Titan begs for hard driving
Greg Zyla
Syndicated Columnist
This week, we test-drive a big, fast, impressive 2008 Nissan Titan Pro-4x half-ton pickup. The Pro-4x is one of two all-new Titan offerings for 2008, the other being a Long Wheelbase model.
Titan's full-size dimensions enhance Nissan's reputation as a popular choice for work or adventure, and this brute of a truck begs to be driven hard. Surprisingly, Titan also offers a great ride considering its bulk.
We are additionally impressed with Nissan's "Switch On Demand," shift on the fly 4WD system. Thanks to a 2-speed transfer case and dash mounted switch that offers three traction settings at any time, 2x4, 4-Hi and 4-Lo is just a flick away. We used the 4-Hi and 4-Lo on a quick run through some off-road mountain trails, easily done thanks to the truck's 20-inch tires, alloy wheels and generous 10.7-inch ground clearance.
Under the hood sits a powerful, 317-horse, 5.6-liter V-8 hooked to a 5-speed automatic transmission that delivers a stout 385-pound ft. of torque. When in 2WD mode and not carrying cargo, be prepared for the rear tires to break loose if you're not careful. Too much throttle will let your neighbors know there's lots of power under the hood. If there is a negative to big, V-8 powered Titans, it's the EPA numbers of just 12-city and 17-highway. These EPA numbers are nothing to cheer about in this day of $100 per barrel oil banter and rising gas prices. However, the V-8 is available in Flex Fuel capability for E85 Ethanol, but the EPA numbers drop even more. (At least we cut our oil demand).
Still, consumers must note that Nissan pickups include smaller Frontier, and can be ordered in a light duty mode with more economical four and six cylinder engines. Our "short wheelbase" Titan Pro-4x model still stretched an amazing 139.8-inches on its Pro-4x full chassis, yet buyers can start with a $16,150, 4-cylinder powered Frontier King Cab, which sits on a 125.9-inch wheelbase, weighs only 3,668-pounds and delivers 19 city and 23 highway EPA numbers.
What impressed us most, however, is the work Nissan engineers are putting into its large truck brake systems, an area where past drives in older generation Nissan trucks left us a bit wanting. Four huge ABS disc rotors help stop the 5,230-pound Titan, resulting in a more confident feeling when traveling at 65-mph on the freeway.
The outward shape, too, is noteworthy, as Nissan's design team has never been a group to shy away from novel motifs. Sitting next to main competitors Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, the certainly Titan holds its own. Inside, Titan's cabin exudes a "more comfort" than "work" attitude, from a great sounding stereo to numerous standard amenity items. We won't list each standard feature, just stress that Titan is loaded with everything expected in a $30,000-plus vehicle.
Passengers, meanwhile, gain access to King Cab's full rear bench seat from small, suicide style rear doors. The comfort, however, is questionable, as we nestled a full-size adult male into the rear quarters for a 50-mile business trip. His final assessment was "in a pinch, it will do if I sit in the middle," which translates into "too tight" for everyday commutes. This is why Titan offers 159.5-inch wheelbase King or Crew Cab, the latter with four-door design. If you are a smaller adult or child, however, the short wheelbase model's rear seating is fine.
Our Titan had a few notable options, one of them a recommended side air bag package for $1,200 that adds front seat mounted side impact air bags and roof mounted curtain side impact bags with rollover support. It's worth every penny.
A "Popular Package" for $1,250 adds 8-way power driver seat, steering audio controls, auto dim rear mirror, and the now loved rear sonar system with audible warning and Homelink transmitter. In particular, while switching vehicles around in my circular driveway, my son parked the family Trans-Am, with new fiberglass Ram Air hood, behind the Titan. Later, while backing Titan up so I wouldn't run over some grass, I couldn't see the low sitting Trans-Am, and the rear warning alarm went off and I stopped just in time. (Thanks Nissan, you saved the day, the fiberglass hood, and my reputation).
Titan is available in four models, XE, SE, PRO-4X and LE; two body styles, King Cab and Crew Cab; four bed sizes ranging from 5.5 to 8-feet; and in 4x2 or 4x4 configuration. Other important numbers include a 28-gallon fuel tank and 9,400-pound tow capacity.
We enjoyed our week in the Titan Pro-4x, and rate it a strong 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Likes: Rear sonar, looks, power, comfort, cabin amenities, lots of standard features.
Dislikes: Although a big work truck, gasoline fuel mileage is poor; Ethanol is even worse at 9-city and 12-highway.
