REMEMBER THE TITAN
2012 Nissan Titan 4X4 PRO-4X

The Nissan Titan is not on most buyers radar screens when it comes time to new pickup trucks. That’s too bad, because this one has it all: space, power, quickness, ruggedness, and reliability second to none. And yet it’s smooth, quiet, and comfortable for everyday transportation. LA Car’s truck aficionado Harold Osmer reports. By Harold Osmer Nissan has been in the large pickup truck market long enough to be a worthy option for those in need of a vehicle with the power and capacity to move full loads. The “standard” Titan 4X4 PRO-4X comes prepared to handle rough terrain and towing assignments. Nissan’s 5.6-liter Endurance V8 cranks out 317 horsepower while producing 385 lb-ft of torque. Coupled that to a five-speed automatic transmission featuring shift-on-the-fly 4WD capability, and you have a solid package. Skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, two-speed transfer case, and Rancho shocks all around fulfill the requirements of “truck”.

Towing capacity is rated at an impressive 9400 pounds via a Class IV hitch. An advanced Tow/Haul gearing mode system keeps the transmission in low gear longer than normal to allow for improved acceleration, hill climbing, and engine braking on declines. One would be safe to expect rough handling under no-load conditions with as strong a tow vehicle as Titan 4X4. This is not the case. Titan’s empty road manners are precise and clean. Four wheel antilock brakes designed to corral 5-ton loads are overkill when riding empty. That said, this truck stops smooth and easy without drama. Even though equipped with all-terrain tires, handling is quick and predictable. Low door sills give ample outward vision. Large, pull-out side mirrors with convex blind spot additions provide ample warning cues for cars sliding up the side. Ride height is up there yet not so high as to prove difficulty on entry for those over five feet tall.

There isn’t much online chatter about Titan’s tailgate design, but we found the shock dampening system to be a very useful, welcome feature. What this system does is catch and slow the opening of the tailgate, setting it down slowly rather than having it fall free. The heavy duty gate system also provides a slight lift assist. Older finger pinching, knee banging, can’t lift ’em because it’s late and I’m tired from working all day pickup rear gates are a thing of the past. Titan’s interior controls and switches are easy to find and use. The large cabin has room enough for two up front and three adults in the rear. Leg, head, shoulder, and hip room abound. Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knobs are common, but welcome details. For those looking to pull a load with friends, Titan 4X4 PRO-4X is a solid option. UPDATE A rare opportunity to drive the Nissan Titan 4x4 off road presented itself and what do you think we said? “I’ll drive!,” of course. Having just returned this very truck after a too short street drive review period, switching to 4x4 mode couldn’t be passed up. Winding along a slow-as-you-go dusty dirt path, Titan was right at home. We’re a bit squishy about slipping and sliding over rutted surfaces with unforgiving drop offs, blind rises, and steep declines, but Titan responded in reassuring fashion. Where some vehicles ask to straddle a given rut, rock, of root, Titan didn’t much care and such obstacles proved to be minor inconveniences. Nissan’s Endurance 5.6L V8 called upon its 385 lb-ft of torque to control every climb and decent via the 2.596 – 1.0 low 4WD gear ratio. There was no noticeable surging when stepping on the throttle in low gear, nor did the brakes respond with any undo manners. Steering was solid, we used all 10.7 inches of ground clearance, and we came away impressed with Titan's PRO4x4’s off road exploration abilities. Combined with our earlier Titan PRO4x4 experience, we are convinced that Nissan has built a terrific truck well suited for both on and off road. - Harold O. SUMMARY JUDGMENT: A truck worth remembering. For more information about Nissan products, go to www.nissanusa.com

SPECIFICATIONS: Name of vehicle: 2012 Nissan Titan 4X4 PRO-4X Price: Base $37,340, as tested $40,025 PRO-4X Premium Utility Package includes: Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio System; Homelink Universal Transceiver; Power Adjustable Pedals; Factory-applied spray-on bed liner; Utili-track Channel System with 4 adjustable tie down cleats EPA mileage estimates: 12 city/17 highway miles per gallon

Engine type: 5.6L V8 DOHC, 32-valve CVTCS Horsepower: 317@5200 rpm Torque: 385 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm Drive configuration: Front engine / four wheel drive Transmission type: 5-speed Automatic Overdrive, Electronically controlled Console mounted shifter with Tow/Haul Mode Switch operated 2-speed transfer case (4WD high = 1.000; 4WD low = 2.596) Suspension: Front: Independent Double Wishbone with stabilizer bar and Dana axle Rear: Multi-leaf with solid Dana axle Rancho off-road performance shocks Engine speed sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion steering

Wheels and tires: LT275/55R20 All-season Brakes: 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes; Electronic brake force distribution Front Power 13.8 x 1.2 inch Vented Disc Rear Power 12.6 x 0.6 inch Vented Disc Dimensions Overall length 224.6 inches Overall width: 79.5 inches Overall height: 76.6 inches Curb Weight: 5259 pounds 3 Year/36,000 mile limited 5 Year/60,000 Limited Powertrain