Introduction
After a decade on the market and few significant updates, the Nissan Titan full-size pickup truck will be completely redesigned for the 2014 model year. Until then, the 2013 Nissan Titan fills the void, offering a few minor styling and equipment changes, while continuing with the same V-8 engine, king- and crew-cab body styles, and short and long wheelbases. Four trim levels--S, SV, PRO 4X, and SL--are available.
Exterior Features
The entry-level Titan S model is equipped with 18-inch steel wheels and manual outside mirrors, while the 2013 Nissan Titan SV delivers standard 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable outside mirrors, rear privacy glass, sliding rear window, locking tailgate, and running boards. Built for off-road duty, the Titan PRO-4X adds multiple skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, tow hooks, black fender flares, exterior graphics, unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and aggressively tuned shocks that contribute to the truck's 10.7 inches of ground clearance. This rugged version of Nissan's full-size pickup truck also features rear parking sensors, fog lights, automatic headlights, splash guards, a towing package, lockable bedside storage compartment, and a spray-in bedliner (king cab models). The Titan SL includes standard 20-inch alloy wheels, heated power-folding and auto-dimming turn signal mirrors, 120-volt outlet mounted in the bed, and adjustable tie downs in the pickup bed.
Titan king and crew cab models are available with a short wheelbase configuration and bed lengths of 79.1 and 67.3 inches, respectively. An extended-wheelbase version of the Titan crew cab is also offered and includes a bed that is 87 inches long.
Interior Features
With standard front and rear bench seats, the 2013 Titan S provides seating for 6 occupants. Nissan also equips this base model with a sound system featuring 6 (king cab) or 8 (crew cab) speakers, power windows and door locks (crew cab only), cloth upholstery, and a tilt steering wheel. Upgrades that accompany the Titan SV include driver's manual lumbar support, 6-disc CD changer and MP3 player, cruise control, and keyless entry, while the PRO-4X adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front captain's chairs with 8-way adjustment for the driver, 120-volt outlet, two-tone cloth upholstery, satellite radio, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Among the items reserved for the top-of-the-line Nissan Titan SL are leather upholstery, heated front seats with memory settings for the driver and 4-way adjustment for the passenger, power-adjustable foot pedals, dual-zone climate control, a 350-watt audio system, and a navigation system featuring a 5.8-inch touch-screen display.
Optional Features
A number of trim-specific options are available for the 2013 Nissan Titan, one of which is the S Popular Equipment package that consists of a tow package, sliding rear window, cruise control, and 18-inch alloy wheels. An SV Value Truck package equips the Titan SV with upgrades such as front captain's chairs, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and rear parking sensors, while an SV Utility package adds the spray-in bedliner, adjustable tie downs, locking exterior storage, and a 120-volt outlet in the cargo bed. Nissan also offers an SV Premium Utility package that boasts the 350-watt sound system, heated towing mirrors, and a heavy-duty battery.
Buyers of the 2013 Nissan Titan PRO-4X can opt for a similar PRO-4X Premium Utility package, or a PRO-4X Luxury package with its navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats with memory settings for the driver and 4-way adjustment for the passenger, and power-adjustable foot pedals. A power tilt/slide moonroof is also available, as is a rear DVD entertainment system featuring an 8-inch screen and wireless headphones. SL models can be upgraded with the moonroof, DVD system, and an SL Max Utility package.
Under the Hood
Nissan equips the 2013 Titan with a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that delivers 317 horsepower and 385 lb.-ft. of torque, all managed by a 5-speed automatic transmission. Buyers have the choice of RWD or part-time 4WD capability, with the latter featuring a 2-speed transfer case. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on all Titans.
Maximum towing capacity is 9,500 pounds, while the 2013 Nissan Titan's maximum payload weighs in at 2,153 pounds.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Nissan Titan are:
- Titan RWD: 13/18/15 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Titan 4WD: 12/17/14 mpg
Safety
The 2013 Nissan Titan's standard safety features include 6 air bags, traction control, front active head restraints, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.
In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Titan received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate frontal-offset crash protection. As this preview is written, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 Nissan Titan.
