The Nissan Titan was the brand’s first and, thus far, only foray into the full-size truck market. Though it came on the scene with a standard, powerful V8 engine and some upmarket amenities for a truck, it fell behind its competitors in terms of configurability. Some of that was fixed in the second generation, with the introduction of the two-door single-cab option, but full-size trucks from the Detroit Three just offered more options—including more powertrains, more cab-and-bed configurations, more payload capacity, and superior mpg.
What set the Titan apart, however, was its off-road performance and its comfortable interior. The Titan offered standard features such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, air conditioning, and back-up cameras before they were popular on trucks. It also offered a unique UtiliTrack-channel system and in-bed cargo boxes for better load management. And, on top of that, it had a decent reputation for reliability.
The full-size truck market was a tough nut to crack for Nissan. Poor ride quality, a lack of configurability, and plasticky interior materials counted against the Titan, and sales never quite took off. Thus, the truck was discontinued after the 2024 model year so Nissan could focus on the midsize Frontier.
Nissan Titan: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Nissan Titan Pros and Cons
- Nissan Titan Generations
- Nissan Titan Second Generation (2017–2024)
- Nissan Titan First Generation (2004–2015)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan Titan years are the best?
According to CarComplaints.com, Titan model years with the fewest complaints are the last few years before the end of the generation. So, 2012 to 2015 for the first gen and 2020 to 2024 for the second are where you want to be looking. If you want to stick with the newer models, then 2023 might just be the year to buy, because it logged complaints and just two recalls.
What are the worst Nissan Titan years?
The earliest model years of 2004 and 2005 are best avoided, due to the number of reported problems, including a rear axle failure for the 2005 model year. However, according to CarComplaints.com, 2018 is the worst year to buy because of costly drivetrain issues.
Is a used Nissan Titan a good deal?
Pre-2023 models can be a very good deal, as the national average shows that top-tier trims can cost $19,000 to $22,000 less than the original MSRP. Go back as far as 2021, and you’ll see the average price range from $25,000 at the base to $37,000 for the Titan Platinum Reserve. If you want a first-gen truck, you’ll easily find one for less than $20,000, and if you look at 2014, you’ll probably find a well-trimmed example for around $15,000. In a quick search for used vehicles, we saw prices ranging from circa $800 for junkers to about $60,000 for a nearly new model with less than 2,000 miles.
Nissan Titan Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Quiet cabin
- Accesible tech
Cons:
- Poor fuel economy
- Limited bed and cab configurations
- No alternative engines
Nissan Titan Generations
Nissan Titan Second Generation (2017–2024)
The second-generation Nissan Titan skipped a model year, as the automaker launched the heavy-duty Titan XD in 2016, before the full-size, light-duty Titan lineup appeared the following year.
Though the new Titan was still equipped with a 5.6-liter V8, the only option with the full-size pickup truck, it got a boost to 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, along with a new seven-speed automatic transmission. Nissan promised a base V6 engine, but it never materialized before the truck’s demise in 2024. All trims were available with rear- or four-wheel drive.
Initially offered in single-cab, two-door and crew-cab, four-door configurations, a King Cab (four-door, extended cab) version was available in late 2017. The Titan crew cab was available with S, SV, Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve trims, whereas the single cab, appealing to the work truck segment, was only available in S and Titan SV trims. The Titan King Cab offered S, SV, and Pro-4X trims. There were three truck beds available depending on the cab configuration: 5’5” with the crew, 8’ with the single, and 6’5” with the King.
In addition to a bolder exterior, the interior trim got a complete refresh, including moving the gearshift to the column and creating a center console large enough to store a 15-inch laptop and Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. Other key features on the second-gen Titan included Bluetooth phone connectivity, push-button ignition, and a back-up camera. Available features included GPS navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, an electronic locking rear tailgate, an electric locking rear differential, hill descent control, a trailer tow package with integrated trailer brake controller, LED signature headlights, premium leather seats, heated-and-cooled front seats, chrome front and rear bumpers, a chrome front grille, and a Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system.
The infotainment system was upgraded in 2019, the infotainment system got an upgrade, which included standard GPS navigation, a color touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone functionality, and a new premium Fender audio system. A refresh in 2020 saw the discontinuation of the single-cab model, a horsepower boost, a new a nine-speed Jatco automatic transmission, an optional dual-pane panoramic moonroof, and an available nine-inch infotainment screen. Nissan’s 360º Safety Shield also became standard and included features such as lane departure warning, high-beam assist, auto emergency braking, rear auto braking, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign detection, and forward collision warning. Intelligent cruise control was optional.
In a brief search, we saw prices of second-generation examples range widely from $8,000 for a salvage truck to $52,000 for low-mileage 2024 Nissan Titan Pro-4X models.
Nissan Titan First Generation (2004–2015)
The first-generation Nissan Titan was the brand’s inaugural entry in the full-size truck market. It was developed, designed, and engineered primarily in North America, and built at the Canton, Mississippi, plant. Original trim levels included the XE, SE, and LE.
The Titan shared a body-on-frame platform with the Nissan Armada and the Infiniti QX56, and had just one powertrain option: a 5.6-liter V8 engine that delivered 305 horsepower and 379 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and had a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 pounds.
The Nissan Titan was only available with two cab configurations: a King Cab (extended) or crew cab. There was no two-door regular cab. At launch, the King Cab got a 6’7” bed, and the crew cab got a 5’7” bed. Starting in 2008, the Titan offered a longer wheelbase model with longer beds for both cab configurations. It was available in both RWD and 4WD drivetrains.
The base Nissan Titan XE offered standard features such as 17-inch wheels, split bench seat, power steering, four-wheel antilock brakes, cruise control, power windows, and heated side mirrors. Available features included a Rockford Fosgate premium audio, front seat captain’s chairs, a rear-seat entertainment system, and sunroof. The truck also offered an off-road package with Rancho performance gas shocks, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires, skid plates, fog lamps, and tow hooks.
The first-gen Titan got a small design refresh in 2008 and added the Titan Pro-4X model. In 2011, the base trims were renamed to S, SV, and SL.
There are a lot of first-generation trucks available, courtesy of its 11-year production run. We saw prices from $800 for a salvage vehicle to about $30,000 for a Pro-4X model in good condition with fewer than 50,000 miles. If you want a truck with fewer than 100,000 miles, you’ll probably pay just under $20,000.
