Nissan’s Year of the Truck is a crucial one for the company’s plans going forward—not to mention its strong presence in the urban SUV segment with the all-new Qashqai. Nissan is trying to win over truck enthusiasts with products that have cargo and towing capabilities to be both workhorses and recreational tools at the same time.
With the help of BOATsmart Canada, a recent presentation involving four of the brand’s most important truck models took place in the beautiful Muskoka region north of Toronto.
Auto123.com was on hand to put to the test the 2017 Pathfinder and Armada SUVs as well as the new 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD pickups. We towed and launched in the water a fishing boat, a 23’ pleasure boat and even a pontoon. Here’s what you need to know…
Nissan Pathfinder
This midsize SUV boasts modern looks, a very spacious cabin with seating for seven, a healthy V6 developing 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, 6,000 lbs of towing capacity and a 4WD Lock function for low-speed manoeuvres.
Read our 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Nissan Armada
Motivated by a potent 5.6L V8 rated at 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, and blessed with a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission, Nissan’s full-size SUV offers a ton of room for second- and third-row occupants along with great ride quality. Solidly built, it can tow up to 8,500 lbs, which is more than the Toyota Sequoia can (7,100 lbs), equal to the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, but less than the new Ford Expedition (9,300 lbs).
Read our 2017 Nissan Armada Review
Nissan TITAN and TITAN XD
Here are two large pickups featuring a vast and refined cabin. Maximum towing capacity amounts to 9,770 lbs (gasoline V8) and 12,010 lbs (diesel V8), respectively. You won’t find a better limited vehicle warranty (5 years/160,000 km) in the segment. Comfortable on the road, they’ll make your life easy with available systems such as Integrated Trailer Brake Control, Trailer Sway Control, Remote Trailer Light Check and Hill Descent Control.
Read our 2017 Nissan TITAN and TITAN XD Review