"Take the Titan." That is the usual response when it comes to a staffer needing a tow rig to haul some project around or pickup to move stuff around. Thanks to a powerful drivetrain and hearty underpinnings, our Titan is a champ when it comes to doing work around the office, or the home.
Right from the factory, the Utili-trak tie-down system and factory bedliner makes us fearless about using the bed for what it was intended. The large gas tank and commendable fuel economy with a trailer attached provide a greater than 300-mile range, and big trailer towing mirrors give us a great view of the world behind us.
In fact, the Titan is so adept at doing work that it spent more than half of this report with a trailer in tow. As with most trucks, a load in the bed, or a trailer out back seem to mellow the ride motions, which certainly lean to the trucky side of the scale with the Titan.
With a vehicle in tow on a...
With a vehicle in tow on a recent 900 mile trip, the Titan managed a surprising 14 mpg. Its worst mpg while towing on the same trip was in the upper 10 mpg range through mountain areas. Not too shabby considering the driver of said trip is known for his heavy right foot antics.
The only areas of concern our testers voiced were the warped front rotors, which we have experienced with our other Titans in the past and an overly aggressive traction control. It seems that there are those of us with slightly heavy right feet that enjoy dipping in to the mighty power of the 5.6L DOHC V-8 when merging onto the freeway, but have found the Titan overly eager to leave scratch behind it and an even more eager traction-control system cutting the fun short, severely scaling back power and leaving the driver without acceleration when it is needed most. Fortunately Nissan engineers provided a kill switch on the dash, which restores the fun that 318 hp provides.
With new upgrades to interior materials and ample storage, the Titan is a fine choice for those long days on the highway, although passengers in the back of the cab may disagree. The seats are fine for short trips, but if you regularly carry three or more, check out the crew cab version of the Titan.
Until our tour with the Titan wraps up next report, we are sure to keep it busy moving around projects, hauling stuff, and exploring trails.
Report: 3 of 4
Previous reports: Sept. '08, Jan. '09
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: 16,027
Miles since last report: 3,265
Average mpg (this report): 12.67
Test best tank (mpg): 16.37
Test worst tank (mpg): 10.84 (towing)
Maintenance
None
Problem areas: Warped front rotors
What's Hot, What's Not
Hot: Exceptional drivetrain, great tow rig
Not: Aggressive traction control, some creaks and rattles
Logbook Quotes
* "Great throttle response."
* "Tie-down system in the bed is great!"
* "Traction control cut in abruptly and left me without acceleration while merging."
* "Starting to get a few squeaks and rattles."
* "Great visibility from the driver seat."