The Titan Pro-4X King Cab has nestled into a comfortable and secure niche amongst our staff's varied lifestyles. Favored as a daily driver with utility to spare, testers comment on the 1/2-ton's ability to haul everything from race cars to camping essentials. Virtually any load we hook to the receiver hitch doesn't faze the powerful Endurance V-8. Thankfully, we haven't encountered a load that the 318 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque couldn't pull with ease. Around town, the crisp throttle response and sensitive tip-in allows the Titan clear and undisputed victories when pitted against other pickups at stoplight showdowns-not that we're keeping score or anything.
The act of merging into fast-paced Los Angeles traffic inspires pure bliss as the hearty rumble of the 5.6 liters soothes the wickedest desires of the greediest power snobs. One tester reported pulling California's infamous "Grapevine" grade on Interstate 5 towing a 6,500-pound load in 105-degree weather, with no movement on the coolant temperature gauge. We speculate that the all-aluminum engine block and generous cooling system are more than capable of exchanging whatever heat is generated under the hood, even in the hottest of climates. "The thing just doesn't get hot," commented one driver.
The Titan's King Cab is well suited as additional cargo space when required-just don't expect your average fullsize adult to ride back there without complaint.
From the start, the Titan's engine was designed to be a super-achiever, featuring dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, a forged steel crankshaft, six-bolt main bearing caps, and graphite-coated pistons. Couple that high-tech rotating assembly to the ultra-refined electronic five-speed automatic transmission, and you get a very usable powerband at virtually any rpm or load condition.
The name Pro-4X was inspired by the CORR Pro 4 race segment in an attempt to bolster appeal amongst the younger male demographic. The slew of wheeler-friendly options included in the Pro-4X package command a hefty $4,650 price tag, but when you stop and evaluate what you get for the money, it all makes sense. These include Rancho shocks, 275/70R18 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires, a lower final gear ratio (3.36:1), additional skidplating for the radiator and transfer case, a rear electronic locker, white-faced interior gauges, body-color exterior trim, and a special interior treatment you won't find on any other Titan model, which includes embroidered seats and a trick-looking shift knob.
Report: 2 Of 4
Previous reports: Sept. '08
Base price: $31,450
Price as tested: $36,020
Four-wheel-drive system: Two-speed, part-time electronic, shift on the fly
Long-Term Numbers
Miles to date: 20,763
Miles since last report: 8,635 (someone really likes driving this puppy.-Ed.)
Average mpg (this report): 14.04
Test best tank (mpg): 16.37
Test worst tank (mpg): 11.40 (towing)
Maintenance
Filter, oil change: $65.70
Problem areas: None
What's Hot, What's Not
Hot: Plenty of power, a throaty exhaust bark, and the bite to back it up
Not: Plasticky interior panels, interior fit and finish
Logbook Quotes
* "Awesome throttle response, plenty of power."
* "Easy to forget where you put stuff, there are so many storage spaces."
* "Tie-down system in the bed is great."
* "300-mile cruising range, even when towing-nice!"
* "The usual Nissan rattles and creaks."