2016 Nissan Titan XD Lassoes Truck of Texas Title
The Texas Auto Writers Association held its annual Texas Truck Rodeo Oct. 7-9 and named winners in two dozen categories; the all-new Nissan Titan XD took the top honor as the 2015 Truck of Texas.
The Texas Truck Rodeo is one of the most important shows for truckmakers because it's the first significant award event of the new-model season. Winning the 2015 Truck of Texas trophy can create quite a bit of marketing momentum for a new pickup truck as it heads into the new auto show season — November in Los Angeles, January in Detroit and February in Chicago.
TAWA began holding the rodeo in 1993; this year almost 70 automotive writers participated, many with deep roots in Texas, the largest pickup market in the country. For two hot days, TAWA members jumped in and out of roughly 90 different vehicles, segmented into crossover, SUV, pickup truck, commercial and display categories.
Manufacturers work hard to get their vehicles into this contest, sometimes pushing their manufacturing and production facilities to their limits to get early-production products into hands of the evaluators. In the case of the 2016 Titan XD (a brand-new pickup we first saw at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit), Nissan worked hard to get a few early XDs to the test facility in Spring Branch, Texas, ahead of Nissan's first media event (scheduled for November). Consequently, the media is embargoed from writing about driving impressions for several weeks and pricing information could only be "ballparked" at the rodeo. Nissan's push paid off since the XD went home with the highly coveted Truck of Texas award.
TAWA presented many other awards as well; here are the ones that resonate with us along with a few of our thoughts.
Midsize Pickup Winner: 2016 Toyota Tacoma (runner-up: 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax)
The Tacoma's win isn't a surprise because of the impressive redesign and upgrades inside and out as well as underneath. It's still the gold standard for the segment and a well-executed and versatile all-new pickup.
Full-Size Pickup Winner: 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel (runner-up: 2016 Nissan Titan XD Platinum Reserve)
No surprise here either as this new model is much more than than just a new trim package. The Rebel options, most of which existed in the 2015 model, are so well-integrated and upgraded that this truck drives and feels like something brand new.
Luxury Pickup Winner: 2016 Nissan Titan XD Platinum Reserve (runner-up: 2016 Ram 1500 Limited)
This one has us scratching our head. Yes, this new XD is a much better truck than the one it's replacing, and for that it should get plenty of attention, but to pick this above the Ram 1500 or Ford F-150 Limited, and even the GMC Sierra 2500 Denali, makes us think there were some confused voters here.
Heavy-Duty Pickup Winner: 2016 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn (runner-up: 2016 Ford F-250)
This was the right call.
Off-Road Pickup Winner: 2016 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X (runner-up: 2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon SLT)
Huh? This choice makes us think we woke up in an alternate universe. We're not sure if anyone saw the approach angle on the Titan XD PRO-4X (it must be less than 15 degrees) or the type of tires on the truck, but to make the Power Wagon and Tacoma TRD Off-Road sit at the kid's table is laughable. We love low-end diesel torque as much as anyone, but that shouldn't be the only test of a good off-roader.
Best Powertrain Award: Cummins turbo-diesel 5.0-liter V-8 and Aisin transmission (runner-up: Volvo T6 Drive-E)
Nissan obviously spent the proper amount of money and engineering time here, making the new torque-biased Cummins and new heavy-duty Aisin transmission work so well together. We've seen how they're built and have confidence in their longevity.
Commercial Vehicle Winner: 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris (runner-up: 2015 Ford Transit)
We might have to agree with this choice, but we have a funny feeling the Metris' yearly sales total won't ever beat the Ford Transit's monthly sales. Still, how can you not love a minivan-sized Benz with a C-Class powertrain and steering feel — with paddle shifters, no less, on the steering wheel (just like the new Raptor will have).
Best Technology Award: Ford Pro Trailer Backup Assist (runner-up: Toyota Crawl Control)
This was probably the easiest contest of the event, mainly because this takes something that most pickup owners tend to fear (at least a little) and practically eliminates it. This new technology makes backing up a trailer a smoother and safer experience, and it'll impress your neighbors.
Truck Line of Texas: Ford (runner-up: Ram Truck)
With a pickup, SUV and crossover for just about every possible type of buyer, it's not a surprise that Ford won this award. With an all-new 2017 Super Duty coming next year — one was on display at the Rodeo — Ford is likely to be the favorite then as well.
Other vehicles
We had a great time at this year's Texas Truck Rodeo, driving more new pickups in our two days than ever before. Of the select non-pickup-truck vehicles we drove, the ones we'd recommend you keep your eyes on are the Volvo XC90 (high-tech quality), Honda Pilot and HR-V (impressive structural safety), Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3 (both fun to drive); of course, we also liked the eight-speed transmission in the Toyota Land Cruiser (which has the same V-8 that sits in the Tundra).
