By Theodoros Georgiou
Despite being a highly competent half-ton pickup with a V-8, find out why Nissan's Titan struggles to sell and how you'll be rewarded if you get one
2023 Nissan Titan off-road
In most cases, the worst-selling product is also the worst in terms of performance. However, in the full-sized pickup truck market this correlation doesn’t seem to be true. You see, one of the worst-selling trucks amongst the full-sizers is the Nissan Titan which is by no means a bad truck. In fact, it is better than many others in the current market.
In a market full of hybrids and smaller turbo engines, the Nissan Titan still utilizes a big naturally aspirated V8. These trucks are known for their reliability and capabilities. We believe that this is the bargain of the current truck market that no one talks about and in this article, we are going over the reasons why that is the case.
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What Trucks Belong In The Full-Sized Market?
2023 Nissan Titan Pro 4X Static off-road
The full-sized truck is one of the most common vehicles one will see on American roads. It is a larger variant than both the compact and mid-sized trucks. The larger full-sized models can haul and tow heavier weights thanks to their larger engines, stronger axles, heavy-duty suspension, and better brakes. Furthermore, they have more bed and interior space and are generally more comfortable. In most cases, these types of trucks can tow upwards of 10,000 pounds while smaller mid-sized trucks can haul around the 6,000-pound mark.
The most famous full-sized trucks are the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado. These trucks are the starting point of every company’s heavy-duty division with even larger models that can be used as busses, or recovery towing rigs.
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The Titan Offers One Of The Most Reliable Drivetrains On The Current Market
2023 Nissan Titan XD crew cab
The Titan is an impressive truck which is partly why its low sales seem strange. Under the hood of this full-sized Nissan, you will find a 5.6 liter V-8 that pumps out 400 horsepower. However, the best part about this engine isn’t the numbers it produces but the fact that it is one of the most reliable units out there.
Most trucks on the current market have switched to smaller turbocharged units which lower emissions and fuel consumption but are problematic due to their complicated parts and over-stressed design. A full-sized Chevy Silverado now offers a 2.0-liter turbo as a base engine. In a full-sized truck! This is pure madness, a couple of decades ago a 2.0 liter in a full-sizer would have been laughable, but not anymore.
In any case, the Titan offers that big V-8 as standard and even though gas mileage (16mpg – 21mpg) isn’t its strong point, the number of trouble-free miles that it could offer is getting increasingly tough to find in any other truck.
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How Does The Titan Compare To The Rest Of The Competition?
Front three-quarters shot of the Toyota Tundra i-Force Max
The Titan is an older generation truck; therefore, its numbers tend to be a bit lower. That being said, they are still respectable and certainly usable. This truck used to be able to fight head-to-head with an older generation Tundra, but in this instance, we will compare it to the all-new current-generation Toyota.
As far as the engine goes, the Titan comes standard with the V-8 mentioned above that produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque while the Tundra offers a twin-turbo V-6 that pumps out 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Higher-spec Tundra models add a hybrid system to the V-6 which takes numbers to 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.
Of course, the Tundra is the more powerful vehicle here. However, we wouldn’t want to deal with the twin-turbo and hybrid units ten years down the road. Toyotas aren’t indestructible and issues with these expensive systems will certainly arise at some point.
2023 Nissan Titan rear cargo space
Engine aside, let’s have a look at all the important truck-related numbers. Towing for the Titan is rated at 10,800 pounds. The Tundra can Tackle 12,000. Payload numbers for both the Titan and Tundra are 1658 pounds and 1940 pounds respectively. Sure, the Tundra can tow and haul more weight, but do you ever need to move around such heavy loads? We believe that the numbers of the Titan are plenty enough for the vast majority of truck owners.
Finally, bed and truck configurations for the Titan include a 6.5 feet long bed paired with a king cab configuration or a 5.5 feet bed when paired with a crew cab. The Tundra does offer more options here as it can be bought in a double cab 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed configuration or even a CrewMax with a shorter 5.5 or 6.5-foot bed. So, for anyone looking for a lot of bed space, the Tundra offers it while the Titan doesn’t.
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Interior And Exterior Features
2023 Nissan Titan with dual pano roof
When it comes to interior and exterior design and features the Titan can certainly keep up with the competition. Sure, it is not as advanced nor as futuristic as other trucks on the current market, but it does offer all the basic requirements of modern-day driving. The truck comes as standard with an 8.0-inch display while a 9.0-inch unit is also available as an optional extra.
Both screens come standard with Apple car play and Android Auto. On the options list, you can also tick features like a panoramic sunroof and leather seats. This is a great cabin to sit in and the fact that it still utilizes physical buttons and more simple controls to us is appealing. Screens and touch-sensitive buttons are starting to get a bit annoying to use.
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The Price Of The Titan Is The Best Part
2023 Nissan Titan on an off-road terrain
The Nissan Titan has a starting price of $39,950 while the most expensive and most luxurious model tops up at $63,320. Now, when compared to today’s market, these prices are much lower than other trucks available. To give you an idea of the price difference, here are the lowest and highest prices depending on the trim level of some of the most popular trucks in America.
The Toyota Tundra ranges between a cheaper base price of $38,965 but goes all the way up to a much more expensive $77,645. The same is true for the F-150 which starts at a very affordable 33,695 but goes all the way up to an eye-wateringly expensive figure of $84.910.
So, the Titan is a great buy for anyone who is looking for a mid-level truck. The cheapest models may not be as appealing, but the higher trim levels come at a good price with good equipment. This is easily of the most reliable and old-school trucks on the current market; therefore, if you want a truck that will last for many years to come then the Titan is the perfect choice.
FAQs
Where does Nissan Titan rank in trucks? ›
The 2023 Nissan Titan's #6 ranking is based on its score within the Full Size Pickup Trucks category.
Which is better RAM or Titan? ›Nissan Titan comparison reveals that the Nissan Titan has a more powerful standard engine, outperforming the standard choice for a Ram 1500 for maximum towing capacity. With a higher reliability score from J.D. Power, the Nissan Titan can be a better choice.
Why are Nissan Titans not selling? ›Why are Nissan Titans not selling? While the Titan is a useful truck, Nissan has never given it the same variety of powertrains or options as the trucks from Ram, Ford, and GM. Nissan lacks the brand cache and perceived reliability that Toyota uses to move the Tundra in the full-size pickup truck class.
What is the best year for Titan truck? ›The 2009 model is a great starting point if you are searching for the most reliable Nissan Titan year. This model has capitalized on the powerful 5.6L Endurance V-8 engine and the smooth five-speed transmission. Start the engine, and you'll get the powerful urge to drive the truck and play off-road.
Is Nissan Titan better than Toyota Tundra? ›The Nissan Titan boasts a more powerful base engine than the Tundra, thanks to a big V-8 that churns out an impressive 400 horsepower. In the Tundra, the standard engine is a twin-turbocharged V-6 that puts out between 348 and 389 horsepower.
Is a Nissan Titan bigger than a Ford f150? ›Passengers in the extended cab will be able to stretch out a lot more with the Ford F-150 than the Nissan Titan. The Ford F-150 will be a favorite with tall drivers and their passengers, since it has much greater head- and legroom than the Nissan Titan.
What years did Titans avoid? ›Quick Answer: Avoid 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2016, and 2018 Nissan Titans. Nissan's first foray into full-size pickup trucks didn't go off without a hitch; in fact, it took them a few years to get things rolling.
Which RAM engine is most reliable? ›The Hemi family is legendary for its dependability very dependable. However, it's the 5.7L Hemi that stands out as the most reliable Ram Truck Engine Option. Even the no-compromise Hellcat Hemis are solid, going 100,000 miles or more without issue.
What kind of warranty does a Nissan Titan have? ›TITAN WARRANTY DETAILS
A 5 year/100,000-Mile Limited Warranty. Warranty Coverage From Bumper-To-Bumper.
Model Preview
With the large pickup truck's existence in question, we expect the Titan to return for the 2024 model year, if it will stick around, as a carryover model without any changes. On the outside, the 2024 Nissan Titan is expected to share the same design as the current truck that's on sale.
Do Nissan Titans hold their value? ›
The 2021 Nissan Titan is our top pick for the best model year value for the Titan. With the 2021, you would only pay, on average, 88% of the price as new, with 92% of the vehicle's useful life remaining. The 2022 and 2020 model years are also attractive years for the Titan, and provide a relatively good value.
