with the truck. Throughout a test drive of the Titan, there wasn't one particular segment where it stood out. It doesn't have that one thing you can point to while loudly proclaiming, "this is why my Titan is better than your F-150." It's not a bad car, nor is it exceptional. The Nissan Titan truck is stuck somewhere in the middle, caught in the shadows of the existing, beloved rivals in this segment.

The most affordable Titan is the base King Cab S with an MSRP of $38,810, while the Crew Cab SV retails for $44,060. Following this is the Pro-4X Crew Cab in 4x4 guise at $51,700 and the Platinum Reserve Crew Cab at $57,500. These prices represent each of the four trims in their cheapest form, but options, cab style, and the drivetrain choice will increase the price. For example, you'll pay $1,770 more to upgrade the S from a King Cab to a Crew Cab, or $3,260 to upgrade the cheapest King Cab from 4x2 to 4x4. The most expensive model is the Crew Cab Platinum Reserve with 4x4 which costs $60,780.

The price of the Nissan Titan excludes the company's shipping and handling for US customers, which costs $1,695.

The Nissan Titan is available in four trim levels: S, SV, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve. All models use the same 5.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 producing 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with 4x2 being the default setup. The Pro-4X is the only model with a part-time 4x4 system as standard, while 4x4 is optional on all other models.

In base S specification, the Titan is equipped with 18-inch steel wheels, auto headlights, basic cloth upholstery, manual seats, manual air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, remote keyless entry, and the Safety Shield 360 suite.

SV trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a chrome bumper, and heated side mirrors. The SV has access to a longer options menu, which means you can add the luxury features you need. The King Cab body style is only available in S and SV trim.

Off-roaders will appreciate the Pro-4X, which comes ready-made for challenging situations. It has LED headlights, gray-painted bumpers, a skid plate for the radiator, an electronic locking rear differential, more rigid towing pins, a nine-inch infotainment display, and eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat.

As the halo model in the range, the Platinum Reserve adds two-tone paint, a satin-finish grille for extra exterior elegance, ventilated front seats, premium leather, and a heated steering wheel.

Nissan chose the optional packages to suit the nature of the vehicles. The entry-level King Cab S is available with minor but useful extras like the Accessory Utility Package for $795 with its trailer hitch and bumper step. The SV King Cab adds even more practicality, as you can add a Tow Package for $790 and a Utility Package for $1,690. The Tow Package may seem cheap, but you have to equip the Utility Package to get it.

The Pro-4X is available with a $2,190 Utility Package that adds LED bed illumination, the Utili-track channel system, and the premium Fender sound system, to name just a few. Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve models can be had with a $1,490 moonroof, while the latter model has its own $1,390 Utility Package that adds Titan boxes for secure small-item storage in the bed and a rear bumper step for the vertically challenged. Notably, this package requires the moonroof option to also be equipped.

The base King Cab models are workhorses, so if that's what you're after, go for one of them.

When it comes to Crew Cabs, we reckon the Pro-4X offers the best value for money. Starting at $51,700, it looks quite cool in the optional Baja Storm exterior hue. The interior also looks stunning, thanks to the red contrast stitching. The standard spec on this model is already good. Nissan's Safety Shield is standard, as are LED headlights, a locking rear differential, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and the bigger nine-inch infotainment system.

Toyota has introduced a completely new Tundra that immediately exposes some of the Nissan's shortcomings. One of the main differences is that Toyota has ditched its old V8 for a more efficient twin-turbocharged V6 that is nearly as powerful but more torque-rich than the Nissan's V8. The new Tundra also provides the option of a brilliant hybrid model wit 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. This also allows the Tundra to tow more, yet it can manage better gas mileage. Besides that, the new Tundra has a much more composed ride than before and comes with a top Capstone trim that is way more luxurious than anything the Titan can manage. The Titan is still a solid pickup but the newer Tundra simply outshines it.

The all-new Ford F-150 made its debut not that long ago, and as we expected, it's going to give the Titan a massive headache. First, it takes a giant number two all over Nissan's "most powerful" claim thanks to the hybrid model boasting 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. This particular model also has a 7.2 kW onboard generator located in the bed.

There are multiple engine options and it is available in three body styles. The longest available bed is an eight-footer. As you'd expect, the all-new model comes with a host of advanced features. It matches the Titan's interior specifications, though specific models are not as handsomely equipped in the safety department. The new F-150's interior is a giant leap forward. Better quality materials, advanced tech, and a 12-inch touchscreen display with SYNC4 for high-end models are just a few of the highlights. No wonder this is still the best-selling truck in the USA. The previous-generation F-150 was already a better truck than the Titan, and the all-new model just widens the gap between them further.