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10 Things You Need to Know About the 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas Platinum

Ryan ZumMallen
by Ryan ZumMallen
June 8, 2016
4 min. Reading Time
01 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas Front3 4 ・  Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

01 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas Front3 4 ・ Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

The long-awaited return of the Nissan Titan has been a hot topic in the world of trucks. After the introduction of the new Titan XD nameplate, which debuted with a Cummins turbodiesel engine earlier this year, Nissan is now rolling out a gasoline-powered version with a delicious 5.6-liter V8. The goal was to create a fullsize truck that tows like a 3/4-ton pickup, and drives like a 1/2 ton, and the V8 edition certainly fits the bill. But how does it compare to the competition, as well as its diesel-powered brother? After a test drive in the 2016 Titan XD Gas Platinum, here are 10 things you need to know.

1) Same Design as the Titan XD Diesel

Though the gas-powered Nissan Titan XD is new, it shares its look with the diesel-powered Titan XD: a traditional truck silhouette; rounded hips over the rear wheels; and an aggressive front fascia punctuated by an immense grille, giant headlights, and wide side-view mirrors. If the designers were trying to make the Titan XD stand out in a crowd, they certainly succeeded. Its presence—particularly from the front—combines American brashness with Japanese precision and intricacy, commanding attention and plenty of raised eyebrows. The 20-inch chrome wheels, standard on this Titan XD Platinum trim, round out the entire package, and should be a very popular option for buyers.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

2) More Horsepower on Tap

In switching from the 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel to the 5.6-liter Endurance V8, the 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas Platinum loses some torque, but gains a ton of horsepower. The gasoline engine sends 390 hp to either the rear wheels, or all four wheels—a formidable package, to be sure. All that horsepower is surprisingly playful for such a large truck, with swift throttle response throughout the powerband. The gas V8 doesn’t provide as much torque as the 555 lb.-ft in the diesel, but its max of 401 lb.-ft is available at just 4,000 rpm. Nissan also drafts the 5.6-liter V8 for duty in the Infiniti QX80 3-row luxury suv, and the upcoming next-generation 2017 Armada.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

3) New 3/4-Ton Player

While the 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas tries to toe the line between a large and a small truck, there is nothing minor about its muscle and capability. Nissan strengthened and reinforced the ladder frame for additional stiffness and torsional rigidity, and the maximum payload capacity of 2,594 lbs. is enough to impress any old-fashioned truck owner. The options list features an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller; Trailer Sway Control (TSC); Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control; Trailer Light Check; and cameras with both rear and bird’s-eye views. It costs roughly $3,000 extra for 4x4 models across the Titan XD lineup, but with all the capability on tap, don’t be surprised to see buyers jump at the chance.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

4) Handles Like a Dream

It is highly unusual for a true ladder frame pickup truck, especially one with such aggressive looks, to drive like the 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas Platinum does. The steering feel is direct and confidence-inspiring, especially with a balanced chassis that seems to lighten as speed increases. The Titan XD changes direction surprisingly well, and technology in the Endurance V8 engine like variable valve timing and direct injection make the truck stronger, crisper, and more efficient. The 7-speed automatic transmission is specially tuned for a smooth and refined drive, in perfect concert with the transfer case in 4x4 models that delivers torque to the appropriate wheel in spirited driving or slippery road conditions.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

5) Attention to Detail

There’s no arguing that the 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas is simply enormous. Heck, it’s right there in the name. But take a look up close, and the level of small touches might surprise you. Whether it’s the subtle “T-I-T-A-N” imbued along the top of the chrome grille, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, or soft LEDs illuminating the truck bed, the small things make the Titan XD whole. In the Platinum trim, soft leathers combine with warm wood accents and classy chrome touch points. The 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas is trying to change the perception of how a giant truck should make you feel. Hopefully, the rest of the segment follows suit.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

6) Usable Luxury

The beauty of the Titan XD Gas Platinum Reserve, the highest trim available, is that it offers a premium high-end experience that feels ready for anything. While the 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas Platinum is comfortable enough to feel like you’re rewarding yourself, it’s also up for any task. The seats are plush but durable; the bed has factory-applied liner but Titan Box storage along the sides. This is a truck that can take a punch, give out its fair share, and look good doing it. Oh, and those plush seats? They fold up origami-style in the rear to reveal a flat floor with cavernous space and even more storage.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

7) Plenty of Options

As the 2016 Nissan Titan XD continues to roll out in all of its iterations, there will be even more ways to configure it exactly how you like. The only current setup is the 4-door Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot bed, but Nissan will soon add a single (or regular) cab and extended King cab, plus either a 5.5-foot bed or an 8-foot bed. Then you add rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the two engines, and no fewer than five trim levels (from the base S to the off-road Pro-4X and our Platinum Reserve here). If that isn’t enough, a lighter Titan will come with a V6, too. Phew.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

8) Cheaper Price Point

The introduction of the gas-powered 2016 Nissan Titan XD means more than just another engine; it means the truck is now more accessible to the masses. Bringing the gasoline version to market lowers the Titan XD's base price by a whopping $5,000, and you can snatch up a bare-bones Titan XD Crew Cab S—with, remember, 390 horsepower on tap—for $35,290. Likewise, the fully-loaded Titan XD Platinum Reserve we tested rang up at $55,520 MSRP. A similarly equipped Titan XD with the Cummins turbodiesel would have topped the $60,000 mark. If you want the extra torque and fuel economy in the diesel, by all means. Otherwise, the V8 brings obvious advantages to the table, too.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

9) In Line With Competition

Splitting up the Titan nameplate into two sectors—the Titan XD with the turbodiesel or the V8, and the half-ton Titan with the V6—allowed the Titan XD to aim its sights on bigger fish. The V8-powered Titan XD aligns with established heavy duty trucks like the Ford F-250, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and the RAM 2500 Crew Cab. Alongside those foes, the 2016 Titan XD V8 is well priced, and even slightly more affordable. The Titan XD Gas Platinum Reserve that we tested, as well, is on the low end of the competition ballpark. Nissan clearly knows what it’s doing, whether we’re talking towing, design, driving experience or bottom line.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

10) Is a Sales Booster

Having recently hit the market, the 2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas V8 will surely provide a much-needed boost to the brand’s sales. Everyone likes a V8, diesel engines aren’t exactly enjoying their moment in the sun right now, and variety is always good in the ever-fragmented auto industry. Nissan has to contend with the big three American brand that simply dominate sales in some parts of this country, but they also have a unique and distinct product on their hands. At the very least, the 2016 Nissan Titan XD is much better equipped than its predecessor to traverse this new land. At its very best, the 2016 Titan XD Gas Platinum edition is, for many, a dream car.

 Photo by Ryan ZumMallen

Photo by Ryan ZumMallen


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