The 2016 Nissan Titan is a dark horse in the crew cab pickup market. The Titan XD is described by Nissan as slotting between half and three-quarter-ton pickups, perhaps tapping into a market for something between the two. It comes in a bewildering array of trim levels - S, SV, PRO-4X, SL, and at the highest level the Platinum Reserve trim. All are available with a V8 gasoline or 6-speed turbo diesel for power. If you want something with impressive power and towing capabilities that’s a bit more practical than heavy-duty pickups, then the new Titan XD might be just what you’re looking for. Read on to learn more about the best options.
Nissan Titan XD trim levels:
- S
- SV
- PRO-4X
- SL
- Platinum Reserve
Nissan Titan XD S
The base level S comes in rear wheel and four wheel drive versions. It has a 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Features at this level are 40-20-40 split bench front seats, one-touch power windows, heated mirrors and cruise controls. Audio and cruise controls are on the steering wheel. It has front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags and turn by turn navigation. It does have stability control - essential on modern trucks. The Titan XD is a pretty solid truck - but it’s worth noting that splash guards and all-season floor mats are optional extras at this level.
Highlights:
- Turn by turn navigation
- Cloth seats
- Splash guards optional
Nissan Titan XD SV
The SV is a slightly higher trim level It has the same 7-speed gearbox, but adds a few perks. It has a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, which makes adjusting the drive position easier. It also has turn signal in mirrors and comes with a three month trial of satellite radio service. The audio system has speed sensitive volume control. The exterior offers skid plates and painted steel wheels. Optional extras include a box bed liner with storage, splash guards and running board lighting. It is, thus, a little bit of an upgrade on the S, but the biggest difference appears to be the improved audio system - which might not matter to all drivers.
Highlights:
- Three months satellite radio
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Skid plates
Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X
The PRO-4X only comes in 4WD (no rear wheel drive version). It has the same 7-speed gearbox as the two lower versions. It comes with everything you get with the SV. The first big difference is in the front of the cab - the front seats are captains chairs and the driver seat is height adjustable with power adjustable lumbar support. The steering wheel is leather covered. It comes with a compass for serious off road use. The exterior options are the same with the addition of premium or monotone paint.
Highlights:
- Power adjustable drivers seat
- Leather steering wheel
- Premium paint
Nissan Titan XD SL
The SL returns to the pattern of offering both rear wheel drive and four wheel drive versions. It has the same power adjustable drivers seat as the PRO, but with the SL the passenger seat is also power adjustable, albeit only four ways instead of eight, and the seats are leather not cloth. Front seats have multi-level heating - again, big improvements in the front of the cab. In addition to the PRO’s features it comes with a universal remote transmitter for garage doors and security systems, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, full climate control and can memorize settings for two drivers. The audio system is also a significant update, being a Rockford Fosgate premium system. On the outside, it has alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and auto delay off and dusk sensing headlamps. The options are the same as for the PRO with the addition of carpeted floor mats.
Highlights:
- Multi-level heat seating
- LED headlamps
- Alloy wheels
Nissan Titan XD Platinum Reserve
The highest level of trim is the Platinum Reserve, which starts where the SL leaves off. The front seats are the same, but with premium leather. The mirrors reverse tilt to provide a curb view when reversing. The steering wheel is leather and wood, and heated, and the wheels are chrome alloy. It comes with an option for a rear DVD entertainment package. However, the differences between the SL and the Platinum Reserve are mostly minor and cosmetic (the mirror reverse tilt is nice, but not necessarily worth going up a level on its own.
Highlights:
- Mirror reverse tilt
- Heated steering wheel
- Chrome alloy wheels
Conclusion
The Titan is a good, if often overlooked truck at all trim levels, with the SL probably offering better value than the highest level Platinum Reserve for those who want some luxury in their truck.