Driving Impressions : 2019 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

2019 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X 4x4 CC with Cummins Turbo Diesel power

Some Titan reports seem to blend its different models, the full-size Titan and the Titan XD. They're truly different trucks. In its crew cab form as tested here the Titan XD is more than fifteen inches longer overall and drives on a foot longer wheelbase. Only the XD is offered with the diesel. The XD is heavier and most importantly is more heavily reinforced. More joint reinforcement, more crossmembers and a chassis composed of 99% HSS (high strength steel). These mods allow the Cummins Diesel powered XD a bigger payload and 2580 pounds more towing capacity.

Driving Impressions spent a week with an AWD, heavily optioned, off road capable Titan XD. It was a two-foot climb into the cockpit but once there I felt welcome. The seats were supportive. The leather seemed durable and comfortable. Heated seats were part of a Convenience Package detailed below. The $1545 Premium Package allows seat ventilation but also included the surround view monitor – mandatory for a truck of this size in any urban environment. All XDs come with a seven-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The tested Pro-4X is fitted with off road goodies including special Bilstein shocks, skid plates, all terrain tires, fog lights and hill descent control. None of these compromised ride, interior noise or day to day drivability – which I would characterize as more old school truck like than modern sedan masquerading as a pickup. The XD seemed at home on interstates as well as around town. The steering, a variably power assisted direct recirculating ball type, seemed plenty accurate and a bit less artificial than many modern drive by wire steering systems. I climbed no rocks or trails but the truck performed admirably in sand, mud and gravel.

And the truck was well equipped for towing with a standard set up for both tagalong as well as a fifth wheel, and an integrated trailer brake system. Nissan's Trailer Light Check system allows in cab verification of turn signals, brake lights and running lights.

The Titan XD is heavy duty truck in a class with an F250 or GM 2500 series and in this configuration, luxuriously equipped. Like all the others it is expensive but it's a protected market; imported cars are hit with a 2.5% duty while pickup trucks are subject to a 25% tariff. Nissan escapes this with assembly in Canton, Mississippi. (In its most basic form, a gas powered 2wd single cab can be purchased for $34,385. The test vehicle's MSRP was $62,590.)

If you are looking for quick acceleration, the Titan XD is not your truck. The gas powered 390 hp V-8 takes more than seven seconds to hit 60 mph. The XD with the Cummins Turbo diesel has an impressive 555 lb-ft of torque but turbo lag and between gear delays from its six-speed Aisin automatic contribute to a greater than nine second trip to 60 mph. But if you want a combination of off-road capability, great towing capacity and pleasurable surroundings all backed by a best in class 5 year 100,000 mile warranty, the Titan XD is worth your consideration.

Fender® premium audio system with 7' color display; Power sliding back window with defroster; Utili-track® Channel System with four tie-down cleats LED under-rail bed lighting Tailgate area illumination Bed-mounted 120-volt AC power outlet Front and Rear Sonar System Electronic tailgate lock Rear bumper step assist NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM® Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control Leather-appointed seats PRO-4X® embroidered seats with white stitching Heated front seats and outboard rear seats; Memory system – driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors Auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror 4-way power adjustable passenger's seat Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel Power tilt and telescoping steering column: Auto-dimming rearview mirror HomeLink® Universal Transceiver Intelligent Around View® Monitor Side mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature; Climate-controlled front seats - heated and cooled TITAN Boxes Gooseneck ball, anchors and bag 280

Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD

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