2018 Nissan Titan Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Taking a break in 2016, the Nissan Titan arrived fully redesigned in 2017 as both a full-size pickup truck and a heavy-duty Titan XD pickup. Just like most Nissan vehicles, the Titan impresses with its combination of performance credentials and careful attention to driver and passenger comfort. Shoppers looking for a more upscale and nicely-appointed pickup may find the perfect balance between style and substance with the 2018 Nissan Titan.

What’s New for 2018?

The 2018 Nissan Titan remains almost identical to the 2017 Titan, which is a fully redesigned model starting off the new generation for the truck. A few slight tweaks have been made to the Titan for the 2018 model year, the major one being the addition of the Midnight Edition appearance package. In all practical respects this year’s Titan is otherwise the same as last year’s.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Nissan Titan – The Pros

1. Powerful V-8

The standard engine on the 2018 Titan is a big, beefy 5.6-liter V-8. At 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, it is a stronger option than the base engines on most other pickups, which are mostly V-6 engines. For drivers that are looking for this kind of power right off the bat, the entry-level Titan can be a wise investment.

2. Strong Turbodiesel

The alternative to the standard V-8 engine is the 5.0-liter turbocharged V-8, which makes the 2018 Nissan Titan perfect for towing and pulling. Producing up to 555 pound-feet of torque at its peak, the turbodiesel models of the Titan can handle anything thrown their way, from towing boats to pulling out tree stumps, with ease.

3. Good Towing Capacity

Both the gasoline and the diesel V-8s on the Titan make it an excellent vehicle for towing. The standard Nissan Titan can tow up to 9,730 pounds, while the Titan XD brings that number up to 11,270 pounds. If you find yourself in need of a tough vehicle to tow a boat or a trailer, this is it.

4. Pro-4X Off-road Trim

Rounding out the Titan’s impressive performance credentials is its off-road specialized Pro-4X trim, which is equipped with a full range of equipment one needs to get off the beaten path. From tow hooks and skid plates to a two-speed transfer case, it is off-road ready even in its standard configuration, but it can also be equipped with fun extras like Wi-Fi or premium audio.

5. Composed Ride

The 2018 Titan drives in a way that suggests a much smaller vehicle. It is precise and well-balanced, resulting in a very controlled and composed performance at both high and low speeds. This maneuverability and driving comfort help make this a far more accessible truck than some competitors, which many drivers may find appealing.

6. Supportive Seats

Speaking of driving comfort, the 2018 Nissan Titan comes equipped with Nissan’s much lauded Zero Gravity seats, which are specifically shaped to reduce driving fatigue and maintain comfort over the long haul. With a large vehicle like the Titan, this is a welcome addition that is sure to win the truck many fans.

7. Upscale Interior

Neither did Nissan skimp on the rest of the Titan’s interior. The material quality is very high throughout the model range, though the top Platinum Reserve models are the most luxurious. With a design that is similar to that of Nissan’s sedans and crossovers, this provides a very nice counterpoint to some of the more spartan trucks on the market.

8. Excellent Passenger Space

The Nissan Titan comes with a very big and spacious cabin in all of the different cab configurations. The Single Cab offers plenty of space for both the driver and the passenger, and the second row seating in the Crew Cab and King Cab models is also quite voluminous. Combined with the excellent interior and seats, this makes the Titan one of the most comfortable trucks around.

9. Utili-track Bed

The bed on the 2018 Nissan Titan is very flexible and customizable, and is equipped with many useful tools. The cargo tie-downs can slide to help you optimally secure your cargo, and the available storage boxes make moving loose objects much easier. Other helpful touches include a bumper step, cargo lights and even a power outlet.

10. Stylish Midnight Edition

While the exterior of the 2018 Nissan Titan is fairly conventional, the Midnight Edition appearance kit is there to spice it up and get it to stand out in a crowd. New for 2018, it features blacked-out grille, badging and wheels, as well as several other color-coordinated touches. Available in black, white or silver, it is a great way to add some character to this all-business vehicle.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Nissan Titan – The Cons

1. High Starting Price

The 2018 Nissan Titan starts at a higher price point than many of its competitors. While it also comes equipped with a stronger engine and better amenities than other automakers’ entry-level trucks, that does limit its appeal for more value-minded buyers.

2. No V-6

Without a V-6 option on the specifications sheet, the 2018 Nissan Titan feels like an all-or-nothing proposition. As such, drivers who see their truck as more of a commuting vehicle and only occasionally use them for towing or hauling may feel that the Titan is too much for them.

3. Below-average Fuel Economy

Full-size pickup trucks are not known for being efficient, but the 2018 Nissan Titan is below average even within that already-thirsty class of vehicles. This slightly increases its cost to own compared to many other pickups, which may be a deterrent to many buyers.

How It Stacks up to the Competition

The Titan’s competitors are other full-size pickup trucks, which are a challenging bunch to go up against. Typical vehicles that drivers might consider alongside the Nissan Titan are the Ford F-150 or the Ram 1500. The Ford F-150 offers slightly more towing and payload than the Titan, but only matches its interior comfort in the higher, more expensive trim levels. The Ram 1500 is also very comfortable to drive, but gets much poorer safety scores than the Titan, and only matches its utility when fully-equipped.

Conclusion

The 2018 Nissan Titan offers an excellent combination of utility and comfort that can strike the perfect balance for many buyers. It is nicer and stronger than most of its competitors from the most basic model on up, and offers excellent passenger space and comfort throughout. For drivers who want a hard-working and upscale truck without spending a fortune, the Titan will be just the right combination.