TAWA images
Comments
what about ugliest grill,rebel wins hands down,what was dodge thinking with that design
Glad the redesigned big Titan got it.
I have a Frontier with which I am delighted, so I know what Nissan is capable of.
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Huh. Not sure how you pick the Titan over some of the other choices unless it's simply over the merit of the powertrain. But okay. The damn thing is ugly as hell, but okay. But what do I know? Good for Nissan. It's about time they won SOMETHING. The real question: Will it be enough to bring them any sales? Probably not much after the initial sales bump. Damn thing's just too ugly.
Did GM win anything here? No? Ouch.
And the JC Whitney award goes to Ram, what an ugly truck.
#guts
#glory
#JC Whitney Ram
I too who looked on line of pictures of the Ram Rebel thought it was ugly, but since then have seen several out on the street and think they are nice looking.
Hopefully Chevy will upgrade the Colorado/Canyon each year to make it better then the Taco. The last generation of Colorado/Canyon they did no upgrades for 9 years...just because they build it, does not mean people will buy it....
Must of been a bunch of drunks who voted for the Nissan. Good for them but that thing is butt ugly. May be a good truck but its very hard to look at. I heard someone say JC Whitney has an agreement with ram to supply those grills. Congrats to all the winners though.
I heard someone say JC Whitney has an agreement with ram to supply those grills. Congrats to all the winners though.
Posted by: Truck Crazy | Oct 17, 2015 10:50:04 AM
That is true. JC Whitney did not want to do it at first because the design was below their standards, but since they needed the contract it was agreed on.
The Titan has that funkie Japinese design look, that's why it's so ugly. Like all Jap design it may grow on you after you look at for 3 years. The fuel filler door and the wheel lip molding, Jap design. When I saw that I was so disappointed. Come on Nissan you can do better!
The Ram needs a completely new redesign, because it really is ugly. The doors on the crew cab are the exact same length as the 2004 Ford F-150. Which are the shortest in the segment. Which makes the smallest opening to get in and out of the truck. 2009 Ford lengthened the front door 6 inches, the biggest opening in the segment. 2015 Ford shortened the door by 2 inches. The Ram is difficult to get in and out because of those short doors. Plus it makes for the shortest arm rest on the door panel in the segment. The Ram is just plain UGLY! Notice the GM Truck won nothing.
The white Chevy truck in the first picture might make a great looking sport truck. Lowered with larger rims and low profile tires might give it a killer fast look.
You children are so funny. Dodge wins something so lets say jc Whitney. Hardee har har. Chew on that for a while
Man! A lot of these 2016 trucks aren't looking very good IMO... Yeah, yeah I know there's more to a truck besides its front end, but I just can't help but complain about it, especially when I see a bunch of them lined up in one picture. Silly nitpicking aside, they do look really aggressive and the Mercedes-Benz Metris and Colorado are actually really nice looking.
I know trucks don't have to be pretty to do the job but OMG that front end on Titan! How, who...why approved that!? I'm sure there were other designs on the table, there is no way they could be any uglier!? Out of bunch of sketches who would point to that and say...-"this is it! Build it" This Titan is making Super Duty looking like Ford designers knew what they were doing.
The Rams look very dated. It's time for complete redesign.
That ram rebel looks pretty good in that color. I see a lot of haters on this site.
Umm... Everybody gets a trophy.
These awards remind me of modern schooling.
Nobody fails.
The tundra with the landcruiser transmission would probably be my go to vehicle for commute. I would just need to win millions of Bucks to afford the fuel from stomping on it at every light. its a drag racer in the simplest terms.
colorado should have won easily. the fact that it will double the fuel economyh average of the winner just puts it there.
The XD must be a Gosh darn revelation all on its own! Im so interested in this truck. The 5.0 v8 diesel numbers arent great to look at but i bet its driving character is much of the reason why it is great. A stock diesel that drives modded. I wish all to hell that this engine comes in a HD truck i can Use for work. I dont care who builds it. GM has the ball in there court really though. when they have an 8 speed and corvette engine all balled up in the front of a 3500hd reg cab 8 ft bed work truck they basically have the market on lock. the cab space is an issue with the reg cab of that brand though. 6 inches of space added to behind the seat would drop kick ford in the nuts!
It was nice to see that all the top brands got some kind of a 1st place trophy.
Looks like Chevy and GMC trucks went home empty-handed.
Truck Line of Texas: Ford
With a pickup, SUV and crossover for just about every possible type of buyer, it's not a surprise that Ford won this award. With an all-new 2017 Super Duty coming next year — one was on display at the Rodeo — Ford is likely to be the favorite then as well.
