Tow Vehicle Spotlight: 2016 Nissan TITAN XD creates ‘new class’ of full-size pickup

Commercial strength components, 555 lb-ft Cummins 5.0l V8 turbo diesel and heavy-duty attitude in the all-new Nissan TITAN XD

Featuring a Cummins 5.0l V8 turbo diesel, the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD shakes up the highly competitive full-size pickup segment in the United States and Canada with a bold design and capabilities that stake out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries.

Called the “XD,” it offers some of the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – including an available maximum towing capacity of 12,314 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 2,091 pounds (when properly equipped) – yet has fuel-efficiency and affordability closer to a half-ton pickup.

“The full-size truck market is the toughest market to crack in the entire industry, with so many outstanding products available,” said Fred Diaz, division vice president and general manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America Inc. “This new Nissan TITAN XD 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 XD is the first of a new family of Nissan TITAN full-size pickups. The new TITAN XD Crew Cab, with its powerful Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, is the first of three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels to be available once the full TITAN lineup is complete.

Base MSRP of a TITAN XD equipped with a Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine is $40,290.

The all-new TITAN XD, like the first-generation Titan, was developed with core Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi. The TITAN XD’s diesel engine is sourced from Cummins Inc. in Indiana. The lead designer and nearly four-dozen engineers involved in TITAN XD also worked on the original 2004 TITAN development.

Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel – Power, Durability and MPG
“A new class of truck also demands a new class of engine. Like the TITAN XD itself, the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel fills the space between more expensive big bore diesels and less capable smaller displacement diesels,” said Diaz. “And more than just power and torque, this engine is refined, starts fast and is responsive and quiet. It’s also lightweight and offers clean emissions.”

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.

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.

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 (CGI), which is stronger and lighter than traditional iron.

Other lightweight engine components were added, including high-strength aluminum-alloy heads and composite valve covers. The CGI block, along with the dual overhead camshafts, also contributes to the engine’s excellent noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics.

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.

“Since the majority of full-size pickup owners drive more than 10,000 miles a year, fuel economy is also critical. TITAN XD’s Cummins diesel is expected to provide a projected 20 percent better fuel economy than a gasoline-powered V8 while towing full loads,” said Diaz.

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.

Towing and Hauling – Informed and In Control

TITAN XD has a maximum payload of 2,091 pounds (when properly equipped) and a maximum towing rating of 12,314 pounds (when properly equipped). It is also snow plow-capable.

Among the list of new available towing aids are an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights from inside the TITAN cab.

Also assisting trailer hook-ups is the TITAN XD’s available RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides, while the available Around View Monitor (AVM) provides a unique “bird’s eye” view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras to help with parking and pulling in and out of tight spaces. The system also includes Moving Object Detection (MOD), which helps the driver detect moving objects such as vehicles, shopping carts or other large objects when backing out via an on-screen notification and warning chime.

Helping TITAN XD owners take advantage of its ample towing power are a range of available hitches – including an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame and easily accessible in the bed. Gooseneck hitches put the load in front of the rear axle, enhancing the ability to control the vehicle.

“In early trials held in sweltering Arizona – the testing ground for the new SAE J2807 towing standard– we put more than five tons in a gooseneck trailer and the TITAN XD performed with total confidence,” explained Diaz. The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD meets the new J2807 certification’s standards.

The new TITAN XD also includes a range of available advanced driving aids in addition to RearView Monitor and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Front and Rear Sonar System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Built from the Work Job Up with Commercial Strength
While the original Nissan Titan was known for its consumer-focused innovations, such as the Wide-Open rear doors, bedside storage compartment, factory spray-on bedliner and Utili-track Bed Channel System, the new-generation starts with a focus on commercial strength components – from the radiator to the rear axle and everything in between.

“TITAN XD is a truck that uniquely uses both technology and strength to add confidence to the completion of everyday work tasks,” said Diaz. “Half of all full-size truck owners tow more than 10 times a year, with a quarter of owners using them to haul tools, so we engineered TITAN XD’s toughness from the ground up.”

Nissan TITAN XD models are built on a unique frame and chassis to handle the Cummins diesel and Endurance V8 gas engines, as well as the truck’s expanded towing and payload potential. Starting with a durable, proven chassis design from Nissan Commercial Vehicles, the new fully boxed, full-length ladder frame is extensively reinforced and strengthened for use with the TITAN XD with added stiffness, vertical and lateral bending, and torsional rigidity. It also features an extended 151.6-inch wheelbase – about 20 inches longer than non-XD TITAN models.

To maximize stability, handling and ride comfort, TITAN XD uses a new heavy-duty, highly stable suspension design. The double-wishbone with stabilizer bar front suspension is reinforced and tuned for hard use and the rigid rear axle suspension utilizes hefty leaf springs and leaf bushings, along with twin-tube shock absorbers. The axle is a large purpose-built American Axle Manufacturing design.

The rear differential measures 9.84 inches with 3.5-inch axle tubes, while the front differential (4x4 models) measures 9.25 inches. Both are manufactured by American Axle. Also available is an Electronic Locking Rear Differential.

Hydraulic cab-mounts help isolate occupants from the advanced TITAN XD chassis. The new TITAN XD rides on 17-inch, 18-inch or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with LT245/75R17, LT275/65R18 or LT265/60R20 tires for strong all-weather/all surface traction.

Braking is provided by a 4-wheel disc system with 14.2 x 1.5-inch front/14.4 x 1.2-inch rear ventilated discs front and rear with hydraulic power assist. The high brake fluid pressure generated by an electric pump assists brake pedal force for a confident feel.

Responsive steering is provided by a recirculating ball-type high-capacity steering system with parallel rod steering linkage to optimize steering effort characteristics, even under heavy axle weight and towing conditions.

Even the radiator’s heat radiation cooling capacity has been increased more than 25 percent (versus the previous TITAN) to help enhance performance and meet SAE J2807 compliance. TITAN XD engine capacity meets 12,000-plus pound tow requirements through use of the large radiator, air transmission cooler and large 23.6-inch engine cooling fan diameter.

A Big Cabin with a Bold and Commanding Presence
Trucks today are multi-functional, used as work and everyday vehicles – so the interior has to be multi-functional as well. The designers focused on enhanced utility and on making the interior easy to use through improved layout of switched, driver control and storage spaces.

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 (in addition to the bed), 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 cupholders 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).

As in other Nissan vehicles, the new TITAN XD offers seating that is out of this world – or at least inspired by NASA. The standard front and rear Zero Gravity seats help maximize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving. Heating and cooling front sears are also available, along with a choice of water-repellant fabric or durable leather-appointments. Heated front and rear seats are available in both cloth and leather trim levels.

"While worksite-tough, the interior styling also projects a premium quality and style inspired by outdoor gear such as quilted hunting jackets," said Diaz. "In the new TITAN XD, power and comfort easily co-exist."

Special attention was also paid to reducing the intrusion of noise and vibration into the cabin. TITAN XD utilizes laminated front and rear side glass, the first full-size pickup to do so. Engine noise isolation and body sealing was also improved versus the previous generation TITAN design.

2016 TITAN XD Model Lineup 
The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD is available in five well-equipped trim levels – S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. All are offered with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations, except for the PRO-4X model, which is available exclusively as a 4x4.

TITAN XD S models are equipped with a front manual split bench seat (40/20/40), flip-down center seat with armrest, dual cupholders and storage in the seat back and bottom. A total of six cupholders, plus eight bottle holders can be found throughout the truck. Audio and entertainment is provided via a 5.0-inch color display with AM/FM, CD player, AUX, USB, MP3 and RDS along with a USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices. Streaming audio via Bluetooth, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, NissanConnect with Mobile Apps and a 6-speaker audio system also come standard.

Features aimed at fleet and commercial customers include a standard map lamp, easy-clean vinyl floor and stain-resistant cloth seats with vinyl bolsters.

