Used 2018 Nissan TITAN XD

The 2018 Nissan Titan XD offers more power and towing ability than the standard Titan pickup, thanks in part to its more robust frame and available 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. Straddling the line between a half-ton and 3-quarter-ton pickup, the Titan XD displays a rugged but somewhat cliché exterior, features a number of utility conveniences and is equipped with a great set of “zero-gravity” front seats. Unfortunately, the Titan XD’s advantages end there. A Ford F-150 can still tow more weight, as can a 3-quarter-ton F-250, Ram 2500 or Chevy Silverado 2500 that all have similar pricing. However, for Ram and Chevy half-ton buyers looking to pull a bit more than those trucks allow, the XD might be a viable alternative.

Put away any old notions that big diesel trucks drive like, well, big diesel trucks. The 2018 Titan XD is far from uncomfortable or unwieldy, and its quiet operation will take many by surprise. Even with the window down, you’ll be hard-pressed to hear the diesel engine. Inside, the Titan XD is downright luxurious, on par with the nicest Ford King Ranch or Ram Laramie Longhorn. From its zero-gravity heated and quilted leather seats to the 360-degree Around View monitor, the Titan can pamper as well as it performs. The Titan is a big truck and you’ll notice it upon first climbing behind the wheel. However, like driving any big truck, you quickly get used to it. The Cummins turbodiesel V8 offers plenty of power for accelerating and towing, although its forward progression is more linear than rocket-like. During our test, we had no issues pulling a 9,500-pound trailer or hauling significant payloads.

Nissan’s 2018 Titan XD brings together a tough, rugged design with available features that will please the most spoiled truck buyer. The top-of-the-line Platinum Reserve trim level gets you the best of the best, with debossed heated and cooled leather seats, open-pore wood accents and aluminum doorsill plates. The most attractive layout uses wood as an accent alongside very comfortable black-and-cocoa-brown 2-tone seats, dash and door panels. Our living room is jealous. Features like hands-free text messaging, navigation, NissanConnect with mobile apps, Bluetooth, and a 110-volt power outlet enhance everything from the daily drive to a cross-country road trip.

A huge design departure from the first-generation Titan, some have criticized the 2018 Titan XD’s styling for looking too much like existing trucks, especially the best-selling Ford F-Series. Whatever, it sure looks tough and it draws a crowd. Some of the design was defined by necessity: For example, the front overhang was extended to accommodate the Cummins turbodiesel grille, charged air cooler and two batteries, and Nissan engineers prioritized aerodynamics in an attempt to maximize fuel economy. Most models come standard with an integrated gooseneck hitch; there’s also a useful Utili-track bed-channel system plus watertight Titan Box storage boxes.

CUMMINS TURBODIESEL V8
Cummins builds some of the best diesel engines in the world, and the 5.0-liter turbodiesel V8 in the Titan XD is no exception. With 555 lb-ft of torque, the Titan XD feels locomotive-like in its ability to tow and haul, and it gets slightly better fuel economy than its gasoline V8 counterpart.

AROUND VIEW MONITOR
Nissan’s Around View monitor provides a 360-degree view of the area outside the truck. This feature is not only helpful when parking, but can be useful in the wilderness by showing low obstacles in the Titan’s path or when hooking up a trailer without the assistance of a spotter.

Standard on every 2018 Titan XD pickup is a segment-leading 5-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Hill-start assist also comes standard, as do aluminum step rails, 17-inch steel wheels and a removable, lockable tailgate. Six-passenger seating is offered only in the base model S; all others seat five. A hands-free, text-messaging assistant, 6-speaker stereo and USB ports come in all Titan XDs, as do steering-wheel controls, cruise control, Bluetooth, rear reading lights and NissanConnect with mobile apps. Skidplates are standard in every trim except S.

The Titan XD comes as S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve, with two cabs, three bed lengths and 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD, 4WD). The V8 turbodiesel is the most significant option. Other options include 20-inch wheels, spray-in bedliner, integrated gooseneck hitch and trailer-sway control (both standard on all but the S), a 110-volt outlet in the truck bed and trailer-brake controller. Extendable, heated auto-dimming tow mirrors are also offered. Inside, Titan XD buyers can opt for heated/cooled leather power seats, 7-inch color touch screen, 12-speaker audio, satellite radio, navigation, Siri Eyes Free and a DVD entertainment system.

There are two engines offered in the Titan XD, a standard 390-horsepower 5.6-liter double-overhead-cam V8 with direct injection. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Optional is the big-dog Cummins turbodiesel that displaces 5.0 liters and makes 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. It’s backed by a robust 6-speed automatic that can handle that tremendous amount of torque. Since the Titan XD is a larger, heavier truck than pickups such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Ram 1500 (the XD’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or the maximum the truck can weigh, including payload, people and fluids, is more than 8,500 pounds), its fuel economy is not rated by the EPA.

5.6-liter V8
390 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: Not rated

5.0-liter turbodiesel V8
310 horsepower @ 3,200 rpm
555 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: Not rated