2018 Nissan Titan

Pros: Redesigned model offers new comfort, convenience, safety, and utility features; Titan XD model could hit “just-right” market niche in between half-ton and heavy-duty pickup trucks

Cons: Significant price premium for Cummins diesel engine; overall model lineup remains limited compared to domestic-brand competitors; lack of fuel-efficient V6 engine

CG Says: The 2018 Nissan Titan is unchanged, except for the addition of an available Midnight Edition package with 20-inch black wheels and black exterior trim. Titan is offered in half-ton and XD series. Titan XD essentially splits the difference between a traditional half-ton pickup and a heavy-duty three-quarter-ton model. Nissan claims the Titan XD model has a maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds, but offers the fuel efficiency and affordability of a half-ton pickup. Both series are available in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab. XD is powered by either a 310-horsepower 5.0-liter Cummins diesel with 555 lb-ft of torque or a gasoline 390-hp 5.6-liter V8 with 394 lb-ft of torque. The 5.6-liter gas engine is only engine choice for half-ton models. The gas engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel has a 6-speed automatic. Available features include blind-spot alert, LED headlights, heated/cooled front seats, 360-degree monitor, and trailer sway control. Titan’s recent redesign makes it competitive with other full-size pickups. Plus, the XD’s middle ground between half-ton and three-quarter-ton might be just right for some customers. Titan’s generous 5-years or 100,000-miles warranty is another incentive for big pickup buyers to give Titan a look.