New Kid In The Boonies: The 2017 Nissan Titan 5.6-Liter Endurance V8 PRO-4X 4WD CC

The 2017 Nissan Titan 5.6-Liter Endurance V8 PRO-4X 4WD CC

About two months ago, we discussed Nissan's large-pickup truck strategy with its new gasoline-powered Titan pickup line.  Nissan turned the playbook inside out, leading with its diesel-powered heavy duty models last year, and is now bringing the standard-duty and off-road/sport models to market for 2017.

2017 Nissan Titan 5.6-Liter Endurance V8 PRO-4X 4WD CC.

The PRO-4X is a pretty decent value for a large off-road/sport pickup, its $45,020 base price in Crew Cab form including a shift-on-the-fly four wheel drive system, a 2-speed transfer case with 4Hi and 4Lo, Bilstein off-road monotube shocks, hill start assist, hill descent control, an electronic locking rear differential, P275/70R18 all-terrain tires, front tow hooks, and skid plates on the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case and lower radiator.

The more basic mechanicals (the 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission) are shared with the other gas-powered Titans, and the EPA fuel economy estimate of 15 city/20 highway is just one highway mpg less than the non-PRO-4Xs.

2017 Nissan Titan interior.

Our tester ran up the tab a bit with three option packages:

• The PRO-4X Utility and Tow Package (front and rear sonar, Utili-track system with tie-down cleats, tailgate area illumination, a 120-volt power outlet in the rear bed, LED under-rail bed lighting, a power sliding rear window with defrost, a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 12 speakers, an electronic tailgate lock, a trailer brake controller, trailer light function check, extendable folding power heated tow mirrors with puddle lamps and a rear utility bed step) $1,820.
• The PRO-4X Convenience Package (leather-appointed seats with contrasting stitching and PRO-4X embroidery, a four-way power passenger seat, heated front and rear seats, a power, heated, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, memory function for steering wheel, driver seat and outside mirrors, a compass on the navigation display, remote engine start, auto-dimming outside mirrors, NissanConnect services powered by SiriusXM and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink) $3,520.
• The PRO-4X Luxury Package (ventilated front seats, Around View monitor with moving object detection and reverse auto tilt on side mirrors) $750.

With $1,195 destination charges, the bottom line rings in at $52,305.  In the world of big trucks, that's not at all out of line.  And the Nissan Titan PRO-4X Crew Cab seems to have all the right stuff.  But as we've noted before, the full-size pickup best-seller charts in North America are a tough nut to crack.  We'll see if Nissan can do it.