In lieu of the rising heat in the extremely competitive Truck market, Nissan USA has launched their all new 2018 Nissan Titan Crew Cab to take on the likes of the Ford F-150, the RAM 1500 Tradesman and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD. The 2018 Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab starts from $35,680 for the base 2WD variant and goes over $56,000 for the Top end AWD Platinum Reserve Trim. It gets a host of new features and updates over the 2018 model and plans to take on the Competition with its unique Feature set.
There are 2 Engines on Offer namely a 5.0L V8 Cummins Diesel and a 5.6L V8 Gas Engine and this is going to be our area of interest for today’s review. It also boasts of a Max towing Capacity of 11,280lbs and max payload capacity of 2,590lbs. There are 9 total trims including 2WD and 4WD configurations for all trims but the Pro 4X.
Unlike the slew of optional package options in Last Year’s Model, the 2018 model comes with only one Option pack namely the Midnight Edition package that adds 20” Black Wheels, Body Colored Front Grill, Black Door Handles and Black Step Rails on the diesel SL and SV 4X4 variants.
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The 2018 Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab aims to carve out a name for itself in the Ultra-Competitive Truck Market. It is a Big looking Truck and can manage to tow what most Half Ton Trucks can’t. Starting at $35,680 for the base 2WD variant and going over $56,000 for the Top end AWD Platinum Reserve Trim, the Nissan kicks has a variant in store for every kind of Customer.
2018 Nissan Titan XD Exterior
5.4/10
Save the blocky bodies and bulging behinds for its heavy-duty rivals—the Titan XD has a more subdued, more streamlined appearance that’s highlighted by a pair of praying-mantis-like headlights –Caranddriver.com
Design and Dimensions
Nissan has drastically changed the design of the current generation Titan XD from the 1st Generation and has made it look similar in lines to its current rivals. This certainly helps it draw eyeballs among the masses but some people do tend to confuse it with the F-150. The overall design seems to have been designed to improve the aerodynamics of the Truck while maintaining the right proportions.
Exterior Features include
Unique design 18” wheels
Skid Plates
LED Headlamps with DRL’s
Off Road Shock Absorbers
Integrated Gooseneck Hitch
Extendable Tow Mirrors
Model
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 (Crew Cab)
curb weight(lbs)
6006
4913
5247
NA
Length(in)
242.7
243.7
239.6
237.9
Width(in)
79.5
79.9
80.0
79.4
Height(in)
78
77.3
73.7
76.8
Ground clearance(in)
8.1
9.3
8.5
NA
Wheelbase(in)
151.6
156.8
153.0
149.5
The overall dimensions aren’t the biggest in the class and the Nissan has a disadvantage in this aspect. The Nissan is the lengthiest in its segment but it also is the heaviest and this goes against its favor as this translates in lower fuel economies.
Cargo Capacity
The Titan XD Crew Cab’s standard 5.5ft bed has adequate space for most utilities. This won’t be good enough and will spoil the expectations for most consumers who are looking to place big Logs of Wood or Long Asbestos Sheets on the Deck as the deck would fall too short. The Bed does have excellent Bed Lighting and there are innumerable numbers of Cargo Tie down options in the bed itself which add to the utility aspect of the bed.
Models
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 (Crew Cab)
Width (inch)
63.8
52.8
55.0
51.0
Length (inch)
68.4
65.8
71.2
74.5
Payload Capacity
Considering the lack of Bed options in the Titan XD Crew Cab and the small bed length, the Payload Capacity isn’t great as compared to the segment rivals. The deck itself however can be outfitted with watertight boxes that are both lockable and drainable and can be used to store Hammers, Chainsaws and other heavy machine tools. They can be used to store Ice and hence can be made to act as Coolers.
Model
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 (Crew Cab)
capacity (lbs)
1610
1751
1840
1820
2018 Nissan Titan XD Engine
5.4/10
Unlike the variety of powertrains available on light-duty rivals, the Titan makes do with a single engine and transmission combo. It lacks the impressive acceleration of its competitors’ most powerful engines, but it’s quick when compared with similar-size V-8s –Caranddriver.com
Engine and Transmission
There is only one Engine option available to customers in the 2018 Nissan Titan XD unlike the Rivals. The Endurance 5.6L DOHC 32 Valve Direct Injection V8 motor with Variable Valve Event and Lift delivers 390HP and 394lbs-ft of Torque. The Engine has been in use for a while now and has been a potent performer while Cruising on the Highways or riding on the cities. It offers good overtaking abilities and doesn’t run out of breath when overtaking Vehicles on Highways or Cities at normal altitudes or higher altitudes with/without a Trailer hitched behind the Truck.
Models
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 XL (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 WT (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 Tradesman (Crew Cab)
MSRP
$35,680
$37,998
$36,137
$33,302
Engine
5.6-L V8
5.0L V8
5.3L V8
5.7 V8
Transmission
7-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Power
390hp
395hp
355hp
395hp
Torque
394lbs-ft
400lbs-ft
383lbs-ft
410lbs-ft
Transmission duties are Handled by a 7 Speed Automatic Transmission which changes gears without much hesitation. The downshifts however may not be the slickest at times and upshifting may require the driver to lift of the gas in some instances. The column mounted Gear Shifting column allows for manual control of changing gears if the driver wants to.