Which truck is bigger Titan or Frontier? ›Both the 2021 Nissan Frontier and 2021 Nissan Titan are great Nissan trucks within their price range. Between the two, the Frontier has better fuel efficiency and horsepower. The Nissan Titan, on the other hand, is a larger truck with a much greater towing capacity.
Is a Nissan Titan a real truck? ›2023 Nissan TITAN & TITAN XD V8 Full-Size Pickup Trucks.
Is Titan 33 19 the biggest truck in the world? ›Specifications. The Titan has a payload capacity of 350 short tons (320 t), a net vehicle weight of 509,500 pounds (231,100 kg) and a gross vehicle weight of 1,209,500 pounds (548,600 kg). Fully loaded, the Titan had a top speed of 29.8 mph (48.0 km/h).
Why is Toyota better than Nissan? ›Price and Value. In terms of price and value, the clear winner is Toyota. While these manufacturers can be comparable in terms of list price, Toyota vehicles simply retain value better than your average Nissan.
What is similar to a Nissan Titan? ›The Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra are fairly comparable in size. The Titan is 228.2 inches long, 79.5 inches wide, and 75.1 inches tall.
Can Nissan Titan last 300000 miles? ›With proper care, the Nissan Titan truck can last over 300,000 miles.
What is the highest end Nissan Titan? ›Crew Cab Platinum Reserve
This Platinum Reserve model of the 2021 TITAN is the top of the line, the best of the best, and features all the luxury appointments you're looking for, including leather seats with Platinum Reserve logo and two-tone painted aluminum-alloy wheels.
Where the Nissan Titan XD Hit the Mark. The Titan XD's standard 5.6-liter V8 puts out more power (400 hp) and torque (413 lb. -ft.) than any other base engine on the half-ton market and many optional power plants.
Why do people not like the Nissan Titan? ›Besides the limited engine options, the towing capacity is another of the Nissan Titan's drawbacks. Towing is a primary reason people buy trucks, but the Titan fails in this category. The 2022 Nissan Titan has a maximum towing capacity of between 9,040 lbs and 9,320 lbs.
Why do Titans last 13 years? ›
Because it is impossible for anyone to surpass the Founder, each person who gained the power of the Titans was fated with the "Curse of Ymir" (ユミルの呪い Yumiru no Noroi?), which limited their remaining lifespan to only 13 years after first acquiring it.
What broke up the Titans? ›After successfully defeating the Organization and reuniting Rachel with her birth mother, Angela Azarath, the Titans disbanded, though several of its members and allies were called back into action when it became apparent that Rachel was going to call forth a greater threat, Trigon.
What's the most reliable truck brand? ›Based on reliability, the best truck to buy in 2022 is the Toyota Tacoma, which comes in with a Consumer Reports score of 74. This truck is followed closely by the Ford Lightning, which received a 73.
What years to avoid for the 5.7 Hemi? ›Here are the Dodge RAM 1500 years to avoid: 2003, 2010-2013 (5.7-liter V8), 2014, 2015, 2016. But just like the years from above, something well-maintained might offer you something worth buying; just know what you're getting yourself into.
Are Hemi engines better? ›What is so special about a Hemi engine? The Hemi engine's unique design, which features less surface area, results in less heat loss. This means the engine's peak pressure can be higher, which can result in better efficiency. Additionally, larger valves mean it's easier for air to flow through a Hemi engine.
What is the warranty on a 2023 Nissan Titan? ›Bumper-to-bumper 5-year/100,000-mile limited warranty (whichever occurs first).
Can you buy Nissan extended warranty after purchase? ›Can you buy a Nissan extended warranty after purchase? Yes, as long as you purchase it before the Nissan factory warranty expires. You can buy a Nissan extended warranty from your local dealership for a term of up to 8 years/120,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Does Titan have lifetime warranty? ›Products covered under our warranty program are fully warranted, to the original owner, for the practical lifetime of the product or as long as Titan stocks the replacement parts. This does not mean your lifetime, although we have often heard stories about our products being used well past thirty and forty years!
