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2012 Nissan Titan Crew Cab SL 4x4 Review

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Rob Rothwell
Avoiding the Holy Trinity of Pickups
Front tow hooks are provided as basic fare while a receiver hitch is included in all but the S trim level. My SL tester was tow-rated at 4,128 kg (9,100 lbs), which is less than the equivalent Ram’s rating of 4,740 kg (10,450 lbs). Nevertheless, that’s plenty of towing grunt for big toys.

2012 Nissan Titan Crew Cab SL 4x4 front tow hooks
Front tow hooks are provided as basic fare while a receiver hitch is included in all but the S trim level. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)

The drive
Many potential customers fear the thought of navigating such large vehicles on congested city streets. The Titan doesn’t feel as large from the driver’s seat as other full-size crew cab pickups I’ve tested. It may be its short nose that contributes to this or the abundance of glass surrounding the driver.

The Titan’s relatively quick steering helps to impart a sense of nimbleness that’s not always present in such behemoths. Detracting from the ease of operation are massive A-pillars that significantly intrude upon otherwise expansive front and side sight-lines.

Parking the big rig is made easier by side mirrors that tilt downward to help see where the rear wheel is in relation to the curb. An audible warning assists drivers in knowing how close the truck is to surrounding objects. A backup camera would be a major asset in this vehicle whether the navigation system is ordered or not.

Behind the wheel
Nissan’s crew cab Titan is a delightful truck to drive due largely to its smooth ride and quiet cabin. There’s plenty of power underfoot but its delivery is abrupt. The gas pedal is sensitive and lightly sprung, resulting in unintended neck-snapping starts until a feathery foot develops.

Trucks shouldn’t be like that. Wearing clompy boots and trying to nurse the Titan smoothly through stop and go traffic takes some time to master. Yet, if that’s the worst I can say about life behind the wheel, the truck must be darn good — and it is, except at the filling station.

The tester was rated at 17.7 L/100 km city and 12.1 L/100 km highway. My experience around town saw average usage figures fluctuate between 18-19 L/100 km, which isn’t unusual for this sort of heavy 4WD vehicle, but it’s still not desirable.

2012 Nissan Titan Crew Cab SL 4x4 right side view
The tester was rated at 17.7 L/100 km city and 12.1 L/100 km highway. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)
Rob Rothwell
Rob Rothwell
Automotive expert
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