By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Nissan USA
The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD Platinum Reserve shakes up the highly competitive full-size pickup segment with a bold design and capabilities that stake out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries.
Exterior
Inspired by a theme of powerful precision tool, the exterior provides a bold, commanding presence with a fresh, modern technical feel.
The profile, with its extended front overhang, was actually influenced by the engine, to incorporate the high performance grille, charged air cooler and two-battery installation. Aerodynamics also played a role in the exterior design, which is improved from the previous Titan and incorporates a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers, front tow hook hole cover, underbody covers, rear tire wind deflectors and a seal between the cab and bed. Available exterior features include LED headlights and taillights, signature Daytime Running Lights, puddle lamps, and step rails for cabin and bed entry/exit. Door closing effort has also been reduced.
While the previous Titan offered a bedside storage compartment in the lower outside fender panels, the new TITAN XD features available dual lockable in-bed TITAN Box storage boxes that sit sight-unseen at street level and can hold a wide range of essential work and recreational equipment. Unlike other pickup bed storage boxes, the TITAN XD units are accessible from inside the bed without having to remove a camper top or tonneau cover. The boxes are watertight and can be used as a cooler for picnics or tailgating. They are also easily removable for times when extra bed capacity is required.
Interior
Front storage has been increased 33 percent and rear storage 28 percent, for example, over the previous-generation Titan. New 2nd row underseat storage includes a locking lid for added security and the integrated foldout flat floor. The center console can hold a computer tablet with case or a 15-inch laptop.
All switches are now grouped by function type and location is based on frequency of use. Other convenient interior design features include seven assist grips, console-side map pockets, 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets, remote start with climate control function, and Rockford Fosgate premium 12-speaker audio system. The special attention to detail even includes moving the glove compartment handle to the left hand side for easier access by the driver.
The TITAN XD also features a tilt and telescoping steering column with a standard column-mounted transmission shifter lever, a move that helps increase the visibility and usability of the center stack area. This also opened up the center console for additional storage and can fit a laptop in the center console without giving up rear cup-holders and 2ND row climate control vents.
The premium grade instrument panel includes a combination of analog and digital gauges, along with a 5.0-inch color display, unique diesel monitoring and maintenance displays, and available NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps and NissanConnect Services with 7.0-inch color monitor (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel
The TITAN XD’s Cummins diesel is the first commercial application of the new Cummins M2 two-stage turbo system, which helps reduce traditional turbo-lag through precision balancing between high-pressure and low-pressure turbos. The patented Rotary Turbine Control provides solid performance across the powerband and manages exhaust gas temperatures.
Another key advantage of the new Cummins diesel design is that it provides maximum durability and power in a lightweight package. Weight was reduced by building the cylinder block out of compacted graphite iron, which is stronger and lighter than traditional iron.
The new engine also features a Bosch HPCR fuel system to deliver precise fuel control and multiple injections per combustion stroke, which helps increase efficiency and reduce traditional diesel clatter. And, the advanced, maintenance-free Bosch ceramic glow plugs provide quick engine starts, even in extreme low temperatures.
As a result of all these advanced systems, the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel is more capable than small displacement diesel engine offerings and less expensive than big bore heavy-duty diesels.
It is also designed to be fun to drive, with about 45 percent more torque at cruising speed than similar-sized gasoline V8 engines. And, its low revving powerband requires less downshifting and provides more confidence while towing, as well as saving fuel whether towing or carrying heavy loads.
Helping handle the power and torque of the engine is a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin A466ND automatic transmission developed and tuned exclusively for the TITAN XD.
Summary
This new Nissan TITAN XD Platinum Reserve is designed to offer buyers something the others don’t combining outstanding towing and hauling capabilities and noteworthy fuel economy while towing and hauling. It also offers excellent ride comfort and handling, and the features and amenities that real working truck owners want.
The top-of-the-line Platinum Reserve is distinguished by its premium leather-appointed seats with Platinum Reserve branding on the seat backs, Platinum Reserve exterior badging, heated steering wheel, chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers, 20×7.5-inch dark chrome-like wheels, driver and passenger heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Check function, dark chrome tailgate finisher, two-tone painted front and rear fascia, two-tone paint on the body sides, two-tone painted overfender molding, dark chrome outside door handles and outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a wood insert, premium open-pore wood instrument panel finishers with metallic Platinum Reserve badging, leather-wrapped shift knob with a dark-painted trim ring, and dark chrome-accented vent knobs and cup holder trim. MSRP for the Nissan Titan XD Platinum Reserve is $60,520.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
