30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Gas Mileage, So Far
As we roll through our 30-day road test of the 2013 Ram 1500, we're ready to file our first report... Read More
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PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Compared to the recently tested 2011 Silverado and F Series rigs, the Titan's ride felt skittish and overly responsive to passing imperfections.
Motor Trend
However, the rather stiff suspension (especially on Pro-4X models) can make the Titan feel skittish in off-road situations.
Edmunds
Titan is relatively easy to drive for a big pickup.
ConsumerGuide
In extreme cornering situations, the Titan's spirited handling impressed.
PickupTrucks.com
Regardless, the Titan is powerful and strong, and can handle just about any task that’s asked of it.
Automobile.com
It's no longer one of the most powerful pickups on the planet, but we're still fans of the Nissan Titan and its sole powertrain, a rippling V-8 with more macho engine noises than those coming from some of the American entries in the class.
It's the NASCAR sound quality that makes the Titan's exhaust note a perfect fit for this Mississippi-built truck. It snarls, it growls, and the 5.6-liter V-8 turns in 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers are nowhere near best in class anymore--Ford's new V-6 engine makes 302 horsepower--but the Titan sounds like it loves every minute of its job.
The V-8 teams up only to a five-speed automatic that lacks the gears it needs to boost fuel economy, but otherwise works well with the engine to combine for smooth shifts and strong acceleration. Gas mileage as low as 12/17 mpg is offset by towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds with the King Cab and 9,400 pounds with the Crew Cab. Again, those numbers are strong in absolute terms, but against the 11,700-pound capacity of the latest F-150, it's almost a lightweight.
For a big, heavy pickup, the Nissan Titan handles extremely well. On the road, the Titan feels smaller and nimbler than it is, maneuvering well at low speed. Of the many variants, all but the PRO-4X is offered with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive; the PRO-4X off-road variants are four-wheel-drive only.
The PRO-4X is also more prone to being over-firm on and off-road, with skittish behavior under some circumstances. Solid 10-inch ground clearance puts it at the front of its class, however, and may win converts more concerned with capability than comfort.
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Conclusion
So long as you can afford the gas, the Nissan Titan's big V-8 is powerful, smooth, and entertaining.
