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The Nissan Titan truck was completely redesigned for the 2020 model year, but was left almost unchanged for 2021. This truck looks terrific. I got many complements about how beautiful the PRO-4X package is while driving in our neighborhood and picking up my children from school.
You know, the 2020 changes of the Titan truck make it look less like the Ford F150. Starting the 2020 redesign Titan will no longer have a diesel engine. This clearly goes against the trend of General motors, Fiat-Chrysler and Ford as some of them rely on huge 6.7-liter power stroke engines (F-250/350/450) to be able to pull enormous trailer loads.
The Engine
So why is Nissan throwing out the 5-liter turbodiese V8? It was powerful, but not modern. The world is moving away from diesel and transitioning toward electrification. In fact, in November 2020 Bloomberg reported that Nissan is in talks with Detroit-based startup Hercules Electric Vehicles to develop an electric pickup truck. But for now Nissan is transitioning from diesel to petrol and directing a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine, which puts out 400 HP and 413 pound-feet of torque. Nissan says these ratings are best-in-class for standard powertrains. The engine is mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It really provides optimal power for both standing starts and smooth highway passing.
Nissan says the PRO-4X models feature Bilstein mono-tube off-road shocks. Hydraulic cab-mounts help isolate occupants from the chassis.
The PRO-4X package, which Torque News was reviewing, features nice looking 18-inch alloy wheels and think all-terrain tries. You will notice red badging or accent through the truck, which is unique to the PRO-4X trim.
2021 Nissan Titan Grades and Trims
Speaking of the trims. Here you need to make distinctions between grades and trims. The 2021 TITAN is offered in three King Cab grades and five Crew Cab grades. These grades come in both 4x2 and 4x4 drive. PRO-4X is 4x4 only. This is one of the distinctions that set aside the off-road PRO-4X trim. The 2021 TITAN XD is offered in Crew Cab 4x4 models and in a choice of five trim levels. Those are the S, SV, Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve trim levels.
Exterior
When you look at the exterior of the 2021 Nissan Titan one thing that immediately stands out is the red badging throughout, which is characteristic to the PRO-4X package. The vehicle has LED headlamps and daytime running lights. Then you have the 18-inch off-road aluminum wheels.
The bed of the 2021 Titan PRO-4X has full surround lighting with 4 LED sources. This makes it easier to use at night or early in the morning. In the bed of the truck you also have the spray-on bad liner. Just like the grille, the Titan PRO-4X also features a black finisher. It kind of has its own personality.
The grille design is very unique on the 2021 Titan. While the Platinum Reserve is more restrained with a satin chrome finish on the grill, the Titan PRO-4X is the most dramatic with a black grille centered around the first-ever Nissan badge scripted in lava red. As I mentioned this lava red color accents are all over the truck continuing on the tow hooks of the PRO-4X
The Interior
The interior of the 2021 Titan is very nice. It has greatly improved after the truck was redone in 2020. The seats are very comfortable and if you have the PRO-4X trim you will see the PRO-4X logo embroidered on them as well as on the floor mats.
As you open the door you have your power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, which you can fold as well. Inside you have memory seating for two, power driver seat with a power lumbar support. In the passenger seating area you have the fender sound system and you have got speakers everywhere. Like I said, the interior is very comfortable. you have really good leg room and the backseat is actually pretty comfortable. The upholstery is just super nice.
In the second row you have two AC vents as well as heated rear seats, which you can toggle. For the rear passenger area you also have two USB chargers and a three prong household plug-in.
While nothing has changed in the 2021 Titan from the 2020 model it seems to me that the technology has improved. The available high -resolution 9.0-inch touchscreen is a really nice addition to the first class accommodations and premium finishes.
In the 2021 Titan's press kit Nissan says the 2021 Titan's 8-inch center area display is the largest standard screen in the class, while the touchscreen features a resolution higher than HD. It's called WXGA. The technology is equipped with apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and the internal Wi-Fi router allows passengers to stream their favorite content. Wi-Fi subscription is required and passengers can connect up to seven devices.
Nissan also says the 7.0-inch programmable driver information display is nearly three inches larger than most competitors’ displays.
Specific Features of PRO-4X 2021 Titan
PRO-4X is the off-road oriented trim package. The Titan PRO-4X King Cab and Crew Cab models come with 275/65/R18 BSW all-terrain off-road tires, 18x8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with painted dark finish, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differential, lower radiator skid plate with Satin Chrome finish and PRO-4X logo, and Hill Descent Control. Nissan says the PRO-4X exterior features include LED front fog lamps, Intelligent Auto Headlights, LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights, Nissan Intelligent Key with door handle request switch, semi-gloss dark painted overfenders, semi-gloss dark grey lower front fascia and rear bumpers, spray-on bedliner, black tailgate finisher with PRO-4X logo and bedside decals.
In the interior these the specific features to PRO-4X Titan. The PRO-4X 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. PRO-4X also includes standard NissanConnect with Navigation, Integrated Command Center with 9.0-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, SiriusXM® Traffic and Travel Link (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Traffic Sign Recognition and rain-sensing wipers, informs the 2021 Nissan Titan's press kit.
Hauling and Towing
If you are thinking about hauling and towing, Nissan says you should look at the Titan XD, which is the heavy hauler in the Titan family. This trim has an ample towing power and the integrated gooseneck hitch includes a plug inside the bed for even greater ease of towing.
The truck has lots of assisting tools to hook-up a trailer and the Tow/Haul mode with Downhill Speed Control and Trailer light check system allow one-person hook-up operation with ease.
The Drive
You will be surprised how quiet is Titan when driving. The PRO-4X trim is AWD and this 4-wheel drive handles the rides really well.
On the road the 2021 Titan behaves very well; it is easily handled and despite its size, the 400 horsepower engine does not struggle. When it comes to stopping, you can count on four ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic assistance, which gives a feeling of control and security. The Titan has a slight tendency to dive, but it is not more pronounced than average for this size of vehicle.
Finally, in terms of safety, the Titan 2020 is full of all the systems that exist on the market such as collision warning, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and more. Note also the presence, as standard, of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 safety suite, which includes six advanced driver assistance systems; Intelligent Emergency Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning System, Cross Traffic Alert System, High Beam Assist Headlights and Intelligent Emergency Braking System On Back.
Overall, we had a very positive experience reviewing the 2021 Nissan Titan PRO-4X trim.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
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Comments
From the side view photo it
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From the side view photo it has a terrible approach angle, and real problem for a four wheel drive truck.
I give credit to Nissan for
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I give credit to Nissan for staying in the truck market although I do not think they are marking these trucks as much as they should. While the Titan is vastly "lesser" than a comparable RAM, Silverado or F-150 (Tundra doesn't count as the current design is over 10 years old & a new model coming out next year), Nissan should put more effort into marketing. While I would never consider owning anything Nissan or Infiniti related, if they made a better effort on marketing, they could stay relevant even longer. Given their years of scandals and poorly rated vehicles compared to the competition, Nissan needs a turnaround now & quickly before they end up like Mitsubishi!
Why talk trash about a truck
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Why talk trash about a truck you never owned or drove, better marketing and scandals. WTF! Why don't you test drive one so you could have a real comment. I've owned four Nissan Titans and I've loved everyone. I've owned Chevys and Ford Supercrews and not a Dodge guy, but Ram does look sexy. Ford and Chevy are over priced and Ford doesn't have as strong towing unless you get the high end F-250 or F-350. But you will pay more. My Titans have never let me down and that more than I can say about my American counter parts!!
Credit is given where credit
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Credit is given where credit is due. There is a reason that Ford, RAM & Chevrolet are popular and that is sales. No trash talking here, just plain facts. I have tested the Titan numerous times and its just not for me. There is no such thing as a terrible truck these days. Just some can do things better than others. Some don't have features that others may have. Don't get offended from the truth as Nissan's Scandals are hurting their image not only in the states but worldwide.
I've owned four Nissan Hard
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In reply to Credit is given where credit by Ed. (not verified)
I've owned four Nissan Hard-bodies and Frontier's. They were all bulletproof! I have owed Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Honda Ridgeline, and a Toyota Tacoma. I blew the paint off a Chevy S-10 at a coin operated wash bay. GM said they used the wrong primer! The 2000 Dodge Ram had six transmissions in it I less than three years. Believe it or not I lemon lawed the Honda Ridgeline for an oil leak and 79+ electrical problems. On the 2017 F-150 the crankcase sensor went kaput before the first oil change. Ford's roadside assistance sucks! Left me stranded for over eight hours then abandoned the vehicle til the next day when the dealership where I bought it could get it towed. I was three miles away from another Ford dealer and they were no help at all. Hey I liked my Ford, but when I was looking at new trucks they weren't dealing. They knocked off two grand from theirs from MSRP. Then discounted my trade below book value by almost ten grand. So I looked at a few other brands of trucks! Just couldn't make a deal with GM and the Dodge interior is very nice, but I'm not a fan. Buying a vehicle boils down to preference of what you like. I'm not a car or SUV guy! I'm not a hardcore trailer tower! I like the freedom of throwing mulch, an appliance, the occasional deer or materials for a weekend project in the bed. I bought the 2021 Nissan Titan PRO 4X because it appealed to me. At the time Nissan offered me more than any other dealer for my trade. Plus the Nissan Titan comes standard with a 5 year/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. No other manufacturer offers such a warranty for free. A buddy of mine has a 1987 Nissan Hard-body extended cab which he still owns to this day. He swears by his Nissan's! The guy is loaded and can afford whatever these auto makers can build. But his every day drivers are Nissans! Knock on wood, I never had a bad one so far. Hopefully the trend continues! And to the guy who was talking about the approach angle for off-roading. Mine is lifted and leveled three inches! Put thirty five inch Nitro's on it and it's probably as good as a TRX or Raptor. Which costs seventy to a hundred grand! To get the top of the line Titan PRO 4X with leather, moon roof, a polished NISMO exhaust, spray bed liner, running boards, a rear kick down step, amber LED lights in the grille, illuminated Nissan emblem, lighted kick plates and factory rear wheel liners for under $53,000.00. Is a real bargain! Especially, with all the technology which comes standard and not an option. I've been on both sides of the good and bad truck spectrum. Personally, I know if you have problems with a vehicle your very willing to talk about it. And if a dealership treats you bad you'll certainly talk about that to! There's a lot of people who are loyal to a specific brand as well. Or talk crap about buying a foreign vehicle! When some of the so-called imports are made here probably moreso than the domestic trucks. Which is pretty funny when you think about it!
While I agree the titan is a
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While I agree the titan is a good looking vehicle, I have the pro4x and honestly once playing around with it I find the system is terrible. First off it brags about the fender audio system it has yet there are only the most very basic bass and treble settings. Thats it. Very lame
In addition it is terrible at connecting to my phone. It's navigation is horrendous , claiming half the streets im looking for are unknown streets. Also while it displays streets im on correctly meaning it knows what city I'm in, when I look up a address it gives me options for locations in other states first at times. WTF? That is just inexcusable. Not to mention its voice recognition is about as good as systems from 10years ago. Get with it nissan.
I recently bought a 2021
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I recently bought a 2021 Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve 4x4. Yes it is not a Pro 4x however this truck by far beats the big 3 in quality, cost, motor design, axle ratio, interior design and more . My past trucks were Dodge , Ford and GMC. NISSAN has hit a home run with this truck. AND IT IS THE ONLY TRUCK THAT IS ENTIRELY MADE IN THE U.S. in TENNESSEE, plus it doesn’t require you to have to spend extras for the many new electronic safety features like the other big 3. These items come STANDARD. Have taken my truck on some very rough roads requiring 4x4 in the High Sierra’s and pulled a trailer weighing 7000 lbs and I am very pleased. Nice job Nissan. I spent 4 solid months reviewing and test driving before I made my decision.
I've own a Titan for 10
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I've own a Titan for 10 months now. Not impressed with the gas mileage which fluctuates between 11.3 and 14.5 (the best the PRO4X ever got so far). Next, the paint is very thin and weak! Found out first hand on my maiden trip home from the dealer, a salt truck traveling in the opposite direction pelted my Titan. Enough so that it had to be painted and then invested in a 3M clear bra. Also the automatic high beam feature is worthless! Fluorescent road signs, street lights and dusk-to-dawn lights on residential homes shut off the high beams. The transmission shifts horribly in low gears! The truck hesitates when you step on the gas from a stop. Then there's a clunking sound from a dead stop. $96.00 and some change for a oil change and tire rotation. The money one saves on this cheaper alternative isn't any savings at all. By the time you figure out the trade-in value is horrible. Should have done more homework and stuck with the Ford. There's a reason why Nissan only sells 28,000 Titans and Canada dropped the truck. It's because they suck and you get what you pay for, a bottom tier truck.