Limited choices
Unlike the Ram, Ford and GMs, the Nissan is available with only one powertrain. With the Toyota, you get a choice of V8s. In a category where buyers like to spec out or customize their toy, this is not the way to go. However, it must be said the 317-hp, 5.6L V8, although low on output compared to all other V8s in the segment, it doesn’t lack for will. Its 385 lb-ft of torque are enough to get the 5,000-pounder (2,250 kg) up to speeds quickly enough, but the cost is astronomical amounts of fuel. Final tally for my week-long road test was of just under 19L per 100 km. This was acceptable and understandable a few years ago, but not anymore.
With the only V8 comes the only transmission, a 5-speed autobox. Together, they have a tow rating that ranges between 6,500 (2,948 kg) and 9,500 (4,309 kg) pounds. With payload capacities ranging from 1,659 (752 kg) to 2,009 (911 kg) pounds, the Titan is actually quite capable. My Crew Cab LE 4X4 easily carried my near 500-lb load to the municipal dump.
Competent but dated drive
If you’ve read my latest pickup reviews (2011 F-150, 2011 GM HD, 2011 Super Duty, 2010 Ram 1500), you have probably noted that one thing has become apparent; all these trucks are better to drive than ever before.
The Titan finds itself in the lower mid-pack, just ahead of the GM light-duties and nearly neck-a-neck with the Tundra. As expected, the brakes are robust and steering is somewhat vague. The ride is rough but not back-breakingly harsh. Uneven road surfaces will have passengers hanging on to handles or armrests for stability but this is all part of the pickup game. At least, until recently.
Pickups are achieving levels of refinement that were once reserved for road-going sedans in the mid-nineties, without the horrific body roll or the rattles. The ante is way up, as the Friendly Giant would say.
Unlike the Ram, Ford and GMs, the Nissan is available with only one powertrain. With the Toyota, you get a choice of V8s. In a category where buyers like to spec out or customize their toy, this is not the way to go. However, it must be said the 317-hp, 5.6L V8, although low on output compared to all other V8s in the segment, it doesn’t lack for will. Its 385 lb-ft of torque are enough to get the 5,000-pounder (2,250 kg) up to speeds quickly enough, but the cost is astronomical amounts of fuel. Final tally for my week-long road test was of just under 19L per 100 km. This was acceptable and understandable a few years ago, but not anymore.
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| The only V8 and the only transmission, a 5-speed autobox, together, they have a tow rating that ranges between 6,500 (2,948 kg) and 9,500 (4,309 kg) pounds. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |
With the only V8 comes the only transmission, a 5-speed autobox. Together, they have a tow rating that ranges between 6,500 (2,948 kg) and 9,500 (4,309 kg) pounds. With payload capacities ranging from 1,659 (752 kg) to 2,009 (911 kg) pounds, the Titan is actually quite capable. My Crew Cab LE 4X4 easily carried my near 500-lb load to the municipal dump.
Competent but dated drive
If you’ve read my latest pickup reviews (2011 F-150, 2011 GM HD, 2011 Super Duty, 2010 Ram 1500), you have probably noted that one thing has become apparent; all these trucks are better to drive than ever before.
The Titan finds itself in the lower mid-pack, just ahead of the GM light-duties and nearly neck-a-neck with the Tundra. As expected, the brakes are robust and steering is somewhat vague. The ride is rough but not back-breakingly harsh. Uneven road surfaces will have passengers hanging on to handles or armrests for stability but this is all part of the pickup game. At least, until recently.
Pickups are achieving levels of refinement that were once reserved for road-going sedans in the mid-nineties, without the horrific body roll or the rattles. The ante is way up, as the Friendly Giant would say.
 |
| As expected, the brakes are robust and steering is somewhat vague. The ride is rough but not back-breakingly harsh. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |