Nissan unveiled its gas-powered 2020 Titan XD this week with more horsepower, more torque and a new 9-speed transmission.
The reveal follows the automaker’s decision to ditch the diesel option for the 5/8-ton truck. The 5.0-liter Cummins V8 offers 310 horsepower and 555 lb.-ft. torque.
That left Nissan with its 5.6-liter Endurance V8 which for the 2020 Titan XD is now rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. torque versus the previous 390 horsepower and 394 lb.-ft. of torque.
The engine is mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission built by Nissan subsidiary Jatco which replaces the previous 7-speed model. The larger final gear ratio of 4.083:1 (versus 3.692:1 for Titan) provides more torque at the wheels in a given gear and smoother and faster acceleration. The larger range also means better coverage for optimal power on standing starts and at cruising speeds.
Titan XD Platinum Reserve models feature a number of premium touches on the exterior, including Platinum Reserve badging, dark painted and machined clad wheels, satin chrome grille, tailgate and fog lamp finisher, and two-tone paint.The Crew Cab configuration with four-wheel-drive will be the only cab and drivetrain variant offered which means that if you’re interested in a new two-wheel-drive Single or King Cab Titan XD, you better get moving fast on the 2019 models.
The new Titan XD shares many of the new features and technologies with the half-ton 2020 Titan, but is built on a unique reinforced, fully boxed, full-length ladder frame with sturdy braking provided by a 4-wheel disc system featuring substantial rear ventilated discs with hydraulic power assist.
Though it’s tempting to think that additional power for the 2020 Titan XD means more workhorse capability, Nissan has not released towing and hauling figures just yet. The 2019 Titan XD gasser has a max payload of 2,990 pounds and a maximum tow rating of 11,680 pounds. Also, Nissan told Hard Working Trucks that there are currently no plans to offer a stripped-down 2020 model through Nissan Commercial which currently markets the 2019 Titan and Titan XD.
The 2020 Titan XD has undergone plenty of changes. Key enhancements include unique exterior and interior styling of the SL, PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve trims, advanced connectivity technology and features, and standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems, on all grade levels.
Like Titan, unique grille designs among trim levels are intended to give the Titan XD a higher degree of differentiation among grade levels allowing for more owner customization straight from the factory.
A new interlocking frame grille introduces a new look while enhancing cooling performance for the 5.6-liter V8 engine. Also completely redesigned for 2020 are the front bumper and wheel designs. On PRO-4X models, the first-ever Nissan badge with “lava red” accents is featured prominently on the grille.
The Titan XD’s bold front end includes available LED headlights and “double boomerang” LED Daytime Running Lights, which add a dramatic high-tech appearance. LED fog lights are also offered. High Beam Assist, which allows drivers to leave the light stalk in high beam position indefinitely without blinding drivers, is standard on all grades and is part of the standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology package.
Titan XD SL models feature an abundance of new chrome touches, including on the grille, door handles, tow mirrors and wheels.In the rear, new all-LED lighting has been added to the pickup bed, using four light sources for full surround lighting. The rear also includes new LED lights that are designed to convey the look of solid quality and rigid machine structure. The new tailgate finishers, like the grille surrounds, are customized to differentiate grade levels. Just as the grilles feature unique personalities for each trim, Titan XD PRO-4X features a black finisher, while Platinum Reserve utilizes a Satin Chrome finisher.
There are four new Titan XD exterior colors – Red Alert, Baja Storm, Cardinal Red Metallic (premium color) and Super Black. Carryover colors include Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat (premium color), Glacier White and Deep Blue Pearl. Color availability is matched specifically to model grades. In addition, the Platinum Reserve grade is available in four two-tone painted over-fender treatments, while PRO-4X features standard semi-gloss dark painted over-fenders.
Cab gets uptick in technology
Titan XD PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve models include a new Integrated Command Center with 9.0-inch WXGA touchscreen that features WXGA resolution. Like on the 2020 Titan, it serves as the gateway to the enhanced next-generation connectivity that includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new internal WiFi router allows passengers to stream their favorite content (WiFi subscription required, sold separately). Up to seven devices can be connected.
The 2020 Titan and Titan XD offer the new Nissan Concierge, which provides owners 24-hour access to a team of professional, live assistants at the push of a button. Nissan Concierge can help with tasks such as appointment scheduling, wake up calls, restaurant reservations and personal shopping.
The next-generation NissanConnect allows over-the-air (OTA) software updates, new safety and security features, HD Traffic and Google Places/Search. Also available on the 2020 Titan XD is NissanConnect Services, a suite of convenience and security features that provide assistance including remote access features and emergency response services. NissanConnect Services can be accessed from inside the vehicle, on a computer, on a smartphone or smartwatch app and with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The 2020 Titan XD offers a new, innovative flexible smartphone holder/charging system that allows drivers to keep cell phones steady and secure while driving. Also standard on every trim level is a 7.0-inch programmable driver information display, which helps ensure that customers can access meaningful vehicle information easily and clearly.
Titan XD SL and Platinum Reserve models are available with a new Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, the first offered on Titan XD and one of the largest in the segment measuring over three-feet square.
Titan XD PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve models include a new Integrated Command Center with 9.0-inch WXGA touchscreen. Other Platinum Reserve interior touches include leather seats with Platinum Reserve branding, heated rear seats, leather steering wheel with wood insert, chrome accent trim pieces, and a leather wrapped center console lid with contrast stitching and Platinum Reserve logo.
