2016 Nissan Titan XD Gas V-8: First Drive
The second stage of Nissan's master Titan XD pickup plan is now here in the form of the 390-horsepower, all-new Endurance 5.6-liter V-8 gasoline engine packing 401 pounds-feet of torque.
It wasn't that long ago when we first had the chance to drive the diesel version of the new 2016 Titan XD, testing the all-new Cummins 5.0-liter V-8. We like the combination of a midsize diesel — it's smaller than the heavy-duty pickup choices but larger than the small GM's Duramax and Ram's EcoDiesel — along with what some are calling a "tweener" pickup because it sits squarely in between the half-ton and three-quarter-ton segments.
The latest iteration of Nissan's updated full-size truck strategy is the release of the all-new V-8 gasoline engine, set to replace the previous Endurance V-8 with more technology and capability in almost every way.
The New Gas Engine
The new V-8 will continue to be built at Nissan's Decherd, Tenn., engine plant and will use a similar aluminum block; however, that's where the similarities stop. The new engine produces 71 hp more than the old one as well as 16 more pounds-feet of torque, thanks in large part to the new aluminum, twin-cam, four-valve head, direct-injection design and a variable valve timing setup that works on both the intake and exhaust sides.
This new standard engine will provide the pickup with a little less towing capacity than the Cummins XD, a little more payload capacity, a slightly smaller gross vehicle weight rating and lighten the overall truck weight by about 500 pounds. The gas V-8 will be paired with a new seven-speed transmission with two overdrive gears that can be modulated by a tap-up, tap-down shifter button on the steering column found on all Titan XDs and the coming lighter-duty Titan half-ton. The transmission will stay in Drive when normally selected but automatically switch to the manual mode once the driver up- or downshifts the thumb selector. The Tow/Haul mode button, like with the Cummins engine and Aisin transmission, is at the end of the column-shifter stalk and engages a more aggressive upshift and downshift pattern in the transmission.
All gas-equipped Titan XDs will have a single ring-and-pinion choice, with a relatively balanced 3.36:1 axle ratio (Cummins axles have 3.92:1 axle gears) in the 9.84-inch rear end (same as Cummins XD).
This gasoline V-8 is the latest installment of a long rollout strategy Nissan is employing for the Titan XD, with King Cab and regular-cab models equipped with a new V-6 coming later. Likewise, Nissan's all-new crew-cab half-ton Titan (on a completely unique platform from the Titan XD but looking similar inside and out) will come out later this year; it also will benefit from the new V-8 engine and seven-speed transmission combination.
Exterior
On the outside the gas Titan XD is almost identical to the diesel version with just a few exceptions.
The Titan XD with the Endurance V-8 gets its own badging on each side of the truck stamped inside the mock vents right behind the front fenders. The Titan XD's massive front end was designed to accommodate the Cummins engine and keep it within the proper temperatures; the front end doesn't shrink in the gasoline version.
How It Drives
The weight difference between the two engines is responsible for many of the subtle differences between two pickups. The gas engine is about 300 pounds lighter than the diesel. The gas truck sheds another 200 pounds because it doesn't require diesel exhaust fluid (and the tank to contain it), and its exhaust system is lighter. So when driving, the front end feels a touch lighter and the steering feels a touch faster. We verified that the steering gear and ratios are identical to the heavier Cummins model, but the tighter steering feel cannot be denied.
The biggest difference between the two is the new seven-speed transmission; it's smart and quick. The throttle is responsive, exhibiting no lag or pause when you give it a touch more or a foot-stomping amount of throttle. The gears run strong and hard up the ratios, providing a throaty exhaust note.
Our only complaint with the setup is that the transmission would only tell us what gear we were in when shifting through the numbers manually; when in Drive, you never know what gear you're in.
Fuel Economy
Neither version of the Titan XD (gas or diesel) are required by the EPA to provide fuel economy numbers on the window sticker because they have a gross vehicle weight rating more than 8,500 pounds. All Titan XD gas crew cabs have a GVWR between 8,600 and 8,800 pounds; the Cummins version has a higher GVWR between 8,800 and 8,990 pounds.
We had the opportunity to run both Titan XD versions on country highways through the farmlands and small towns of Tennessee, so we kept track of our mileage.
