SAFETY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Five stars, driver side front impact; four stars, passenger side front impact; three stars (4WD) and four stars (2WD), rollover resistance
NHTSA
Good," frontal offset; not tested, side impact; "acceptable," rear crash protection
IIHS
Side-impact [and] side curtain airbags for both rows [are optional]
Cars.com
Antilock disc brakes with brake assist are standard on all Titan models
Edmunds
The 2008 Nissan Titan earns high marks in front impact crash testing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Titan five out of five stars for driver-side front impacts, four for front-passenger impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says front-impact protection is “good.” Side-impact scores are unavailable from these sources.
Standard safety equipment on the Titan includes active head restraints for the front seats, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, and three-point belts for all three rear passengers, according to Cars.com.
Optional equipment on the 2008 Nissan Titan includes, reports Car and Driver, "stability control, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags [which] are offered on SE, PRO-4X, and LE King Cab can crew-cab Titans as part of the Side Airbag package." Edmunds clarifies that this package is not available on the base XE trim. Strangely, J. D. Power claims that on the 2008 Nissan Titan, "Traction control is standard on LE and all 4WD models, and is optional on XE and SE 2WD models."
With its high stance, visibility from the Titan is generally good. But, notes Kelley Blue Book, "drivers over six feet [tall] may find themselves staring out through the windshield's tint band." ConsumerGuide points out, "Most controls are generously sized and close to the driver, but they're not always easy to see."
Conclusion
While test data for side impact crash tests is lacking, the 2008 Nissan Titan otherwise receives good ratings for front and rear impact protection.
