When we drove the upgraded Nissan Titan, we concluded that while it is a durable and bold truck with an appealingly simplified range (there's just one engine option in the proven 5.6-liter Endurance V8), it's unlikely to topple the American trucks that continue to dominate the sales charts. Now, Nissan has confirmed pricing for the updated Titan and it makes for some interesting reading.

The range now starts at $36,190 (excluding a destination charge of $1,595), a $5,500 increase on the least expensive 2019 model. This seems exorbitant until you realize that the Single Cab has been dropped entirely, so the Titan S King Cab 4x2 is the new entry point to the range. Comparing apples with apples, the S King Cab model's price hike is a more palatable $2,230.

Last year's trim levels have been carried over and include the S, SV, SL, Pro-4X, and Platinum Reserve. Along with the exit of the Single Cab, the slow-selling 5.0-liter V8 Cummins turbodiesel has also been dropped - it was an option on the more rugged XD versions. The base Crew Cab 4x2 has increased in price to $38,890 (up by $2,210), while the top-of-line Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x4 is now $58,690 (up by a more modest $850).

The XD versions - with a heavy-duty frame, brakes, and added trailering technologies - is now solely available with four-wheel drive and as a Crew Cab. As the turbodiesel engine option has been dropped, the priciest XD is actually cheaper than before: $61,690 for the Platinum Reserve variant.

All models benefit from a new nine-speed automatic transmission and more grunt from the retuned V8 engine (a nice and round 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, up from 390 hp and 394 lb-ft previously). Nissan claims that acceleration from 50 to 70 mph has dropped by almost a second, but what we can attest to is that the gearbox's larger final gear ratio does a much better job of delivering a smooth flow of power. XD models can tow up to 11,000 pounds, which isn't class-leading but will suffice for the vast majority of shoppers.

With its streamlined range and a focus on what buyers prefer (the Crew Cab and the V8 gas engine), the 2020 Nissan Titan should see more success this year, if not enough to overcome the likes of the Ford F-150. The Titan is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide.