2021 Nissan Titan XD Review

　　

2021 Nissan Titan XD Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Bridging the gap between light- and heavy-duty trucks, the 2021 Nissan Titan XD is an alternative for those who need more capability than a standard full-size truck, yet not all the fortified burliness of a workhorse commercial truck. The Titan XD's most obvious appeal is for drivers who plan to tow heavy toys, a role in which it excels. And its expansive cabin space gives passengers room to spread out along the way.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan Titan XD S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.6L 8cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$215/mo  for Titan XD S

　　Titan XD S

　　S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.6L 8cyl 9A) - $45,430 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.6L 8cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $49,170 MSRPPRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.6L 8cyl 9A) - $54,920 MSRPSL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.6L 8cyl 9A) - $59,470 MSRPPlatinum Reserve 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.6L 8cyl 9A) - $62,710 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Nissan refreshed the Titan XD last year with a new grille, more driver safety tech, upgraded infotainment and slightly enhanced power, so the XD carries into 2021 with no changes. While there's nothing fundamentally wrong with the XD, its rivals haven't stopped improving in the five years since it was introduced, and they now offer features and capabilities that make the big Nissan a questionable value.

　　The heavy-duty trucks from Chevrolet, Ford and Ram all now tow more than the Titan XD yet the XD is priced like a heavy-duty. Even light-duty trucks like the standard Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado are more capable today, and all of them except for the Toyota Tundra and the regular Titan can tow more than the Titan XD.

　　

Which Titan XD does zzdcar recommend?

It may seem odd to recommend the off-road-focused Pro-4X, especially for buyers who don't plan to explore the trails, but hear us out. The midgrade Pro-4X offers features that cost extra on the lower trims. It also opens up a wider selection of luxury options, so you can configure the Titan more precisely to your needs. And, hey, you never know when those off-road upgrades might prove useful.

　　

2021 Nissan Titan XD models

The 2021 Nissan Titan XD is a full-size pickup with five available trim levels: S, SV, Pro-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. All come in a single crew-cab configuration with a 6.5-foot bed. A 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine (400 horsepower, 413 lb-ft of torque) pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Feature highlights include:

　　S

　　The S comes with a respectable set of basic features:

　　Spray-in bedliner Receiver hitch with a combo four-pin/seven-pin wiring harness connector Lockable tailgate Sliding rear window Power windows and locks Push-button ignition 8-inch touchscreen Six-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationEvery Titan XD also comes with a suite of standard safety features that includes:

　　Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Trailer sway control (helps stabilize a towed trailer while driving)SV

　　The SV looks and feels less like a work truck by adding:

　　Front tow hooks Gooseneck hitch Heated, power-adjustable towing mirrors Trailer brake controller Wi-Fi hotspot Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Titan XD and the car in front)There are two primary packages for the SV:

　　SV Convenience package

　　Remote engine start Side steps Power-sliding rear window Keyless entry Auto-dimming rearview mirror Leather-wrapped steering wheel Dual-zone automatic climate control Rear air vents Heated front bucket seats with power driver's seat Navigation system 9-inch touchscreen 110-volt household-style power outletSV Utility package

　　Automatic wipers Bed steps Cargo-management rail system LED bed lighting 110-volt outlet in bedPro-4X

　　The off-road-oriented Pro-4X adds the following unique features on top of the SV content:

　　18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires LED headlights and foglights Bilstein shocks Skid plates Electronic locking rear differential Hill descent controlThe Pro-4X also comes with the features from the above packages, except for remote engine start, side steps and heated front seats.

　　There are two option packages for the Pro-4X:

　　Pro-4X Convenience package

　　Remote engine start Auto-dimming outside mirrors Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel Driver's seat memory settings Heated front and rear seats Power-adjustable front passenger seat Leather upholstery Visual trailer check functionPremium package

　　Ventilated front seats Panoramic sunroof In-bed Titan Box storage system Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Titan XD and its surroundings for tight parking situations)SL

　　The luxurious SL lacks the Pro-4X's mechanical upgrades but does come with many of its other features. The SL also includes:

　　20-inch wheels Remote engine start Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel Driver's seat memory settings Heated front seats Power-adjustable front passenger seat Surround-view cameraThe panoramic sunroof is the only optional extra for the SL.

　　Platinum Reserve

　　The range-topping Platinum Reserve is the most luxe Titan XD. Features include:

　　Dark chrome exterior styling Illuminated side steps Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Upgraded leather upholstery Wood trimThe Platinum Reserve offers a Moonroof package and:

　　Platinum Utility package

　　In-bed Titan Box storage system Remote-locking tailgate Bed steps

　　

2021 Titan XD Highlights

Trim: SSVPRO-4XSLPlatinum ReserveS

　　

Base MSRP	$45,430
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$215/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	10,880 lbs.
Warranty	5 years / 100,000 miles