Over the course of our 120-mile route, our gas XD truck averaged about 15.5 mpg combined, but we saw closer to 18 mpg when feather-footing on bigger highways. Make no mistake, the diesel is a heavy, thirsty pickup because of its significant weight. During our Texas Truck Showdown 2016: Max Towing comparison test, we took along a Titan XD equipped with the Cummins. It weighed 1,000 pounds more than the 2016 Toyota Tundra CrewMax and 2,000 pounds more than the 2016 Ford F-150 SuperCrew, and gave us a combined fuel economy number of 19.9 mpg
We're disappointed that Nissan will not offer a larger fuel tank (26 gallons is standard) available for the XD for several months, but the calculated tank range in our Platinum Reserve test truck was just more than a respectable 400 miles.
Pricing
Endurance V-8 Titan XDs will be the more cost-effective choice, starting at $36,485 for a 4x2 S crew cab and running up to $56,715 for a fully loaded 4x4 Platinum Reserve (prices include destination charges). Pricing differentials between trim levels will vary slightly but the gas/seven-speed choice for any trim level of the Nissan Titan XD will be about $4,000 less than the Cummins/six-speed.
All Titan XD pickups will be offered in the same five trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. Each trim level will offer the same features and options, and customers will be able to choose between the standard gas engine or the diesel. Nissan expects the mix between the two engines to be 70/30 in favor of the Cummins. After driving the gas version, we're not so sure about that.
The addition of the new, more powerful 5.6-liter V-8 and smooth-shifting seven-speed transmission pushes the Titan XD into the heart of the luxury full-size pickup segment while straddling the heavy-duty/light-duty divide. The Endurance XD is definitely a more comfortable package for daily driving than any other three-quarter-ton gas pickup, but it doesn't quite have the towing and hauling capabilities of a heavy-duty.
Final Assessment
But make no mistake: In its crew-cab configuration, this is a big, heavy truck, and even with all the lightening done by the all-alloy V-8, the steering wheel feels heavier and slower than any half-ton we've test-driven. It took us some time to get comfortable with it.
The gas V-8's unique look and daily driving comfort paired with the high-tech transmission should help the Titan XD's sales numbers to continue to climb as more people discover this new entry. How well this new package compares to the two segments it splits — the half-ton and three-quarter-ton arenas — remains to be seen since the Titan XD does not fit in either slot. However, if you're looking for something that stands out in a crowded field of full-size pickups, the gas Titan XD's capability and refinement is ready to impress.
Cars.com photos by Mark Williams; manufacturer images
Comments
I really want to like this truck, but just can't.
Well now the TItan XD starts to make some more sense. With price falling and the weight dropping and payload rising we now have some real advantages over 1/2 ton crowd and some real savings over the 3/4 ton.
Its appeal is still a limited small market but for anyone looking for a truly Heavy Half ton and isn't all about towing, that doesn't break the bank and who has been burned by the big 3 minus 1 they can find it here.
Its not going to set the world afire but I hope it meets their expectations and they continue to refine and improve it in both regular and XD versions.
That updated engine & transmission would have been great, 5 years ago!
We'll said cool. Amazing that it is 2000 pounds heavier than the f150. That is insane. Mpg unimpressive. Really wanted to like this truck. Huge failure right out of the gate.
I should say 1500 pounds heavier. 20000 was the diesel.
I quoted this "Our only complaint with the setup is that the transmission would only tell us what gear we were in when shifting through the numbers manually; when in Drive, you never know what gear you're in."
I have not driven every truck out there in the last year but I have not seen one truck, let alone SUV, that tells you what gear you are in when the shifter is in Drive. When in Manual, yes but not in drive, someone let me know what truck has that feature.
Dave - my 2012 F150 tells my what gear I am in at all times.
@dave, I agree with you on that, but I do know my 2011 f250 diesel shows the gearing in manual or auto, and there is a way to turn it off if you dont want to see that. I never saw that before until I got this truck
It's frustrating watching the Japanese truck manufacturers struggle. The domestic big three are so far ahead (GM's LS engines are fantastic, Ford's EcoBoost is great, and Dodge's EcoDiesel is amazing). @George_C says it well: "That updated engine & transmission would have been great, 5 years ago!"
I think the best segment that the foreign manufacturers could steal and run with is mid-size trucks (or rather "compact" trucks), but GM is easily taking that with the baby Duramax. Nissan and Toyota should really think hard about new and cutting edge mid-size trucks since that's what they (used to) do great!
