Pros:
- A hearty new V8 engine gives the Titan some raw power.
- Solid reliability and build for maximum utility and off-road performance.
- Safety features are improved over the previous model year.
Cons:
- More powertrain options are needed.
- The interior feels hard and uncomfortable in places.
- Towing capacity is unimpressive for the segment.
Would we buy one? Yes.
Vehicle Type: Four-door Crew Cab and Extended Cab, a full-size pick-up truck with seating for up to 5.
Price Range: Start pricing is $38,890 going to $55,490, before options.
All pricing includes a $1,595 destination charge.
Powertrain: A 5.6-liter, V8 engine making 400 horsepower and 413 pound-foot of torque is the sole powertrain for all trim levels.
All models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission four-wheel drive is standard on the Nissan Titan PRO-4X trim and is available across all other trims as well as rear-wheel drive.
Competitors: Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tundra.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
Safety Features: 8/10
For 2020, standard safety features are improved for the Nissan Titan. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 includes rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, lane-departure warning, airbags, pedestrian detection, stability control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a rearview monitor that helps with backing up trailers, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking.
Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver alert system can be added as options.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Nissan Titan five out of five stars in crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave an overall "Good" rating to the 2020 Nissan Titan.
Value: 7/10
There are five trim levels for the 2020 Nissan Titan: S, SV, PRO-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve.
Start pricing for the Titan S trim is $38,890 MSRP. The Nissan Titan SV trim level starts at $42,310 MSRP. A heavier-duty Titan XD model is available.
The mid and top-tiered trims, PRO-4X, Titan SL, and Titan Platinum Reserve start at $49,790 MSRP, $53,990 MSRP, and $55,490 MSRP, respectively. Drivetrain options affect pricing.
The PRO-4X Titan Crew Cab makes an attractive proposition in a full-size pickup with its sporty looks and enhanced driving dynamics with Bilstein shocks. Since all the trim levels share the same engine and chosen drivetrain, any of the models would make a good choice. If it were up to us, we would either get a base S as our workhorse or a PRO-4X for the fun factor, skipping the higher trims which can be pricey for the limited options available.
Tech Features: 8/10
The 2020 Nissan Titan gets an improved 8-inch infotainment touchscreen standard. A larger 9-inch touchscreen comes equipped on the upper-tier trims and was easier to read. Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, climate control, and several USB ports are included. An improved Fender audio system is available.
While the addition of the easier to read 9-inch touchscreen is welcome for the new Titan, competitors like the RAM 1500 offer a bit more in their infotainment systems. We would consider looking at some of the Titans competition if the tech was a purchasing factor for us.
Practicality: 8/10
There are large door storage cubbies in the 2020 Nissan Titan pickup truck we found useful for internal storage. A large center console adequately stows phones and small items. Overall, it is about on par with competitors for interior amenities.
The trailering technology and maximum payload is average for the segment. Rivals like the Ford F-150 can be equipped to tow and haul heavier payloads, but the Titan is no weakling either at a base tow capacity of 9,370 pounds. A Titan King Cab has a payload capacity of 1,630 pounds, which is not the worst in the segment.
Of course, consumers can look to the Nissan Titan XD for heavier towing and payload capacity specs.
Front seats and rear seats are comfortable, though a little rigid. Headroom and legroom are plentiful in the cabin. For greater luxury accommodations like leather seats with more adjustments and a handsome panoramic moonroof, the upper tiered Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve should be considered.
Styling & Design: 7/10
The 2020 Nissan Titan has not changed much over the previous model year body design. The exterior does sport a slightly more pronounced and bolder profile with a distinctive grille and minor stylings.
An interior such as leather upholstery and real wood grain can be had in the top tier trims for more luxury touches if this is a factor for you.
Driving Experience: 9/10
The stronger 5.6-liter V8, coupled with the zippier nine-speed automatic transmission gives the new model year of the Nissan Titan some teeth. The Titans 5.6-liter V8 pumps out 400 horsepower while the Chevy Silverado pickup truck with a similar powertrain has less output. Competitors like the Ford F-150 offer more engine choices, while the Titan is limited to the one V8 making it less attractive to those who are seeking different powertrain options.
The new 9-speed automatic transmission transitions through gears without a hitch and cabin noise is quiet making the Titan a pleasure to drive even at highway speeds.
Fuel Efficiency: 7/10
Nissan took a chance by offering only one powertrain option for the 2020 Titan, and it delivered in performance and power but took a step back in fuel economy. Rivals like the F-150 and RAM 1500 offer better gas mileage with different powertrain options if this is a purchasing point for you.
The RWD Titan gets an EPA estimated 15/22/18 MPG city/hwy/combined. For the AWD equipped Titan, an EPA estimated 16/18/21 MPG city/hwy/combined can be expected.
