2015 Nissan Titan Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Although it's a relative latecomer to the immensely popular full-size pickup market here in the U.S., Nissan’s medium-duty Titan is...

Although it's a relative latecomer to the immensely popular full-size pickup market here in the U.S., Nissan’s medium-duty Titan is designed for those who want Japanese reliability along with domesticated toting and hauling proficiency. Unfortunately, this otherwise capable truck lacks the styling and features upgrades, not to mention the multiple engine offerings, common to most of its rivals, thus it won’t be the first choice for those with serious work to do.

Available in a pair of 5- or 6-passenger, 4-door cab configurations, the King Cab (with rearward-opening back doors) and the roomier Crew Cab (regular forward-opening rear doors), the 2015 Titan lineup is also offered in 3 bed lengths, with King Cabs sporting a standard 6.6-foot bed, Crew Cabs carrying a standard 5.6-foot bed, and a 7-foot bed again offered as an option on the Crew Cab SV trim level. The Titan returns packing either standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD), with said 4WD system boasting a 2-speed transfer case and auto-locking hubs. Furthermore, the 2015 Titan once again comes in a choice of 4 trim levels: the base S, the up-featured SV, the off-road-ready 4WD-only PRO-4X, and the flagship SL. Lower trims remain available in either cab configuration, while the SL comes only in Crew Cab garb.

Among the significant changes to the 2015 Titan stable is the deletion of the long-wheelbase edition, leaving only the standard 138.9-inch wheelbase to carry the load. Additionally, a subtle redesign of the interior door panels is evident in all trim levels for this year, as are a few tweaks to options packages, including upgrades to the popular NissanConnect telematics.

Power, unfortunately, may be an Achilles heel in this otherwise capable pickup. Nissan has, since its 2004 inception, offered only the single 5.6-liter V8 engine to drive the entire Titan lineup. Mated with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, this peppy 8-cylinder puts out 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, mileage is estimated at a tepid 13 mpg city/18 highway in the standard RWD variations and 12/17 in 4WD trims. Oh, and look for 9,500 pounds of towing capacity out of a properly equipped RWD Titan.

Reviewers have wondered for some time now when the Titan will be offered with, for instance, a gasoline-burning V6 and/or a turbodiesel powerplant to rival its Ram, Ford, and Chevy competitors, which brings us to rumors that just such a fuel-efficient and potent powertrain profusion might be on tap for 2016.

Appearance-wise, expect the 2015 Titan lineup to offer, depending on the trim level selected, standard 18-inch steel or alloy wheels, auxiliary transmission cooling, skid plates, chrome exterior trim pieces, power-adjustable mirrors, and side steps.

Inside, and again depending on the trim level chosen, look for cloth or leather-trimmed upholstery, full power accessories, a power-sliding rear window (Crew Cab versions only), cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with either 6 or 8 speakers.

Higher trim levels additionally throw in such standard extras as rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free calling, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a color audio display. Furthermore, the Titan SL tacks on standard dual-zone auto climate control, NissanConnect navigation and smartphone apps, power-adjustable pedals, and memory for driver’s settings.

The terrain-taming PRO-4X, meantime, additionally boasts, besides standard 4WD, a beefed-up off-road suspension system, an electronic rear locking differential, a lower final gear ratio, and a switch-operated transfer case.

Lower 2015 Titan trims again remain eligible for much of the optional equipment that comes standard in higher editions, while a number of packages offer a power moonroof, upgraded exterior chrome trim accents, front captain’s chairs (5-passenger capacity), rear-seat DVD entertainment and upgraded 20-inch wheels. Heated and extendable tow mirrors and a rear bumper step, meanwhile, remain standalone options for all trim levels.

Standard safety equipment lineup-wide, finally, includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and active front headrests. Additionally, the rugged PRO-4X and the top-shelf SL are delivered with standard front fog/driving lights, which remain optional for the SV.