The old 5.6 was way ahead of its time and still easily competed at least for power with the domestic units. Fuel economy was low but the track felt faster more torquy then the GM 5.3, ram 5.7 and Ford 5.0. Nissan is the one that put Ford on the spot with thier antiquated 5.4 slug of a motor. Completion is good.
07 Tundra with 381 HP is why the Big 3 have the powerful engines they have today.
And the 04 Titan is why the 07 Tundra stepped up it's game.
As far as the truck itself, I liked the look of the 04-16 models better.
Wow , this new Titan is a nice enough truck in most ways ......but in this day and age of some really fantastic trucks from all of the big 3 US marks, the Titan is downright unimpressive.
There is not a single highlight that really gets you going.....I was ready to be impressed by the XD with Cummins application but its VERY mediocre numbers suggest otherwise.
I am sure people will buy them and probably be happy but you could do much better with a Chevy Ram or Ford .
I wonder how the new frontier will turn out.I hope overall it's better then the titan.I'm just not impressed with it at all.
@ Tim,
Maybe the big 3 should learn how to sell their midsized trucks like Toyota does with the Tacoma!
You can have that small diesel in a Colorado but when it comes down to it, folks prefer the Tacoma as a better value and more reliable down the road!
Bells and whistles are bells and whistles, it does not define a truck! And that is why the Tacoma still outsells the GM's by just about 2 to 1.
Even still, a truck like the F-150 can have the same payload and towing without the sacrifice of all that weight to lug around. I still don't see the point in this truck. It's not a 1/2 ton in weight or mileage, but it's not a 3/4 ton in capability either.
What is it? I mean, aside from UGLY. What is this truck?
It's a tweeter truck, and I think Nissan will eventually make a 3/4 ton out of it.
It's better then anything Ford will ever build, you can take that to the bank!
I would like to see how the variable valve lift works. Is it similar to GM's system or FCA's multiair?
@ Cool,
Toyota didn't start the truck engine power wars,lol...You are way off..
Dodge had 510 hp in 2004-2006...
Dodge started the performace truck years ago...
1950's they had the Hemi,and V-8 trucks with more hp than Ford/GM..
1960's Big Block 365 hp 413 with 470 torque on the CSS.
1970's 440 trucks that ran high 13's with a 1/4 ton low compression 440..
1978-1979 LiL Red Express..those ran low 14's and earned fastest vehicle for those years..actually the Dodge Monaco 440 had best top speed,all done with low compression smog motors,choking power off but still had balls.
1990's Magnum version of the 5.2 and 5.9...230 hp 5.2 when Gm,Ford bigger engines had 200 hp...
1994 305 hp 460 torque 8.0 V-10 cast IRON truck engine ,not Viper v-10 these were used from 1994-2003 2500 and 3500 trucks...
2004-2006 Viper aluminum 8.3 V-10 with 510 hp (505 claimed but was under rated) in the 1500
The real current trend started when Dodge had the 5.7 HEMI that blew everyone out of the water..
If it wasn't for the Dodge HEMI of 2003 we wouldn't be at the level of performance for trucks,we would be at 275 hp now,thats it..Dodge lx cars also brought performance back for all cars..rwd HEMI 300's,Charger's and Challengers brought performance back for everyone..Yet alone 1990's 4 cyl Trubo 224 hp Dodge's,then h.o Neons of late 90's,Turbo PT Cruisers and Neon SRT 4's...So,Toyota again a copier not a leader...
Nissan's continuously variable valve lift should be the same Hitachi VEL system; which is marketed as VVEL
http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/engine/vvt_5.html#VVEL
One can argue that the extra GVW of the gasser Titan gives it an advantage in the 1/2 ton class but its GVW puts it in the 3/4 ton class.
Its mpg is not an advantage. It is a 3/4 ton softened up to appeal to 1/2 ton buyers. I'm not seeing the logic in any of that. Max tow GM 1/2 tons have around 1800 lbs of cargo and 12k tow with a larger rear end. Ford' F150 in max tow or HD payload also come with beefier rear ends.
Both are more capable than this in the tow and haul arena and get better mpg. Add to that more dealer locations, more option choices, and more competition in pricing and Titan XD does not look like a good choice to me.