Acceleration
The V8 motor in the Nissan delivers crisp acceleration and the overall throttle response is better than the competition. The Engine has a free revving nature to it and feels energetic and eager to perform overtaking maneuvers.
Models
Nissan titan Crewcab 5.6 v8
Ford 150 XL Super crew 5lv8
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 wt crewcab 5.3 v8
Ram 1500 tradesman
0-60 MPH
6.9 sec
6.1 sec
NA
6.3 sec
Quarter mile
15.4 sec
14.7 sec
NA
15 sec
Engine
5.6-L V8
5.0L V8
5.3L V8
5.7 V8
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
9.8
9.8
9.3
10.4
Curb weight(lbs)
5521
4529
5036
4945
Brake and Handling
You won’t be disappointed with the Ventilated, Hydraulically boosted brakes of the Nissan Titan XD. The Brakes offer good stopping power irrespective of a Trailer attached or not. The pedals are responsive in most situations but may feel soft on certain occasions. They offer good consistency at all speeds and don’t let the trailer get unstable or sway away during hard braking.
The Ride and Handling in the Nissan Titan XD is bit of a mixed bag. While the Nissan has great manners on the Highways, City Roads and Over Smooth surfaces, it loses some of this over undulating surfaces or off road. It’s not in any way Uncomfortable or bad but the Stiffened suspension tend to prefer stay on Road. You can engage Low Range from 4WD with a Shift on Fly Rotary knob that does help the off road cause of the Nissan.
Model
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 (Crew Cab)
Brake Front(in)
13.7
13.8
13.0
13.2
Brake Rear(in)
13.5
13.7
13.6
13.8
Curb weight(lbs)
5521
4529
5036
4945
60-0 MPH (ft.)
133.8
121
124
123
When The Nissan has a Trailer hitched behind its back, the excellent Trailer Sway Control offers great stability to the Truck and the overall handling of the Truck with a Trailer attached is one of the best in class.
Towing Capacity
The Nissan Titan XD can tow more than what many half ton pickup trucks in the market can. It isn’t class leading due to the lack of Engine options that the rivals but is decent for most uses. The Nissan can tow Small Powerboats, Trailers, Caravans and other similar sized stuff without much hiccups. The Performance doesn’t take a toll or the engine doesn’t strain as well while crossing Mountains or doing cross country journeys.
Model
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 (Crew Cab)
Drive Train
2WD
2WD
2WD
2WD
Power Train
5.6L
5.0L
5.3L
5.7L
Weight (lbs)
9400
5500
5500
4510
The unique Gooseneck hooks in the Rear Deck Bed of the Nissan offers easy connectivity options for Trailers that have Heavy Weights on them and is easily one of the most convenient ways of hooking a Trailer in its class.
2018 Nissan Titan XD Interior
5.9/10
Most full-size trucks carry their tougher-than-nails persona into the cabin, but Nissan has opted for a much friendlier, almost crossover like interior. Combine that friendly look with a smaller steering wheel and good ergonomics, and the Titan is a truck anyone will want to drive – Edmunds.com
Seating and Comfort
One of the Strongholds of the Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab is its seating and comfort. The Titan can seat 6 people in totality but in reality, a third passenger in the rear will be bit of a squeeze. The Titan can easily seat 2 people at the back and the passengers at the back would be extremely relaxed in long journeys. The Legroom and Headroom may not be class leading but are in no way disappointing. There is enough of the same for most People but taller people will have a squeeze in sitting for long durations.
Model
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 (Crew Cab)
Passenger capacity
6
6
6
6
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
(In.)
41.0/63.3/41.8
40.8/66.7/43.9
42.8/66.03/45.27
41/66/41
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
(In.)
40.4/63.6/38.5
40.4/65.9/43.6
40.5/65.73/40.93
39.9/65.7/40.3
One of the biggest USP’s of the Titan XD is the Zero Gravity Front and Rear outboard Seats. These Seats are extremely comfortable and have to be the best in class. Just one drive in these seats and your mindset about seating comfort will change forever. The Interior design itself isn’t too inspiring but the practicality aspect is top notch. There is an abundance of Cup Holders in the Doors and Side Pockets while there are plenty of nifty storage places under the seats and in the doors that are good enough to keep Chainsaws, Hammers and other similar tools.
