Nissan tried an alternative way to improve its standings in the full-size pickup truck market dominated by the Detroit-based trio. The launch of the uniquely sized Nissan Titan XD for 2016 hasn’t proven well on the market as Nissan expected. The Titan XD sized between light-duty and heavy-duty classes tried to offer from both worlds but the truck buyers are the biggest loyalist to the particular brand and when you have Ford, General Motors and Ram as rivals, it is hard to catch the pace. It’s even harder for Nissan after the launch of the all-new Chevy, GMC and Ram trucks and while all brands are improving their sales, Nissan’s cumulative sales of both Titans for the first half of 2019 was just 20, 268 examples. As the reference, it is 25.7 percent decline compared to the same period last year.
Nissan is, however, making final touches on the refreshed Titan and 2020 Nissan Titan XD and promises dramatically different models. The spy photos also appeared and Nissan revealed several details as well.
What’s new?
The next Titan XD and light-duty Titan will get refreshed front and rear facias but spy photos don’t promise dramatic changes. The interior will also benefit from several upgrades including the larger center display and different controls layout. Nissan revealed also that Duramax diesel engine and single cab version will be discontinued. Nissan will end the production of the Titan XD Diesel in December 2019 and thinks that with simplifying the Titan range it should gain a better position in the long-term perspective. The brand hasn’t commented on the possible mechanical upgrades of the petrol engine.
2020 Nissan Titan XD: Design
The 2020 Nissan Titan XD will pause the singe cab version as Nissan announced recently while will continue delivering extended cab and crew cab versions.
From the visual standpoint, despite Nissan claims dramatic visual changes, the prototype versions caught on camera suggest rather a modest front and rear fascia refresh.
The camo conceals front section of the truck hiding refreshed headlights and likely tweaked grille and front bumper. The headlights seem similar in shape but coming with the new LED signature lights. The fog lights also seem different while the front bumper looks very similar to the current form.
The rear seems also hiding some limited upgrades. The rear-side changes should include redesigned taillights. The shape is similar but the graphics are different.
Interior, equipment:
The interior of the next Titan XD and light-duty Titan is coming with more significant changes based on what we know so far.
The model will appear with the redesigned center stack where Nissan will place lager center touchscreen managing likely upgraded infotainment interface. Nissan moved also physical controls bellow the new center screen.
There will also likely be some changes in the trim accents and exterior and interior shades. More standard equipment should also appear in the equipment list.
Nissan hasn’t said about the possible addition of new active safety systems. The current Titans come with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert but there are no other active safety aids.
2020 Nissan Titan XD: Powertrains
Nissan thinks that with discontinuation of the Cummins V-8 diesel engine and focusing on the heart of the truck segment would improve the model’s position in the long term.
A 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel V-8 engine makes 310 hp and torque of 555 pound-feet. The engine is available with the 6-speed automatic transmission and Cummins-powered Titan XD can tow up to 12, 720 pounds.
No signs that Nissan will introduce a new engine option for the next Titan XD and the Endurance V-8 petrol will likely be the only powering unit. A 5.6-liter Endurance V-8 produces 390 hp and torque of 394 pound-feet in the current form. The best towing configuration is a single cab version allowing up to 11, 600 pounds but Nissan will discontinue it. The Titan XD King Cab 4×2 should become the most capable version with the towing limit up to 11, 380 pounds if there wouldn’t be performance upgrades of the V-6 gas engine.
2020 Nissan Titan XD: Release, Price
Nissan will disclose the refreshed 2020 Nissan Titan XD and light-duty version this fall. The model will reach dealers early next year. The simplified Titan XD range should have a starting price from around $33, 000. We would see how the refreshed Titans will rate against best-selling models.