There is good news for Nissan here. They can keep the assembly line speed slow as possible and still meet demand with units to spare.
@KOOL
Toyota doesn't copy Dodge's resale value.
I have been offered 5k less than new value for my two year old Tacoma, with 60k on the clock.
Try that with your Ram.
@ooxxii@: have you looked lately? I believe the Colorados and Canyons have caught the Tacomas.
Actually they haven't yet, oxi, give them about half of year they will be selling right up there as much as the Tacoma's are
07 Tundra with 381 HP is why the Big 3 have the powerful engines they have today.
Posted by: Cool | May 4, 2016 10:13:37 AM
Really, what about the 03 Hemi with 345 horsew?
Thx Toyota for the truck engine wars.
07 Tundra with 381 HP is why the Big 3 have the powerful engines they have today.
Posted by: Cool | May 4, 2016 10:13:37 AM
Really, what about the 03 Hemi with 345 horsew?
Posted by: HEMI V8 | May 4, 2016 1:47:30 PM
But yet, the Tundra places in Last when compared to the domestic. Way to go Toyoduh.
I think this will be a good replacement for someone who bought a loaded 1500, f150, tundra. found out it aint nothin like a super duty, hd truck. If the 7 speed is matched up with this motor like it is in any of the infinity I drove. it will be a great truck to run around in. should be able to handle some extra load without feeling squishy.
"We're disappointed that Nissan will not offer a larger fuel tank (26 gallons is standard) available for the XD for several months..."
Well, that at least looks promising......Please say it's for the gas version as well, and sponsor(if necessary) Titan to offer a real long range tank for the Cummins. A genuine by-far-best-in-class Unique Selling Proposition would be a dual (rear-mid) tank gasser (one can always hope......). Currently, to get some real range in a gas truck, requires a DRW Chassis. With an engine named "Endurance".......
Eventual release of shorter-than-Queen-Mary versions will be welcomed. A quirk of the truck market, and a partial reason why Japanese branded trucks do relatively better in Cities, is their dealer networks are on a more equal footing there. Compared to out in the open, where Big3 dealers have a thousand different model variations, ready for immediate pickup. In cities, even Ford dealers won't display THAT big a superiority in numbers, compared to Nissan and Toyota. But cities are cumbersome places for 250 inchers....
@ooxxii@: have you looked lately? I believe the Colorados and Canyons have caught the Tacomas.
Posted by: TRX-4 Tom | May 4, 2016 1:30:35 PM
If they get the Vans built on that contact from AM General to free up space on the line, Toyota Taco will be in trouble.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20151124/OEM01/151129932/gm-may-contract-out-van-production-to-boost-capacity-for-pickups
Actually, I see this truck better built than any POS GM Truck out there.
It looks like a Ford, so it has the DNA.
Actually, I see this truck better built than any POS GM Truck out there.
It looks like a Ford, so it has the DNA.
Posted by: Frank | May 4, 2016 4:49:47 PM
The Japanese have a history of styling their vehicles after the leaders. So yes, the F series look is quite logical. In fact GM just restyled their new Malibu that emulates the Ford Fusion. I guess it is not just the Japanese.
The Malibu looks nothing like the 2001 Aston Martin Ford Fu%k us, I mean Ford Fusion. Stupid tard!!
https://www.google.com/search?q=2001+aston+martin&biw=1298&bih=754&tbm=isch&imgil=FM7ms0gDyeJynM%253A%253Bj764Ba1s80lonM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.boldride.com%25252Fride%25252F2001%25252Faston-martin-vanquish&source=iu&pf=m&fir=FM7ms0gDyeJynM%253A%252Cj764Ba1s80lonM%252C_&usg=__MsNJwI4Ek3bw1In7f1UkZUh1rZM%3D&ved=0ahUKEwi-j5qxucHMAhXJNT4KHR3iAlkQyjcIigE&ei=5HQqV76NKsnr-AGdxIvIBQ#tbm=isch&q=2001+aston+martin+front+end
^ that up there is how lazy Ford is LMMFAO!!!! 2014- current Ford all look like 15 year old Aston Martins HAHAHA!!!!!!!!
The Malibu looks nothing like the 2001 Aston Martin Ford Fu%k us, I mean Ford Fusion. Stupid tard!!
