This is the Nissan Titan PRO-4X pickup, and for the folks at Nissan, it was almost the Last of the Mohicans.
And if Dodge had been in better shape a few years ago, it might have had a Hemi. That’s because Nissan had done a deal, if the bottom hadn’t fallen out for Chrysler, to make the next titan a thinly disguised Ram.
I love the Ram, but there are few sweeter engines in the world than the products of Japan’s number-two automaker. As much as I like the Hemi, not hearing that Nissan burble would have been sad.
The reason for this was that Titans weren’t selling well a couple of years back, but then no truck was.
It isn't because of the basic vehicle. Our Pro-4X is the big, butch, off-road version with 18-inch alloy wheels, an electrically controlled
4-wheel-drive system, and custom tuned Rancho shocks. A torrential downpour prevented us off-roading in the mud, so we did a bit of lighter crawling in the woods and pastures, and it is a very capable setup.
Bumps and whoop-de-doos are handled with absolute confidence.
Under the hood, a 318-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 underpowers the truck, and though engines just aren't made any better than this one, it is a bit overwhelmed by the weight involved.
Inside, a rather plasticky dash, that felt flimsier than the competition faces you, but you are coddled in lovely, embroidered seats. Clamshell doors open to a fairly roomy backseat that is very usable.
Every conceivable convenience item is included on our test truck including a really trick roll down rear window.
The bed is a bit shorter, but has tie-downs galore and a tailgate that you can simply release and it lowers with a cushioned whoosh.
On the road, the Titan is a joy, and the equal of any of the domestics and easily more fun than the competition from the land of the rising sun.
Mileage is, OK, it’s miserable just reaching 14 miles per gallon on our last day of the week. Loaded price is $40,025.
And that's the Nissan Titan. Thank goodness it’s still all-Nissan.
