Nissan is working on a facelifted Titan, but it
appears the updated truck will lose one of its more distinctive features. According to The Drive, the 2020
Titan XD will no longer be offered with an optional 5.0-liter Cummins V8 turbodiesel
engine. The engine was introduced three years ago and develops 310 hp and 752 Nm of torque.
The death of the engine is a bit surprising as
diesel-powered pickups have become increasingly common in the United States. In the past few years, they’ve spread to mid-
and full-size pickups such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and
Ford F-150. The death of the diesel could also mean the 2020 Titan XD will have
less impressive towing capabilities. The 2019 model can tow up to 5,820 kg with the diesel engine, while the standard V8 petrol maxes out at 5,343 kg.
That’s a relatively minor drop of 476
kg, but the Titan XD wasn’t going to win any towing competitions anyways. The 2020 GMC Sierra HD can move up to 16,102 kg, while the 2019 Ram HD can tow up to 15,921 kg. When reached for comment, a
Nissan spokesperson told The Drive the elimination of the diesel engine will
“help better position Nissan in the long term as we prepare for the launch of
the new, dramatically refreshed 2020 Titan and Titan XD Gas later this year.”
Speaking about the facelifted truck, previous spy
photos have shown the model will have a revised grille, restyled headlights and
a new front bumper. We can also expect new taillights and a modified tailgate. The styling changes will continue
in the cabin as drivers will find a new instrument cluster and a revised center
stack that houses a larger and more modern infotainment system. There will also
be new switchgear and restyled air vents.
Since the diesel engine is being dropped, the truck
will likely be powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces around 390 hp and 533 Nm of torque. It’s currently paired to a
seven-speed automatic transmission which can be connected to an optional
four-wheel drive system.
