2022 Nissan Titan Review: It Does The Job
When you visit Nissan USA's website and click on the Nissan Titan tab, you're greeted with a bold statement. This, according to Nissan, is the full-size pickup with the most standard power, technology, and safety features in its class. So why does it struggle to post anywhere near the same sales figures as its rivals? During the height of the pandemic, the Ford F-Series still managed to sell 787,422 F-Series trucks in the USA. During that same time, Nissan managed to sell just 26,441 Titans. And don't go thinking it's patriotism, as the Toyota Tundra managed to sell 109,203 units. Nissan had high hopes for the heavily-facelifted 2020 Titan, but it did not deliver, not even with 400 horsepower as standard and a towing capacity of up to 11,040 lbs. Looking at the spec sheet, it's difficult to see why the Titan pickup keeps on struggling. It's class-leading in so many ways, yet it remains the class dunce when it comes to sales. This anomaly requires further investigation.
What's the Price of the 2022 Nissan Titan?
The most affordable Titan is the base King Cab S with an MSRP of $38,810, while the Crew Cab SV retails for $44,060. Following this is the Pro-4X Crew Cab in 4x4 guise at $51,700 and the Platinum Reserve Crew Cab at $57,500. These prices represent each of the four trims in their cheapest form, but options, cab style, and the drivetrain choice will increase the price. For example, you'll pay $1,770 more to upgrade the S from a King Cab to a Crew Cab, or $3,260 to upgrade the cheapest King Cab from 4x2 to 4x4. The most expensive model is the Crew Cab Platinum Reserve with 4x4 which costs $60,780.
The price of the Nissan Titan excludes the company's shipping and handling for US customers, which costs $1,695.
2022 Titan Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228.1 in | 139.8 in | 75.4 in | 79.5 in | 5,542.0 lbs |
2022 Titan Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Most pickup owners know the quirks of the traditional body-on-frame driving experience. They shake and shimmy over big bumps, which they frequently encounter due to how they are used. Still, some manufacturers have managed to hide this inherent flaw quite well. The Ram 1500 is a good example. The Nissan is adequate rather than superb. With that in mind, 2020's extensive revamp feels like a missed opportunity. The steering is unacceptably heavy at slow speeds, but it does get better once on the move.
There are no special driving modes, apart from a Tow Mode. We applaud Nissan for including a useful driving mode and not going the "Sport" route.
A part-time four-wheel-drive system is standard on the 4x4 models. It's an odd cost-saving, considering most of its rivals have a full-time system. A full-time 4WD can still be used in low grip situations on tarmac, while a part-time system can't.
2022 Titan Interior
2022 Titan Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Nissan Titan A Good truck?
There are two major issues to consider here. The full-size pickup truck segment is one of the most ruthless segments in the automotive industry, and existing owners have already pledged their allegiance to the truck currently standing in their garage. If it's a Ram, Ford, or Chevrolet, you can forget about it. These guys already have the outline of their chosen truck tattooed on their buttocks, right next to the outline of the state they live in. The Titan offers a powerful V8, an extensive infotainment system, and many driver assistance features as standard. Does it matter? The Titan is better than the previous-gen Tundra, yet the Toyota outsold the Nissan by a vast margin. Nissan can keep on pointing at all the class-leading features as much as they want, but the Toyota fanboys will keep buying the Tundra, and there's a brand-new one here now.
The second issue has less to do with buying habits and everything to do with the truck. Throughout a test drive of the Titan, there wasn't one particular segment where it stood out. It doesn't have that one thing you can point to while loudly proclaiming, "this is why my Titan is better than your F-150." It's not a bad car, nor is it exceptional. The Nissan Titan truck is stuck somewhere in the middle, caught in the shadows of the existing, beloved rivals in this segment.
What Nissan Titan Model Should I Buy?
The base King Cab models are workhorses, so if that's what you're after, go for one of them.
When it comes to Crew Cabs, we reckon the Pro-4X offers the best value for money. Starting at $51,700, it looks quite cool in the optional Baja Storm exterior hue. The interior also looks stunning, thanks to the red contrast stitching. The standard spec on this model is already good. Nissan's Safety Shield is standard, as are LED headlights, a locking rear differential, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and the bigger nine-inch infotainment system.
2022 Nissan Titan Comparisons
2022 Nissan Titan vs Toyota Tundra
Toyota has introduced a completely new Tundra that immediately exposes some of the Nissan's shortcomings. One of the main differences is that Toyota has ditched its old V8 for a more efficient twin-turbocharged V6 that is nearly as powerful but more torque-rich than the Nissan's V8. The new Tundra also provides the option of a brilliant hybrid model wit 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. This also allows the Tundra to tow more, yet it can manage better gas mileage. Besides that, the new Tundra has a much more composed ride than before and comes with a top Capstone trim that is way more luxurious than anything the Titan can manage. The Titan is still a solid pickup but the newer Tundra simply outshines it.
2022 Nissan Titan vs Ford F-150
The all-new Ford F-150 made its debut not that long ago, and as we expected, it's going to give the Titan a massive headache. First, it takes a giant number two all over Nissan's "most powerful" claim thanks to the hybrid model boasting 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. This particular model also has a 7.2 kW onboard generator located in the bed.
There are multiple engine options and it is available in three body styles. The longest available bed is an eight-footer. As you'd expect, the all-new model comes with a host of advanced features. It matches the Titan's interior specifications, though specific models are not as handsomely equipped in the safety department. The new F-150's interior is a giant leap forward. Better quality materials, advanced tech, and a 12-inch touchscreen display with SYNC4 for high-end models are just a few of the highlights. No wonder this is still the best-selling truck in the USA. The previous-generation F-150 was already a better truck than the Titan, and the all-new model just widens the gap between them further.