Overview
When it comes to full-size trucks, the 2024 Nissan Titan struggles to be part of the conversation. It’s not because the half-ton pickup doesn’t have a supremely comfortable interior or because its standard 400-hp V-8 doesn’t provide plenty of thrust; it gets high marks in both regards. The Titan’s biggest issue—besides having to fight against the foothold domestic automakers have on the U.S. truck market—is that it trails the competition in most of the important categories. Not only does it lack affordable lower trims and luxurious upper trims, but the Titan also can’t tow as much—nor does it have the latest technology that others do. While Nissan can’t easily close that chasm, the company does offer the best warranty in the class at five years or 100,000 miles. That’s likely not enough to lure customers from the likes of Chevy, Ford, and Ram, but it might just mean the Nissan Titan soldiers on for a few more years.
What’s New for 2024?
The big news for the 2024 Titan lineup isn’t that it adds a new Bronze Edition package, it’s that the entry-level S model has been dropped. With the Titan that’s best suited for tradesmen now gone, the half-ton truck’s base price rises by over $5000. The Titan SV is now the entry point, and it alone can be equipped with the aforementioned Bronze Edition treatment—for an extra $2980, of course. With the new appearance package, the Titan adds bronze 20-inch wheels, a black grille surround and center bumper section, and a bed-mounted sport bar.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Since the base S model no longer exists, we’d opt for the crew cab SV with rear-wheel drive because it’s the least expensive. Of course, those who want the added capability of all-wheel drive can add it for extra coin. This choice limits the number of optional upgrades, but it still features standard equipment such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also has automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Unlike the variety of powertrains available on light-duty rivals, the Titan makes do with a single engine and transmission combo. Its venerable 5.6-liter V-8 produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a nine-speed automatic. The Titan trades handling and ride quality for off-road ruggedness and reasonable hauling capacities. While it can giddyap to 60 mph as quickly as competitors’ V-8 models and has sufficient stopping power, its steering and handling aren’t as refined as its rivals’. Although the Titan and the separately reviewed Titan XD share cabs and other components, they have their own specific chassis and suspensions. The Titan Pro-4X version swaps the stock shocks for an off-road set better suited for rough roads, but we noted that they feel stiffer than rivals with similar setups. When we last drove the updated-for-2020 Titan, we found that it couldn’t match the impressive ride quality of the Ram 1500.
Towing and Payload Capacity
When it comes to the all-important tow and payload ratings, the Titan’s maximums are at the back of the pack. Still, its ability to tow up to 9660 pounds is more than enough for most owners, and every model can pull at least 9240 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Titan is estimated to earn up to 21 mpg on the highway, but while the rear-drive version is rated at 16 mpg in the city, the four-wheel-drive version gets 1 mpg less. The Titan Pro-4X has estimates of 15 mpg city and 20 highway. We haven’t tested a Titan on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, but we’ll evaluate its real-world mpg when we have the chance. For more information about the Titan’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Titan impresses with a serene cabin and its standard set of outrageously comfy Zero Gravity front seats, as Nissan calls them. Good-looking premium materials are reserved for the Platinum Reserve trim. Unfortunately, the Titan’s interior design is dull, the abundance of plastic disappoints, and the crew cab’s rear-seat legroom is the least of all of its competitors. When it comes to cargo control, though, the Titan is one of the best in the biz. Every model has a spring-assisted tailgate for easy use, and innovative add-ons such as a unique bed-channel system and discreet in-bed cargo boxes are available. However, its interior storage space disappoints when it comes to finding a spot for smaller items, and its cargo boxes have the least amount of storage space among rivals. The Titan’s two bed lengths are tied to cab size: 6.6 feet for the extended cab and 5.6-feet for the crew cab.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every model has an 8.0-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability; a larger 9.0-inch unit is also available. Both interfaces incorporate the latest NissanConnect infotainment software, which makes for a modernized user experience. The Titan also can be had with wireless charging for smartphones, a mobile hotspot, a powerful Fender audio system, and several power-charging ports.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Titan does offer a slew of standard driver-assistance technology. There also are several desirable options that include a 360-degree camera, a unique motion-detector system, and more. For more information about the Titan’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Titan has the best limited and powertrain warranties in its class. The second-shortest roadside-assistance coverage and no complimentary scheduled maintenance detract from its otherwise comprehensive protection plan.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 100,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Nissan Titan
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear- or rear/4-wheel-drive, 5- or 6-passenger, 4-door pickup
BASE PRICE C/D EST
King Cab, $36,000; Crew Cab, $39,000
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
339 cu in, 5552 cc
Power
400 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 139.8 in
Length: 228.2–229.5 in
Width: 79.5–80.7 in
Height: 75.1–77.2 in
Passenger volume: 99–120 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 5500–6000 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.7–6.4 sec
100 mph: 15.7–17.6 sec
¼-mile: 14.4–15.2 sec
Top speed: 110 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 18–19/15/21–22 mpg