Infotainment System
Nissan has provided its Nissan Connect Infotainment system to the 2018 Nissan Titan XD. It is very responsive to touch inputs and has many Features. These however can’t hide the shortcomings of the System. Against its Rivals from Ford and GM, the Infotainment system in the Nissan feels very dated. We miss features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto and the overall layout of the system doesn’t feel modern. Some features worth mentioning though are
4G Connectivity
Multiple USB Port connectivity
Bluetooth with navigation System
5” Driver’s Info Display and 7” Multimedia Display
Rockford Fosgate Music System
Sirius XM Satellite Radio with 3 Months Free subscription
2018 Nissan Titan XD Safety
4.9/10
Nissan has continued to offer the same safety spec in the 2018 Titan XD Crew Cab as it provided in the 2017 version. This isn’t a bad thing as the 2017 model had decent equipment on board and the 2018 model on sale has that same great Safety Equipment. There is a Motion Detector System that helps drivers cope with the massive sized truck. Some other features include
Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
ABS on all 4 Wheels
Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control
Front, Side and Overhead Airbags
Optional 360 Degree Camera System
2018 Nissan Titan XD Fuel Economy
7.0/10
Despite the Single Engine Configuration, the Nissan Titan XD won’t disappoint with its MPG Figures. The tried and tested V8 motor delivers respectable Fuel Economy along with its great performance. The Performance of the Engine both with a Trailer attached and without a Trailer attached is among the best in class and the engine ensures the Fuel Economy figures are consistent in all driving conditions while giving a great driving range.
Model
Nissan Titan (Crew Cab)
Ford F150 (Super Crew)
Chevy Silverado 1500 (Crew Cab)
Ram 1500 (Crew Cab)
MPG (city)
15
16
16
15
MPG (highway)
21
22
23
22
MPG (combined)
18
18
19
17
Fuel Capacity
26 gallon
26 gallon
26 gallon
26 gallon
2018 Nissan Titan XD Features
6.3/10
The 2018 Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab comes in 5 trims namely the S, SV, SL, Platinum Reserve and the Pro 4X. The Base variant is the ‘S’ while the Platinum Reserve is the “King of the Hill” in terms of Trims. One must also note that the Pro 4X trim only comes in the 4WD configuration.
Trims
S
SV
Pro 4X
SL
Platinum Reserve
MSRP (2WD)
$35,930
$38,820
-
$47,280
$53,210
MSRP (4WD)
$38,960
$42,100
$45,920
$50,360
$56,300
Features
Remote keyless entry with Push Button Ignition
INCLUDES S FEATURES PLUS:
INCLUDES SV FEATURES PLUS:
INCLUDES SV FEATURES PLUS:
NCLUDES SL FEATURES PLUS:
Rear View Monitor
Advanced Drive-Assist Display
All-terrain off-road tires
Remote Engine Start System
20" dark chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels
maximum towing capacity
of 10,990 lbs
Sirius Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription
Hill descent control
NissanConnect Services powered by Sirius
Intelligent Around View Monitor
2,520 maximum payload capacity
Chrome exterior trim
Electronic locking rear differential
Leather Appointed Seats
Premium two-tone leather-appointed seats
Trailer Sway Control
Rockford Fosgate audio system
Trailer brake controller
Powered Heated outside Rear View Mirrors
LED Signature Headlamps with Follow Me Home Function
Titanium painted Bumpers
Features List
Remote Keyless Entry and Keyless Ignition
Rear View Monitor
Electronic Locking Rear Differential
Sirius XM Satellite Radio with 3 Months Subscription free
Rockford Fosgate Audio System
Trailer Brake Control
We Recommend :
The Trims in the Nissan have been decently filled with features but if we were to suggest one, we would have went in for the SL Trim. It gives you premium features like Leather Seats, Rockford Fosgate Music System and even LED Headlamps which add a modern touch to the Truck.
2018 Nissan Titan XD Competition
Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD
Chevrolet has been a favorite among the consumers for its Silverado 1500HD. It’s lighter and wider than the Nissan and offers more engine options for consumers depending on the towing capacity you need. On the other hand, the Nissan offers better reliability and lower maintenance costs and a more powerful Engine as standard. The overall Ergonomics and features are slightly better in the Nissan than the Chevy as well. So, if reliability and dependability is your preference, the Nissan is the clear pick for us.
Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab vs Ram 1500 Crew Cab
The 1500 Crew Cab has been a bestseller for Ram in the small Truck segment due to its versatility, endurance and durability. It has great fuel efficiency, more passenger space and features like Auto Headlamps as standard. On the other hand, the Nissan offers important features like Hill Decent Control, Daytime Running Lamps as standard and offers Higher Torque than the RAM which we feel is important in this segment. So if Utility is the first thing that you need to address with your Truck, The Nissan has its nose ahead than the RAM here.
Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab vs. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is the Segment Benchmark and the Best Seller in the segment for decades. The sales it generates for Ford has allowed the F-150 to itch its name in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most selling Pick-up truck in History. We however feel that the Nissan has been overlooked for long in this rivalry here. The Nissan offers great reliability and dependability in terms of the Components used inside the Truck. The Nissan offers class leading warranty in the Titan XD and the Power inside the Nissan is higher than the Ford as well. Overall, we feel that the Nissan does deserve limelight which the Ford has always been sharing till now.
2018 Nissan Titan XD Final Verdict
Nissan has come up with the 2018 Titan XD Crew Cab to grab a slice of the Pie that has always been held by Ford, GM and RAM. The Nissan despite the single engine configuration is a potent and reliable performer and doesn’t lose breath when driving through highways or cross country with/without a trailer hitched behind it. With a class leading Warranty and a whole lot of other utilitarian features with it, we feel that it’s time people actually take a serious look at the nearest 2018 Nissan Titan XD on sale as we definitely feel it deserves your attention.