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Congratulations, Ford.
Yeah, that's how we do it 'round here!
https://youtu.be/p1oL37ycONQ?t=1m2s
PS lol at GM.
And the biggest loser is:::: Generic Motors..didn't win a thing, too bad so sad..
@mp. Think I know who you are.
Texas? Laughable at best. There is only two things that come out of Texas and those truck judges don't have horns. Give us an intelligent assessment of trucks instead of turnip truck riding rubes with red necks.
@ Dave Z. Yes, congratulations to Ford! However, that video is a bit contradictory considering FGL are a couple of Chevy boys. Just saying Lol. Cheers to Ford though!
Congratulations to Nissan too. I was surprised. I wasn't expecting that funky looking thing to win "Truck of Texas".
I'm shocked the Ram Rebel didn't win ugliest truck. That grille makes me want to vomit... Congrats though. (Even though the Raptor still kicks your butt hah)
Congrats to the new Tacoma. Love the redesign!
Congrats to Mercedes for their van you'll probably rarely see. Lol
Looks like GM didn't win the gold for anything. Sucks. I can't stand the Silverado's new front end. I'm no Chevy guy, but I thought the previous one had a strong and classic look to it.
I love the looks of that Titan, looks mean. I too have a Frontier and love it, a tough little truck. What is ugly here is those Toyotas, ughh
@Big Al - No truck gets left behind.....ugh.
"Texas? Laughable at best. There is only two things that come out of Texas and those truck judges don't have horns. Give us an intelligent assessment of trucks instead of turnip truck riding rubes with red necks.
Posted by: tj | Oct 18, 2015 2:46:33 AM"
What a child...
A funny thing happened on the way to the rodeo. I heard that GM was pretty mad after they spent all that money bringing every vehicle there to the TAWA rodeo and got nothing to show for it. GM SUVs even got beat by Ford. The 2016 Explorer is SUV of Texas and it is just a refresh. Wait until the new Explorer model comes. Last year GM won for mid-size truck and won for mid-size SUV and full-size SUVs. Now GM corporate got nothing and is very upset. Notice that GM spokesperson that appears in every post on PUTC is nowhere to be seen.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/10/18/truck-of-texas-nissan-titan-xd/74143836/
How do you properly evaluate "almost" 90 trucks in two days and intelligently pick winners in so many classes? Oh yea, they're Texans.
Let's see. There's about 5 midsize trucks. And about 5 full-size trucks. You vote on which one is best. Can't handle 10 trucks in 2 days? Then you must not be mentally slow.
but retarded.
Congrats to Titan... Probably won't buy one, but sure like what they did building the Titan XD
What an embarrassment for Ford with the Super Duty losing out the Fiat. I would like some details. What an embarrassment for the GM pretend trucks losing to the new Taco. All that work and RD and lost Silverado sales to get back into the pretender market and to only have the "best/nicest" offering for a year or so. The Titan XD is gonna make waves... I still wanna hear more about the Titan that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
All that work and RD and lost Silverado sales to get back into the pretender market and to only have the "best/nicest" offering for a year or so. The Titan XD is gonna make waves... I still wanna hear more about the Titan that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Posted by: Clint | Oct 19, 2015 6:56:21 AM
Lost Silverado sales? It is feasible the Silverado is outselling the f150 so far this year, I am sure Silverado sales are doing just fine.
Why do trucks keep getting worse and worse every generation?
I don't need a windshield wiper motor to steer for me or shift my truck into 4lo. I'll keep my 83 mech everything that will outpull any 2016 in a tugwar.
Because juanfo, women are involved in designing them
Hahaha Government Motors didn't win anything! Maybe they can cry to Obama and he'll make them give them a participant trophy to display at the Ren-Cen. The Ford trash lost out too. Nissan and Toyota taking home the glory! Us Texans don't want your UAW liberal trash trucks. Texas Tough Toyota Tundra for me!
Once again Mark Williams shows his bias. What a joke. If you don't like the results, do your own event and see who gives a crap.
Really wanted to like this new Titan because of the engine but it's to damn ugly
iff road of Texas rides over the rough stuff and doesn't shake up the occupants
It can go full steam over the rough stuff with ease
10 inch ground clearance locker diff full skid plates it is a very stable platform for off road. certainly best in 1/2 ton class off road.
truck of Texas you bet it is the top 1/2 ton bar none out hauls them all. smooth and very stable towing for a 1/2 ton.
best power train of Texas no contest the engine is peerless.
luxury truck of Texas it is very nice inside the Cab
sour grapes and whining won't change the facts
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