2020 Nissan Titan

Pros: Comprehensive array of safety features; new transmission and improved horsepower for 2020

Cons: Model lineup is limited compared to domestic-brand competitors; lack of fuel-efficient engine option

CG Says: For 2020, the Nissan Titan gets a midcycle refresh that includes new safety and convenience features, slightly more power, a new transmission, revised styling, and a pared-down model lineup. Newly standard on all models is Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of high-tech safety features, which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and rear automatic braking. Newly available are adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning, traffic-sign recognition, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The standard 5.6-liter V8 gets a 10-horsepower increase, from 390 to an even 400, and a 9-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous 7-speed automatic. Part-time 4-wheel drive is available on all models except the off-road-oriented PRO-4X, where it’s standard. Nissan has significantly trimmed the Titan lineup for 2020; regular cabs are gone, as are King Cab (extended-cab) versions of the “semi-heavy-duty” XD series (The XD essentially splits the difference between a traditional half-ton pickup and a heavy-duty three-quarter-ton model). The XD’s diesel engine option has also been deleted. This leaves the regular Titan available as a King Cab with a 6.5-foot bed and a Crew Cab with a 5.5-foot bed; the XD is only offered as a 4-wheel-drive Crew Cab with 6.5-foot bed. Even with the welcome revisions for 2020, Nissan’s full-size pickup trails its more-popular class rivals in terms of ride quality, powertrain choices, and innovative new features. However, it’s well-equipped and offers a generous warranty of 5 years/100,000 miles, at competitive prices that may make it a compelling value for some shoppers.