Nissan introduced the 2020 Titan last month and now
the company is following up by unveiling the Titan XD. Essentially a heavy duty version
of the standard truck, the 2020 Titan XD has a fully boxed, full-length ladder
frame that has been “extensively reinforced and strengthened.” The frame is
also about 381 mm longer than the one used on the standard Titan
and this allows the Titan XD to have a full-size 1,981 mm bed.
Speaking of beds, there’s only one option as Nissan
has “simplified” the Titan XD lineup. That’s an understatement as the truck
will only be offered in one configuration with a Crew Cab body, a 1,981 mm bed and four-wheel drive. However, there will be five trim levels
including the S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve.
On the styling front, the 2020 Titan XD has a
redesigned grille which can be flanked by optional LED headlights with “double
boomerang” LED daytime running lights. The pickup also has a new front bumper,
restyled wheels and revised tailgate finishers. Other updates include new
taillights and optional LED fog lights. The back of the truck is all
about the bed and it has some features worth mentioning. While it’s not made
out of carbon fiber, the bed has LED lights and an integrated gooseneck hitch
which is covered by a plug.
The cabin largely carries over from the standard
Titan and drivers will find Zero Gravity seats, a 7-inch driver information
display and an new smartphone holder/charging system. The truck has also been
equipped with additional assist grips and larger storage compartments.
An assortment of options will be available including
a new Integrated Command Center which is a 9-inch infotainment system with
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Buyers can also order a
12-speaker Fender premium audio system and a new dual panel panoramic moonroof
which is one of the largest in the segment.
Since the diesel engine has been dropped for 2020,
power is provided by a 5.6-liter petrol V8 that develops 400 hp and 559 Nm of torque. It is connected to a new nine-speed
automatic transmission which replaces the previous seven-speed gearbox. Nissan
says the change results in smoother and faster acceleration as well as “optimal
power on standing starts and at cruising speeds.”
The Titan XD is available
exclusively with four-wheel drive. The truck also comes with Hill Start Assist,
a Brake Limited-Slip Differential and an enhanced off-road gauge that displays
the tire angle, relative pitch and roll angle. Customers looking to take their
truck off-road can also opt for the PRO-4X which features Hill Descent Control
and an electronic locking rear differential.
Nissan was coy on tow ratings, but said the Titan XD
has “ample towing power.” That’s pretty
vague, but the automaker confirmed the truck will have a higher towing and
payload capacity than the standard Titan.
Nissan said the
truck will be offered with an assortment of towing aids. These include an Integrated Trailer Brake
Controller, Trailer Sway Control and a Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed
Control. Customers can also get a
RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides and an Intelligent Around View Monitor
that gives drivers a birds-eye view of their truck and its surroundings. Last but not least, there’s a Trailer Light
Check system that allows owners to verify their trailer lights are working
using the key fob.
Speaking of technology, all Titan XDs come equipped
with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes Automatic Emergency Braking with
Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane
Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. The 2020 Nissan Titan XD will go on sale early next
year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.