By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating:
The 2013 Nissan Titan remains a competitive player among full-size trucks. In a segment traditionally dominated by Ford GM, and Ram, the Titan holds its own against domestic rivals. While it doesn't offer the range of engine choices or three-quarter-ton and 1-ton models like some of its peers, the Titan does come with a stout but thirsty V8 engine, king-cab or crew-cab configuration, and a choice of three bed lengths. Wide-opening rear doors and the built-in Utili-track cargo system in the truck bed enhance livability and utility. Even at around $30,000, a base Titan King Cab lacks creature comforts such as power windows and mirrors.
If you're looking for an alternative to the sea of Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverados on the road, the 2013 Nissan Titan offers a unique twist in the full-size pickup segment, bolstered by a relatively stylish exterior and a proven reliability record. Off-roaders may like the PRO-4X model, which comes with a locking rear differential and 2-speed transfer case.
The Titan's V8 isn't the strongest or the most fuel-efficient. Ford's F-150 with EcoBoost V6 makes more horsepower, more torque, and achieves better fuel economy than the Titan's larger V8. The Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Chevy Silverado also offer engines more powerful than the Nissan's. The Titan is not available in standard cab configuration.
What's New for 2013
All models receive a new tailgate design and sliding sun visors. PRO-4X models get interior and exterior appearance tweaks. A rearview camera is standard on PRO-4X and SL models.
Driving Impressions The 2013 Nissan Titan's engine isn't the most powerful V8 in its class, but still offers more than enough oomph to get the job done, whether that's passing slower traffic...
or hauling cargo uphill. The powertrain is responsive at all speeds, and we appreciate Nissan's gated 5-speed automatic transmission that comes on models with front captain's chairs. That transmission setup is particularly handy on steep descents and when towing because it allows you to shift to lower gears to spare the brakes. In our tests, we sensed some vibration coming through the steering wheel, but overall the Titan exhibits a smooth, controlled ride with better-than-average steering and handling.WIDE-SWINGING REAR DOOR
The rear door of Titan's King Cab model swings out 168 degrees, making it much easier for passengers to enter and exit. And when the rear bench seat isn't holding passengers, it folds up to create additional interior cargo space.
UTILI-TRACK CARGO MANAGEMENT
This available feature endows the Titan's truck bed with two rails and four cleats to help lock cargo in place, a great system to have when you need to tie down and haul uneven loads.
Interior
With a wide array of trims and options, the 2013 Nissan Titan's cabin can range from that of a simple work truck to something with a near-premium feel. Base models use a cloth-covered bench seat up front and offer seating for up to six people. Higher trims have a pair of leather-covered captain's chairs up front, reducing seating capacity to five, but offering greater comfort. The Titan's rear bench seat folds up to create more cargo space. Also offered is a front passenger seat that folds flat to create a mobile workstation. The Titan's steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, which can compromise your driving position. Power-adjustable pedals are available, though.
Exterior
The Nissan Titan can be had as a King Cab or Crew Cab – unlike competitors, there is no regular cab version. The larger Crew Cab models are available in long- or short-wheelbase configurations to accommodate a long or standard truck bed. If there is one category of vehicle in which exterior style takes a back seat to utility, it's the pickup. It makes sense, then, that Nissan focused on adding practical features to the Titan to better help it do the work for which trucks are known: hauling stuff. To that end, available features include a 120-volt AC outlet, recessed lights and the Utili-track cargo system in the truck bed, and a lockable compartment behind the left rear wheel.
A base 2-wheel drive (2WD) 2013 Nissan Titan S King Cab comes with air conditioning, cloth seating, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, a fold-up rear bench seat, washable vinyl floors, and a lockable tailgate. Even with an asking price of nearly $30,000, you might be surprised to find a column shifter (due to the 40/20/40 split bench seat) and manual-adjust mirrors in your base Titan. Also lacking in those models are features such as cruise control, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and even power windows. To get those goods on a 2013 Titan, you'll need to spend more money on options or step up to another trim.
Options for the 2013 Nissan Titan vary by trim, with most major features bundled into packages. All Titans can be had with 4-wheel drive (4WD). Other options include comfy captain's chairs in place of the bench seat, a navigation system, Nissan's Utili-track tie-down system, spray-on bedliner, a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, a moonroof, a power driver's seat, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and connectivity features such as Bluetooth and a USB input. Titan models can also be had as flex-fuel vehicles to run on a higher blend of ethanol (E85).
