Towing Test: 2017 Nissan Titan

The 2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab half-ton pickup truck features a new V8 5.6-litre gasoline engine that produces 390 horsepower. It’s matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides cutting-edge towing, utility and driving aids. It has a bold new design that challenges the full-size pickup market.
The Titan is built on a completely separate chassis and is 14.7 inches shorter than the than the larger XD. For 2017, the half-ton offers a roomy crew cab option in the 4×4 with five well-equipped grades, the S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. At a later date, a Single Cab, King Cab, and a V6 will be offered.
It has 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.
The Titan’s interior offers enhanced storage versus the previous generation Titan B, front storage has been increased 33% and rear storage 28% and new 2nd-row under seat storage includes a locking lid for added security, along with an integrated foldout flat floor.
Interior design features include seven assist grips, console-side map pockets, 12-volt and 110-volt power outlets (in addition to the bed), remote start with climate control function, and a 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.
Available technology features include NissanConnect with Navigation, a 7.0-inch colour touch-screen display, SiriusXM7 Traffic and Sirius Travel LinkJ (the SiriusXM7 subscription is required and sold separately), Siri7 Eyes Free, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and RearView Monitor.
Titan S models are equipped with a front manual split bench seat (40/20/40), flip-down center seat with armrest, dual cup holders and storage in the seat back and bottom. A total of four cup holders, plus four bottle holders can be found throughout the truck. Audio and entertainment are 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 iPod7 interface and other compatible devices. Streaming audio via Bluetooth7, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, NissanConnect with Mobile Apps and a 4-speaker audio system also come standard.
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 a case, or a 15-inch laptop without giving up the rear cup holders and 2nd-row climate control vents. Heated and cooled front seats are also available, along with a choice of water-repellent fabric or durable leather-appointments.
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.
The Titan half-ton 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.