Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/93583
FIRSTDRIVE Up-level 2012 Nissan Titan still on the radar for those seeking a strong half- ton built in America and designed for serious on- and off -road use By Larry Walton years it's lost a step or two against competi- tors on several fronts including confi guration options, towing capacity and fuel economy. However, those who have long appreciated W the off -road prowess of the Pathfi nder and Frontier will love the utility the Titan brings to the jobsite. The Titan is a sporty, sure-footed performer in a wide variety of on- and off -road terrains, which makes it a good choice for contractors who enjoy drifting, off -road racing, and their outdoor pursuits when the work week ends. Titan's designers know function is a big part of the purchase decision and to that end they've brought a 159.5-inch Long Wheelbase FAST FACTS 2012 Nissan Pro-4X Titan Crew Cab Priced as tested: $37,640 Engine: 5.6L V8; 317hp @ 5,200 rpm; 385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm Transmission: 5spd Auto EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17; 9/13 (E85) Max tow rating: 9,400 lbs. w/ W-D hitch 16 PROPICKUP February 2012 hen the Titan was introduced in 2004, Nissan set new standards for half-tons. But over the ensuing model of the Crew Cab into the 2012 mix. It features a 7-feet foot 3-inch bed, which is best in the half-ton pickup class. The long-bed adds to the models that fi t a wide range of work and recreation uses: King Cab and Crew Cab; 4wd and 2wd; two wheel- bases (138.9/159.5 inches); three bed lengths; and four trim levels (S, SV, PRO-4X and SL.) PRO-4X I like the Crew Cab PRO-4X long-bed because of the added off -road enhancements includ- ing Rancho shocks, lower axle ratio (3.357), additional skid plates on the oil pan and transfer case and electronic-locking rear dif- ferential. The PRO-4X also includes BFGoodrich Rug- ged Trail P275/70R18 all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch aluminum-alloy off -road wheels, body-colored grille and bumpers, a lockable bedside storage compartment – all products of great benefi t to contractors working off - pavement. On the comfort and convenience side the PRO-4X comes with items contractors who use their pickup as their rolling offi ce (and family transportation) appreciate: Rockford Fosgate premium audio system; rear over- head console with audio controls; power- adjustable pedals; and heated extending tow mirrors. The up-level trim package also includes Utili-track Bed Channel System, tailgate area illumination with 12V power point in the bed and factory spray-in bedliner. POWER TO PULL Titan's hold their own in the power depart- ment, too. They are built on Nissan's fully boxed F-Alpha pickup platform, featuring a 5.6L DOHC Endurance V8 rated at 317hp and 385 lb-ft torque behind a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The Titan's power is there when you need it; throttle response is fast and it pulls stronger than most pickups in its class. In fact our track tests show only the Ford F-150 EcoBoost had better track numbers among pickups we've ran recently. Fuel economy, or the lack thereof, is a dif- ferent matter. While the other manufacturers have made gains, the Titan is lagging. ProPickup's half-ton crew-cab fuel tests showed more than 20mpg on the Ford EcoBoost and 19mpg on GMC Sierra 4x4 while the Titan only managed 15mpg.