Nissan Titan trucks are powered by a 5.6-liter V8 that makes 317 horsepower and is connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. The Titan has a maximum tow rating of 9,300 pounds. The engine can also be had with the ability to run on a blend up of up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Running on regular gasoline, the Titan's highway rating is just 18 mpg. Four-wheel-drive models, meanwhile, have a 12 mpg rating in city driving.
5.6-liter V8
317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg (2WD, gasoline), 12/17 mpg (4WD, gasoline), 9/13 mpg (2WD, E85), 9/12 mpg (4WD, E85)
A base 2013 Nissan Titan King Cab model has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,815, while a top-of-the-line version can reach more than $40,000. The Titan's starting price is quite a bit higher than that of other full-size trucks, albeit ones without rear seating. When compared with similarly equipped models such as the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra, the Titan's price is more in line with its competitors. Before buying, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are actually paying for their Nissan Titans. Regarding resale value, full-size trucks in general are notoriously average at best. The Nissan Titan is no exception, and has a predicted resale value below that of the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Nissan Titan Crew Cab vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 185 Ratings for the 2005 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy tron (UT) on Saturday, March 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,500
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "comfortable.easy maintenance. reliable"
Cons: "fuel economy"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This is the choice of choices. The titan is an amazing comfortable ride. The mileage is still wanting compared to other trucks hence the 9. Very reliable brand. We have friends who own several nissans and have over 100,000 put together of driving experience with these vehicles. NO problems whatsoever."
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By happy in upstate (NY) on Monday, January 14, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,600
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "overall, all around, best truck SV trim"
Cons: "wish the bed was about a foot longer"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Incredibly spacious interior and a very sharp looking exterior. SV trim level gives you rear heat & a/c as well as many other upgrades...including the little locking tool box in the rear fender. This truck peforms very well in the snow and gets around 15 mpg average city & highway combined...not bad for a big V8. The Fosgate stereo is a huge plus in this truck...very high-end sound. Overall, this is the best pick-up I've owned. Prior had Chevy 2500HD extended cab and Dodge Ram Mega Cab."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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By imatuul (GA) on Thursday, December 13, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 900
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "customization endless, great interior packages"
Cons: "poor hp starting, low fuel economy"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"If you're looking for a full sized pick up with a modest amount of power, and drivability look no further. The 2012 V8 titan is a great truck, with 9,500 towing capacity, 317 hp and 385 lbs of torque. While not getting as good gas mileage as other trucks in its class, it still is well worth the price. The extra features available make the truck well worth the loss in power. Rockford Fosgate 10 speaker sound system, with a sub under the drivers seat. Leather interior with red stitching, back up sensors. Also in this truck is a new type of automatic transmission, that makes shifting easier, a VTS (variable timing transmission). You won't feel the vehicle shift through gears in normal driving conditions. Also if you're looking for a new "toy", the titan can be bought new with a nismo exhaust! Or maybe even put on a different one, it has a endless possibilities."
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By plhildy (CA) on Saturday, August 18, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"The Titan has plenty of power and handles like a dream. Unless you're looking for a truck to use for heavy work, the Titan is up to most tasks. And really, if you need more towing capacity, you probably shouldn't be looking at a 1/2 ton pickup."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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By Russ (NM) on Friday, August 17, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,440
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Lots of Room, Good Towing Power"
Cons: "Vehicle Dynamic Control and ABS need improvements."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5
"This vehicle has a lot of power and gets 13mpg while towing a 9000# 5th wheel trailer. I use it as a daily driver and for weekend getaways. The warranty just expired and recently the light for the ABS, VDC, and SLIP started lighting up on the dash. If you try to take off too fast, the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) takes over and shuts down the power to the engine, which in my opinion is a terrible thing, especially when other vehicles are coming towards you, because the truck bogs down and won't accelerate for a few seconds."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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By WA (MA) on Thursday, August 02, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfort, Style, Space, overall performance"
Cons: "Nothing"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"A great truck and all around vehicle. A beast. Just goes without any effort in the snow and handles almost sports car like in all conditions. Easily handles large / heavy loads. Comfort is unreal and there is plenty of space. Easily can fit 5 large adults no problem. I do 6 - 8 hour trips for work in this thing and it is no problem. The truck looks great, handles great, is very responsive and is fun to drive. For a big 4x4 V8 Truck ( and it's big ) I average 17mpg. I've owned Fords and Dodge Trucks this is definately a step above."
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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