Is the Nissan Titan coming to an end? ›Automotive News has reported that Nissan will be discontinuing the full-size truck known as the Titan in the coming years. This comes in the wake of a dismal sales year for the import outsider in 2021, when only 17,776 units were sold.
Is Nissan going to drop the Titan? ›"Regarding Titan, it is an important part of Nissan's showroom, and we've seen a positive impact from Frontier in driving added awareness and consideration for our full-size truck," a Nissan spokesperson said in an emailed statement to CNET. "Titan remains in Nissan's truck lineup for the 2022 model year and beyond."
Will Nissan drop the Titan? ›
“Titan remains in Nissan's truck lineup for the 2022 model year and beyond.” Titan is no slouch. The 2022 model comes standard with a 400-hp 5.7-liter V8 that delivers 418 lb.
Is it a good idea to buy a Nissan? ›Nissan Reliability by Model & Year
Reliability is an essential factor when purchasing because an unreliable car will drive your cost ownership all the way up. In general, Nissans are known for being very reliable cars that are easy and inexpensive to fix.
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Nissan Titan is $555, compared to an average of $936 for fullsize trucks and $652 for all vehicle models.
How many miles per gallon does a Nissan Titan truck get? ›| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Titan 2WD 8 cyl, 5.6 L, Automatic (S9) | |
| 2021 Nissan Titan 4WD PRO-4X 8 cyl, 5.6 L, Automatic (S9) | |
| Premium Gasoline | Not Available How can I share my MPG? |
| 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 20 highway 5.9 gals/ 100 miles | |
Most Nissan drivers report a lifespan of around 250,000 miles for their vehicles. Naturally, maintenance habits and driving history can push this number higher or lower. With excellent caretaking, your Nissan could easily last well beyond 300,000 miles.
Who makes Nissan 5.6 V8? ›| Nissan VK | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. |
| Production | 2002–present |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | 90° V8 |
Fuel tank capacity: 26.0 gallons. Fuel type: regular unleaded. EPA mileage estimate (cty/hwy): 15/20mpg. Range in miles: 390/520 mi.
What truck sits the highest stock? ›- Toyota Tundra - 10.6 Inches.
- Toyota Tacoma - 9.4 Inches.
- GMC Sierra - 9.1 Inches.
- Nissan Titan XD - 8.8 Inches.
- Chevrolet Silverado - 8.8 Inches.
- Chevrolet Colorado - 8.4 Inches.
- GMC Canyon - 8.4 Inches.
- Nissan Frontier - 8.9 Inches.
The 2022 Nissan Titan got a "Great" score of 85 out of 100 for Quality and Reliability3 from J.D. Power. Compare the Nissan Titan vs. Ram 1500, and you'll see that the 2022 Ram 1500 truck received an "Average" Quality and Reliability score of 80 out of 1004 from J.D. Power.
Does Nissan Titan require premium gas? ›
The Nissan Titan is currently the only full-size truck that comes standard with a V-8 engine. Nissan tout's Titan's best in class power of 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, but here's the catch: only with premium fuel.
What is the best biggest truck in the world? ›BelAZ 75710
The Beast of Belarus is not just one of the biggest trucks in the world, it is the absolute biggest production truck ever made and the statistics are staggering.
The 7.3L OHV PFI gas V8 engine in the 2022 Ford Super Duty® is the most powerful gas engine in a full-size pickup and the largest V8 in its class, with the best gas horsepower and torque in its class to prove it. The top-of-the-line gas engine generates best gas torque in its class of 475 lb.
Where does Nissan rank for quality? ›Are Nissans reliable cars? Nissan's Reliability Rating is a decent 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 9th out of 32 automobile manufacturers, according to Repairpal.com. This grade is based on the reliability of 245 different car models.
Is Nissan quality as good as Toyota? ›When comparing Nissan vs Toyota's reliability, Toyota was ranked by Consumer Reports as the second most reliable out of all car brands for 2021. Nissan ranked a lot lower in sixteenth place. Toyota's are known to be very reliable, lasting their owners decades with few significant problems.
Which brand is better Honda or Nissan? ›The Consumer Reports Brand Reliability rankings put Honda in the top five. Nissan was ranked 13th. In addition, the Honda HR-V placed 5th in Consumer Reports individual model ranking for 2021.