Used 2022 Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab

The 2022 Nissan Titan XD full-size pickup occupies a niche between half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks. It’s bigger and more capable than the regular Titan, but doesn’t have the extreme talents of heavy-duty vehicles like the Ford F-250/F-350 range. Which could be a good thing.

Some buyers might not need — and therefore not feel inclined to pay for — all the extra capabilities of a heavy-duty truck. Yet they may still want what the XD can do. This is, admittedly, a particular niche and one that isn’t always effective. Let’s look into it.

A Nissan Titan XD can tow up to 11,060 pounds and handle a payload of 2,430 pounds. That’s much better than the non-XD Titan, but not so impressive in the bigger picture. The new-for-2022 Toyota Tundra, for example, can pull up to 12,000 pounds and is only 140 pounds short of the Titan XD’s payload figure.

We mention the Tundra here because it also has driver assistance features like forward collision warning that were once a major Titan/Titan XD selling point for Nissan. But not quite so major now.

As the so-called smaller trucks become more able and better equipped, it’s becoming harder to recommend the Titan XD as an alternative. The lack of choice may also work against it.

The sole configuration of the 2022 Titan XD is a Crew Cab with a bed measuring 6.5 feet long, 4-wheel drive, and a V8 gasoline engine. No options for other cabs, bed lengths, drivetrains, or dual rear wheels. For every potential buyer who might appreciate the simplicity, there could be another who wants something else.

So we’re back to the niche. There’s nothing else exactly like the 2022 Titan XD. Whether that’s a plus or a minus depends on who’s considering it. There is, however, a great 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Even though other trucks are improving their refinement, the 2022 Titan XD has a relatively comfortable ride quality. It doesn’t need a load in the bed for the truck to feel nicely settled on the move. With the excellent front seats as well, the Titan XD is a pleasure to drive, not a chore.

The standard V8 engine makes 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, which is ample. And the 9-speed automatic transmission performs its duties without fuss.

A specialized suspension gives the PRO-4X model a slightly higher ground clearance than the S and SV, adding to its off-road credentials.

Although a Crew Cab is the only form of accommodation with the Nissan Titan XD, it is at least comfortable and spacious. The seats in both rows are road-trip friendly. And 38.5 inches of rear legroom is plenty.

The S and SV trims provide seating for six, with a 3-person bench seat (which splits 40/20/40) up front. The SV offers the option of two individual front seats — an arrangement that’s standard in the Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve models. The rear seats split 60/40, with flip-up cushions and fold-down backs.

The lower two trims have a plastic steering wheel and cloth upholstery. That’s not so bad, given that the base models of most pickups have vinyl seating. The amount of cup holders is also different — half a dozen in the S and SV, 10 in the PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve. Although the SV offers a couple more up front. Every trim has a roomy stowage space under the front center armrest.

Platinum Reserve is the most luxurious variant, with leather seating surfaces, open-pore wood trim, aluminum door sill plates, and footwell lighting.

If there’s a lot of towing to be done with a 2022 Titan XD, it’s a better idea to choose SV trim over the more affordable S, because it has extendable side mirrors. The 20-pound difference in trailer capacity is negligible.

Most trims have a black grille, although Platinum Reserve brightens thing up with a chrome grille surround and a satin chrome mesh. It also comes with running boards as standard, which are optional on the SV, plus 20-inch alloy wheels finished in dark chrome.

INFOTAINMENT TOUCHSCREEN
The 9-inch version, specifically, because this one is better than high definition. An abundant pixel count as part of its WXGA technology makes this unit a pleasure to look at and use.

TRAILER LIGHT CHECK SYSTEM
Installed as standard in all but the base S trim, this feature allows a solo driver to make sure all the turn signals and brake lights, etc. are working properly, all while inside the cab or using the key fob.

S trim for the 2022 Titan XD comes with 17-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, spray-in bed liner, 4-pin/7-pin connector, trailer sway control, cloth upholstery, rear door alert, and rear parking sensors.

The infotainment system is based around an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, one USB-A, one USB-C, satellite radio, and six speakers are also included.

Driver assistance features make a strong showing in this most affordable Titan XD, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with steering feedback.

Successive trims in the 2022 Titan XD range are SV, PRO-4X, and Platinum Reserve. SV adds extendable side mirrors, puddle lights, LED taillights, and adaptive cruise control. It’s also eligible for more options.

Whereas the S is offered with heavier-duty front springs, plus some towing-based equipment, the SV qualifies for 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, two front seats (with optional heating), dual-zone automatic climate control, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation, 120-volt outlets (in the cabin and the bed), self-dimming rearview mirror, Wi-Fi, gooseneck adaptor, rear utility steps, and an electronic locking tailgate.

PRO-4X is the off-road specialist, with an aluminum protection plate, electronic locking rear differential, hill descent control, dedicated suspension components like Bilstein shock absorbers, and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing all-terrain tires.

Other features include LED exterior lighting (including fog lights), rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, upgraded infotainment system, and rear USB ports.

This is the one Nissan Titan XD trim level with a rear utility step and an electronic locking tailgate as standard. Options for the Pro-4X include a heated steering wheel with power adjustment, heated front/rear seats, self-dimming side mirrors, lockable bed boxes, gooseneck adapter, 360-degree camera system, and a dual-pane panoramic moonroof.

Platinum Reserve comes with most of the above as standard, along with a Utili-track channel system for the bed, cargo bed lighting, leather seating surfaces, heated/ventilated front seats, power-adjustable front passenger seat, Fender-branded 12-speaker audio system (optional in the PRO-4X), remote engine start, and front parking sensors.

There are no choices here. Every 2022 Titan XD employs a 5.6-liter V8 making 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque when fed with a steady diet of premium gasoline. A 9-speed automatic transmission sends this to a standard 4-wheel drive (4WD) system that has a high/low transfer case.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not calculate any fuel consumption estimates for this size of truck.

5.6-liter V8
400 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
413 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A