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Full-size pickup trucks are among the top-selling vehicles on the market. For 2020, Nissan has made its highly capable and affordable Titan even better.
They made a big splash when introducing its fully redesigned 2016 Titan – and this year, the popular full-size pickup truck gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2020 offering much-needed improvements.
The 2020 Titan is primarily relying on tech upgrades to keep it competitive in the class, like an available 9-inch touchscreen. And I have to say, the added standard features will certainly make this affordable truck more appealing.
But there are other notable changes, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission and redesigned exterior styling. The standard V8 engine, the only available engine for the Titan, gets a small power bump for 2020 and now makes 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft.
Five trims are available: S, SV, Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve. Nissan no longer offers a single-cab configuration, leaving buyers to choose between double-cab (Nissan calls this the King Cab) and crew-cab models.
I got to test the SL, which, like all trim levels, offers more storage space, improved control layout, and all the comfort features you’d expect to see in a modern full-size truck.
In crew-cab models, you can fold the rear seats down flat or flip them up to reveal floor storage. There’s an optional new panoramic sunroof with a power shade that spans nearly the entire roof.
Clearly, through, the main updates inside are the larger screens. An 8-inch touchscreen is the largest standard screen in the class, while the new 9-inch touchscreen option has WXGA resolution that provides higher picture quality than HD. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, and available Wi-Fi can connect up to six devices at once.
Stepping outside, the 2020 Titan features a modernized look highlighted by available LED daytime running lights. The front bumper, three grille choices and five wheel options are also new. And LED lighting is now featured in the bed and taillights.
The real star of the show however, is a new JATCO nine-speed automatic. Smoother and smarter than the seven-speed it replaces it makes the Titan drive like a whole new truck.
Also helping redefine the 2020 Titan’s personality is an updated 5.6-liter V-8 that packs upgraded power over the previous version. It is plenty capable for the vast majority of jobs – with a maximum towing capacity of 9,370 pounds.
Nissan’s suite of driver assistance aids, known as Safety Shield 360, is standard on the new model and brings adaptive cruise control to the Titan for the first time. Every truck gets blind-spot warning, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic warnings, rear automatic braking, and automatic high beams.
With a MSRP of $57,190, with a couple extra options added in and destination charges, my SL version bumped up to $61,160. Fuel economy came in at 15/21 mpg city/highway.
Nissan has found a niche with buyers who’ve never owned a full-size truck before and they’ll be better served than ever by this updated truck.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
