2020 Nissan Titan XD Debuts With New Styling, More Power And Upgraded Tech

Nissan introduced the 2020 Titan last month and now the company is following up by unveiling the Titan XD.

Essentially a heavy duty version of the standard truck, the 2020 Titan XD has a fully boxed, full-length ladder frame that has been “extensively reinforced and strengthened.” The frame is also about 15 inches (381 mm) longer than the one used on the standard Titan and this allows the Titan XD to have a full-size 6.5 foot (1,981 mm) bed.

Speaking of beds, there’s only one option as Nissan has “simplified” the Titan XD lineup. That’s an understatement as the truck will only be offered in one configuration with a Crew Cab body, a 6.5 foot (1,981 mm) bed and four-wheel drive. However, there will be five trim levels including the S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve.

Also Read: 2020 Nissan Titan Debuts With More Power, New Tech And Revised Styling

On the styling front, the 2020 Titan XD has a redesigned grille which can be flanked by optional LED headlights with “double boomerang” LED daytime running lights. The pickup also has a new front bumper, restyled wheels and revised tailgate finishers. Other updates include new taillights and optional LED fog lights.

The back of the truck is all about the bed and it has some features worth mentioning. While it’s not made out of carbon fiber, the bed has LED lights and an integrated gooseneck hitch which is covered by a plug.

The cabin largely carries over from the standard Titan and drivers will find Zero Gravity seats, a 7-inch driver information display and an new smartphone holder/charging system. The truck has also been equipped with additional assist grips and larger storage compartments.

An assortment of options will be available including a new Integrated Command Center which is a 9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Buyers can also order a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system and a new dual panel panoramic moonroof which is one of the largest in the segment.

Since the diesel engine has been dropped for 2020, power is provided by a 5.6-liter petrol V8 that develops 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) and 413 lb-ft (559 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a new nine-speed automatic transmission which replaces the previous seven-speed gearbox. Nissan says the change results in smoother and faster acceleration as well as “optimal power on standing starts and at cruising speeds.”

As previously mentioned, the Titan XD is available exclusively with four-wheel drive. The truck also comes with Hill Start Assist, a Brake Limited-Slip Differential and an enhanced off-road gauge that displays the tire angle, relative pitch and roll angle. Customers looking to take their truck off-road can also opt for the PRO-4X which features Hill Descent Control and an electronic locking rear differential.

Nissan was coy on tow ratings, but said the Titan XD has “ample towing power.”  That’s pretty vague, but the automaker confirmed the truck will have a higher towing and payload capacity than the standard Titan.

While fans probably want numbers, Nissan said the truck will be offered with an assortment of towing aids.  These include an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control and a Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control.  Customers can also get a RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides and an Intelligent Around View Monitor that gives drivers a birds-eye view of their truck and its surroundings.  Last but not least, there’s a Trailer Light Check system that allows owners to verify their trailer lights are working using the key fob.

Speaking of technology, all Titan XDs come equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance systems.  It includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.

The 2020 Nissan Titan XD will go on sale early next year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.