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
The 2013 Nissan Titan has just one performance flavor, and it's for the most part a good one: The 5.6-liter V-8 that's under the hood of the Titan sounds ripped and ready--and it is.
That NASCAR-ish sound quality remains appropriate for this Mississippi-built truck. And while its numbers, of 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, are no longer near best in class, the Titan's always on its powerband, and aided by a transmission that feels like it was (and it was) designed as a willing companion to it.
PRO-4X models are only offered with four-wheel drive, while the rest of the lineup can be had in either rear- or four-wheel drive. If you're considering the PRO-4X, keep in mind that its suspension tuning is very firm--to the point of being skittish on some surfaces. But with ten inches of ground clearance and various upgrades like skid plates, the ability is there.
Towing capacity for the Titan is impressive--up to 9,500 pounds with the King Cab and 9,400 pounds with the Crew Cab--although in this age of ever-burlier trucks, it stands well behind the F-150's top 11,700-pound rating.
Considering the Titan's size and heft, it handles quite well (at least compared to other large pickups) and it feels smaller and nimbler than it is, with good low-speed maneuverability.
Conclusion
The Titan delivers strong, smooth acceleration from its big V-8--though its handling is no standout.
