NISSAN TITAN XD NAMED NORTH AMERICAN TRUCK/UTILITY OF THE YEAR FINALIST

As one of the finalists for the 2016 North American Truck/Utility of the Year Award, the Nissan Titan XD has finally come into its own as one of the premier trucks on the market. Regardless of whether it wins, this distinction assuredly will push the Titan brand name to new heights and hopefully push some consumers to consider Nissan along with the other big truck manufacturers. Let’s take a look at how the Nissan Titan XD became a finalist and what all it means going forward.

PAST NORTH AMERICAN TRUCK OF THE YEAR WINNERS
2015 – Ford F-150
2014 – Chevrolet Silverado
2013 – Ram 1500
2012 – Range Rover Evoque
2011 – Ford Explorer
2010 – Ford Transit Connect
2009 – Ford F-150
2008 – Mazda CX-9
2007 – Chevrolet Silverado
2006 – Honda Ridgeline
TOTALLY REDESIGNED
At its peak sales in 2003, the Titan sold over 87,000 units, but remained relatively unchanged until the current year. That makes the 2016 edition the first of the second-generation Titan, and has many critics and drivers talking. The exterior of this half-ton pickup shows nice curves and a stylish body while maintaining practicality as a worker’s truck. Inside, the Titan XD feels more like a luxury sedan than a truck, boasting great specs such as leather, a seven-inch infotainment system, intelligent climate control, and a whole new interior layout.

2016 Nissan Titan XD

In regards to performance, the Titan XD provides up to 12,300 pounds of towing power thanks to a huge new engine. This engine, a Cummins 5.0 liter, V-8 turbo diesel engine, packs a wallop with 310 horsepower and up to 555 pound-feet of torque. With such a large engine, it can handle just about any workload. In addition, it also has a payload capacity of over 2,000 pounds. There’s a rumor that Nissan also will unveil a gasoline powered, 390 horsepower Titan XD later this spring. Either way, the pickup provides exceptional power, along with an estimated combined fuel economy of 23 mpg.

Learn more about the 2016 Titan here.

TITAN TAKING ON A TOUGH MARKET
Over the course of this award, Nissan has been nominated seven times, with just the 2000 Xterra and the 2002 Altima taking home the prize. This is also the Titan’s second nomination, although it fell just short of winning in 2004. Although Nissan manufactures great cars, they’ve been left out to dry at these types of award shows. However, the 2016 Titan XD gives the company a chance to assert themselves in the truck market, which has long been dominated by American automakers. A win here would only solidify the Titan XD as an even more solid choice for consumers.

At around $40,000, the Titan XD provides a tough and reliable vehicle. It doesn’t have the exorbitant price tag that other trucks command, and yet still provides many of the same amenities along with superior performance.

Whether you’re a fan of Nissan or not, there’s reason to get excited for the 2016 Titan XD. With impressive features, a total overhaul of the looks and design and a powerful engine, its hard to see why the Titan XD couldn’t become the next North American Truck/Utility of the Year.