TITAN XD SV models add cloth seats (without vinyl bolster), standard floor carpeting, meter display control in the steering wheel, analog Fine Vision Meters, an off-road indicator and off-road menu in the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), an overhead console with sunglass holder, grocery hooks on the cushion backside, a customizable maintenance interval reminder, front sun visor with an illuminated vanity mirror with extension, glove box lamp and mood lighting.

SV grade exterior upgrades include a chrome/mesh grille with premium metallic paint, chrome outside door handles, side mirror turn signal lamps, LED lighting with Joule-type bulbs in the rear combination lamp, front tow hooks and power adjustable heated outside mirrors. Standard Trailer Sway Control helps make towing heavy loads more stable and less burdensome to the driver.

The off-road-oriented TITAN XD PRO-4X model comes trail-ready with 275/65/R18 BSW all-terrain off-road tires, 18x7.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels featuring six lugs and a painted dark finish, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differential, lower radiator skid plate with powder-coated silver paint and Hill Descent Control.

A trailer harness that can handle both 4-pin and 7-pin connectors is mounted on the rear bumper. A receiver hitch and hitch member also come standard with the PRO-4X trim.

PRO-4X exterior features include front fog lamps, automatic on-off headlights, LED projector headlamps with LED signature and halogen high-beam lights, manual headlamp levelizer, Nissan Intelligent Key with door handle request switch, black front tow hooks, two-tone paint on the bodyside, gloss metallic black paint on the grille surround and mesh grille, high-gloss gray front lower fascia and rear bumpers, and a bedside decal.

Interior features include front driver and passenger Captain's seats, driver 8-way power seat, driver power lumbar support, stain-resistant seat covering with a vinyl bolster and "PRO-4X" embroidery, leather-wrapped steering wheel with unique contrast stitching, metallic instrument panel finishers, PRO-4X-branded floor mats, contrast stitching on the center console lid, arm rest and instrument panel, dual zone auto air conditioner plus a digital display in the HVAC control, rear A/C vents, large center console box with soft-touch topped armrest, side pockets and rear cupholders – plus a configurable center console that encompasses a cell phone box, purse holder and removable cupholders with a chrome ring. The back of the console features a 110V power outlet, with a 12V power outlet located inside the console box. The PRO-4X model's rear seats, which can be folded flat, also contain tie-down hooks and a storage box with a removable divider and lockable lid.

PRO-4X also includes a wealth of technology, such as a "Follow Me Home" function, NissanConnect with Navigation, a 7.0-inch color touch-screen display, SiriusXM Traffic and Sirius Travel LinkTM (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Siri Eyes Free, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) (late availability), RearView Monitor and rain-sensing wipers.

In addition, PRO-4X includes standard tow mirrors (manually extending and folding, with puddle lamps), Trailer Brake Controller, proximity activation for the puddle lamps, LED signature headlamps and cargo lamp, Trailer Light Check function (included on the key fob) and integrated gooseneck hitch.

The premium TITAN XD SL trim level features an interior distinguished by leather-appointed seats, heated driver and passenger seats, passenger-side 4-way power seat, power tilt and telescopic steering, memory function for both the seat and the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and wood in-mold film instrument panel finishers.

The SL grade exterior offers auto dimming outside mirrors, 265/60R20 BSW tires and 20x7.5-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels, chrome outside mirrors and door handles, removable aero front bumper spoiler, gloss chrome grille surround, satin chrome mesh grille, chrome front and lower fascias, chrome rear bumpers, four front and four rear parking sensors, power-sliding back glass, proximity-activated puddle lamps and LED signature headlights. Step rails are also available as an accessory.

SL technology features include a Rockford Fosgate Premium 12-speaker audio system, remote engine start, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM (automatic collision notification with emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, remote services including lock/unlock, "flash lights" and "sound horn," customizable alerts including drive zone, valet, curfew and speed, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts) (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), a compass on the NAVI display and HomeLink Universal Transceiver. The SL trim level also comes equipped with a range of standard bed features, including the Utili-track cargo channel system with tie-down cleats, tailgate lighting, spray-in bedliner, and 110V outlet in the bed. Standard SL towing features include manually extending and folding tow mirrors, Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Check function, front tow hooks (2WD models only) and integrated gooseneck hitch.

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, 20x7.5-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 over-fender 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.

Also standard are an integrated gooseneck hitch, tow mirrors with a dark chrome cap, front and rear metallic kickplate finishers with "Platinum Reserve" logos and pre-wiring for the DVD Family Entertainment System. "Platinum Reserve"-branded floor mats and TITAN box bed storage units are also available as accessories.

Equipment Packages
In addition to the wealth of standard features offered across the various TITAN XD Crew Cab models, many different equipment packages are available.

The S Convenience & Utility Package features a front overhead console, spray-on bedliner and receiver hitch with a wiring harness connector on the rear bumper. The SV Tow Convenience Package includes tow mirrors (manually extending with heat and puddle lamp functions), Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Light Check function (included on the key fob) receiver hitch with 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness connector on the rear bumper, integrated gooseneck hitch and front tow hooks for 2WD models.

The SV Comfort and Convenience Package adds Nissan Intelligent Key with driver and passenger request switches, cloth Captain's seats with center console, 110V outlet in the back of the center console and 12V outlet in the center console, an 8-way power driver's seat, driver's seat power lumbar, rear HVAC vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, RearView Monitor, power slide rear window with defogger, auto on/off headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink Universal Transceiver and compass.

The package also includes Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), painted rear bumper, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, fog lamps, chrome interior door locks, rain-sensing wipers, NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, Siri Eyes Free and heated front driver and passenger seats. Step rails are also available as an accessory with the SV Comfort and Convenience Package.

Another for SV, the SV Utility Package, is aimed at work customers with the Utili-track system with four tie-down cleats, tailgate area illumination, a 110V outlet in the bed, LED under-rail bed lighting and a spray-on bedliner. A flat-floor storage box in the 2nd row is also available as an accessory.

The PRO-4X Utility and Audio Package includes front and rear parking sensors, the Utili-track system with four tie-down cleats, tailgate area illumination, a 110V outlet in the bed, LED under-rail bed lighting, power sliding rear window with defogger, 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with an amplifier, underseat subwoofer, center channel speaker and front and rear tweeters.

The PRO-4X Convenience Package contains leather-appointed seats with contrasting stitching (unique for the PRO-4X), "PRO-4X" embroidery, 4-way power-assisted seat, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, a compass on the NAVI display, NissanConnect with Navigation, NissanConnect Services (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), remote engine start*, driver's side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated driver and passenger seats, memory driver's seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The PRO-4X luxury package includes driver and passenger ventilated seats, Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Reverse Auto Tilt and memory outside mirrors. The TITAN Box storage units are available as bed accessories.

The sole package for the Platinum Reserve trim level is the Platinum Reserve Rear DVD Entertainment System, which includes a headrest-mounted DVD Entertainment System, plus a pair of wireless headphones.

Durability, Quality and Reliability
The TITAN design and engineering teams also set one other bar extremely high, what they designated as "120 percent DQR." That meant infusing the vehicle with exceptional fit and finish, top quality components inside and out, and unrelenting attention to detail – in areas that can be seen and areas that are not.

The 2016 TITAN has undergone some of the most rigorous and extensive testing of any vehicle in company history, building on the foundation established for Nissan Commercial Vehicles extended durability evaluations.

"TITAN is about one thing – getting the job done," concluded Diaz. "While dimensionally the TITAN XD will fit in most garages just like a light duty truck, it has the heart and soul of a heavy duty machine. Owners will never have to worry about having towing or hauling power in reserve – without having to pay a serious price in terms of drivability or affordability."

The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD is assembled in Canton, Mississippi, with engines assembled in Indiana and Tennessee (5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel and gasoline V8 and V6 respectively). See NissanNews.com for full pricing for the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab models equipped with the 5.0L Cummins V8 Turbo Diesel.