Used 2013 Nissan Titan Crew Cab

The 2013 Nissan Titan remains a competitive player among full-size trucks. In a segment traditionally dominated by Ford GM, and Ram, the Titan holds its own against domestic rivals. While it doesn’t offer the range of engine choices or three-quarter-ton and 1-ton models like some of its peers, the Titan does come with a stout but thirsty V8 engine, king-cab or crew-cab configuration, and a choice of three bed lengths. Wide-opening rear doors and the built-in Utili-track cargo system in the truck bed enhance livability and utility. Even at around $30,000, a base Titan King Cab lacks creature comforts such as power windows and mirrors.

The 2013 Nissan Titan’s engine isn’t the most powerful V8 in its class, but still offers more than enough oomph to get the job done, whether that’s passing slower traffic or hauling cargo uphill. The powertrain is responsive at all speeds, and we appreciate Nissan’s gated 5-speed automatic transmission that comes on models with front captain’s chairs. That transmission setup is particularly handy on steep descents and when towing because it allows you to shift to lower gears to spare the brakes. In our tests, we sensed some vibration coming through the steering wheel, but overall the Titan exhibits a smooth, controlled ride with better-than-average steering and handling.

With a wide array of trims and options, the 2013 Nissan Titan’s cabin can range from that of a simple work truck to something with a near-premium feel. Base models use a cloth-covered bench seat up front and offer seating for up to six people. Higher trims have a pair of leather-covered captain’s chairs up front, reducing seating capacity to five, but offering greater comfort. The Titan’s rear bench seat folds up to create more cargo space. Also offered is a front passenger seat that folds flat to create a mobile workstation. The Titan’s steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, which can compromise your driving position. Power-adjustable pedals are available, though.

The Nissan Titan can be had as a King Cab or Crew Cab – unlike competitors, there is no regular cab version. The larger Crew Cab models are available in long- or short-wheelbase configurations to accommodate a long or standard truck bed. If there is one category of vehicle in which exterior style takes a back seat to utility, it’s the pickup. It makes sense, then, that Nissan focused on adding practical features to the Titan to better help it do the work for which trucks are known: hauling stuff. To that end, available features include a 120-volt AC outlet, recessed lights and the Utili-track cargo system in the truck bed, and a lockable compartment behind the left rear wheel.

WIDE-SWINGING REAR DOOR
The rear door of Titan’s King Cab model swings out 168 degrees, making it much easier for passengers to enter and exit. And when the rear bench seat isn’t holding passengers, it folds up to create additional interior cargo space.

UTILI-TRACK CARGO MANAGEMENT
This available feature endows the Titan’s truck bed with two rails and four cleats to help lock cargo in place, a great system to have when you need to tie down and haul uneven loads.

A base 2-wheel drive (2WD) 2013 Nissan Titan S King Cab comes with air conditioning, cloth seating, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, a fold-up rear bench seat, washable vinyl floors, and a lockable tailgate. Even with an asking price of nearly $30,000, you might be surprised to find a column shifter (due to the 40/20/40 split bench seat) and manual-adjust mirrors in your base Titan. Also lacking in those models are features such as cruise control, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and even power windows. To get those goods on a 2013 Titan, you’ll need to spend more money on options or step up to another trim.

Options for the 2013 Nissan Titan vary by trim, with most major features bundled into packages. All Titans can be had with 4-wheel drive (4WD). Other options include comfy captain’s chairs in place of the bench seat, a navigation system, Nissan’s Utili-track tie-down system, spray-on bedliner, a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, a moonroof, a power driver’s seat, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and connectivity features such as Bluetooth and a USB input. Titan models can also be had as flex-fuel vehicles to run on a higher blend of ethanol (E85).

Nissan Titan trucks are powered by a 5.6-liter V8 that makes 317 horsepower and is connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. The Titan has a maximum tow rating of 9,300 pounds. The engine can also be had with the ability to run on a blend up of up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Running on regular gasoline, the Titan’s highway rating is just 18 mpg. Four-wheel-drive models, meanwhile, have a 12 mpg rating in city driving.

5.6-liter V8
317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg (2WD, gasoline), 12/17 mpg (4WD, gasoline), 9/13 mpg (2WD, E85), 9/12 mpg (4WD, E85)