Posted by: johnny doe | May 4, 2016 5:16:53 PM
Yea whatever. similar headlight design. remove the bar holding the chevy emblem and you have yourself a pretty close match to the 2013 and newer Fusion. Then take a look at the body lines. Yup, Fusion.
Yeah..... dream on super tard, and have a nice night with your brother.
Hahahahahah the moron dildoe is gonna get a heart attack.
Shoot, i'd hope so that way he'd go straight to hell.
@LMAO,
Keep making him look dumb, it's funny as hell.
that up there is how lazy Ford is LMMFAO!!!! 2014- current Ford all look like 15 year old Aston Martins HAHAHA!!!!!!!!
Posted by: johnny doe | May 4, 2016 5:19:43 PM
Yes and GM copied the Ford Fusion.
http://www.chevrolet.com/malibu-mid-size-sedan.html
http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/2016/gallery/photos/
http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/gallery/photos/
Hemiv6 talks about the Hemi motors they use today. Actually using the Hemi name is a real slap in the face to the old Hemi's. They should be called Semi-Hemi cause they don't have those Hemi heads of yesterday so from now on lets just call them V8's.
Hemiv6 talks about the Hemi motors they use today. Actually using the Hemi name is a real slap in the face to the old Hemi's. They should be called Semi-Hemi cause they don't have those Hemi heads of yesterday so from now on lets just call them V8's.
Posted by: Fed up. | May 4, 2016 5:30:02 PM
That is very true. They just trademark the name for advertising purposes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0THMwP_MXE
Shoot, i'd hope so that way he'd go straight to hell.
Posted by: LMAO also know as Betty White
Speaking about going to hell, my friend caught LMAO masturbating in the showers last year.
Ruined our trip to Auschwitz!
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/27/ford-mustang-f150-expedition-lincoln-navigator-recall/
Hemiv6 talks about the Hemi motors they use today. Actually using the Hemi name is a real slap in the face to the old Hemi's. They should be called Semi-Hemi cause they don't have those Hemi heads of yesterday so from now on lets just call them V8's.
Posted by: Fed up. | May 4, 2016 5:30:02 PM
That is very true. They just trademark the name for advertising purposes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0THMwP_MXE
Posted by: LMAO | May 4, 2016 5:33:19 PM
Real Hemi Head motors wouldn't pass smog with today's standards, afterall the Belgian auto maker Pipe was the first to build a Hemi, not ChryCo.
Watch this vid before considering buying Nissan,,
https://youtu.be/0p-ojdyVEGc
Real Hemi Head motors wouldn't pass smog with today's standards, afterall the Belgian auto maker Pipe was the first to build a Hemi, not ChryCo.
Posted by: Frank | May 4, 2016 5:48:56 PM
Did not know that the hemi was not built from Chrysler first. I guess i always assumed they were since it is their trademark.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemispherical_combustion_chamber
If anything GM and Ford midsize cars are more like the 2011 Hyundai Sonota with the coupe like styling. Hyundai really did a nice job on the 2011 Sonota and later with the Elantra. Even Toyota restyled the Corolla to look more like the Elantra. Hyundai and Kia have had some really nicely styled vehicles in the past few years.
The Titan looks like a very solid well built truck but it lacks the innovations of Ford, GM, and Ram. In the long run the Titan might hold up better than the Big 3 but it will not out sell them. The new Titan might be a very good buy used in a few years. Its a shame that they don't offer a 6 speed manual with the Cummins.
The Titan looks like a very solid well built truck but it lacks the innovations of Ford, GM, and Ram. In the long run the Titan might hold up better than the Big 3 but it will not out sell them. The new Titan might be a very good buy used in a few years. Its a shame that they don't offer a 6 speed manual with the Cummins.
Posted by: Jeff S | May 4, 2016 6:12:01 PM
To me this is where the Japanese automakers really a do a great job. They dont throw in every bit of technology they have available but tend to focus on the essentials. This gives them great reliability. If you look at the reliability reports for Ford and GM trucks, the powertrains are really good. It is all the bells and whistles that cause the aggravations to the owners.
Yes, LMAO agree. Nissan made some great small pickups in the past and at one time was Number 1 compact truck in sales. The tin worm would usually do the old Datsuns (Nissan) in before the drive trains failed but that was usually the case with most vehicles years ago especially early Japanese vehicles. The drive trains would keep on going. I would have confidence that this Titan is a sound truck and would keep running for many many years.
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