2021 Nissan Titan

Nissan offers a standard 5.6-liter V8 engine, giving it the most powerful base engine in its class. The V8 boasts 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to handle nearly any task without having to spend the extra cash on a more powerful optional engine. In fact, with the base engine, the Titan is capable of towing up to 9,310 lbs and hauling up to 1,690 lbs. If more capacity is needed, then look for the Titan XD with its 11,040 lbs of towing and 2,390 lbs of payload. However, the standard Titan and its V8 is already more powerful than the V6 base engines of its competitors.

A Driver's Truck

In addition to its towing and hauling capabilities, the Titan stands out for its excellent driving experience. Its engine provides plenty of muscle to merge into freeway traffic without hesitation or accelerate from a stoplight, even if the Titan is loaded with concrete blocks or towing a heavy trailer. Once the Titan hits its stride on the highway, you enjoy a comfortable and relaxed drive. The nine-speed automatic transmission is just as smooth as the engine, giving you full control in all driving situations.

With good steering feedback, the Titan handles well, and you feel in total control while driving down a winding road. Finally, in addition to its quality ride on paved roads, the Titan is built with off-road ruggedness. It has the chops to maneuver through rough terrain and a suspension system that makes the journey surprisingly smooth. All Titan models are available with part-time 4-wheel drive, and this feature comes standard on the off-road-oriented PRO-4X trim.

The cost of optional features keeps going up, so it is a breath of relief when most of the features you desire come standard, and the Titan offers excellent standard features. Even the base trim comes with the best collection of safety features and a full-size touchscreen, which is a rare find in a pickup truck.

The cabin is impressive in terms of room and comfort, and the Zero Gravity front seats are sure to be the most comfortable seats you have ever experienced. While the rear seating isn't as roomy as the front, there is still plenty of legroom. You and your passengers can expect to stay comfortable, even on long trips. The interior design is fresh, and enough storage is available for your belongings. The dash design is practical and pleasing, but you may prefer two-tone leather and wood trim available in upper trim levels.  

Infotainment and Safety

While many competing trucks only offer a minimal infotainment system in the base trim, the 2021 Titan comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen. Further, the standard infotainment system features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and voice recognition. While most trucks offer these same features, finding them all on a base model is rare, to say the least.

Another standard feature is the great safety features of Nissan's Safety Shield 360. This package includes automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning standard on every trim. However, the higher trims also add a few optional safety standards, including a front parking sensor, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.

You all know that style is subjective, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we don't think many would disagree with us when we say the 2021 Nissan Titan is a good looking pickup truck. In an age where most truck manufacturers are doing their best to create super aggressive exterior features, the Titan offers a profile that is elegant yet simple. When you spot one on the road, you immediately know that it isn't a Chevy or Ford - it really is unique. The looks of the Titan can be described as endearing with a touch of modernism.

Of course, the looks change somewhat depending on the trim. For example, the Titan SL and Platinum Reserve feature a lot more chrome, and their 20-inch alloy wheels are a standout feature. The PRO-4X has that rugged off-road look to match its capabilities, with a blacked-out grille, black tailgate panel, and steel skid plates. The all-terrain tires further add to the off-road persona. 

Trims

The S Crew Cab model is the base Titan and will comfortably seat six adults and has plenty of head, shoulder, and legroom. A few standard comfort features include steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, and keyless start. Some notable tech features include smart device integration, Bluetooth connection, and satellite radio, which is refreshing if you are always scrolling through traditional radio stations trying to find something worth listening to on your commute. A back-up camera, rear parking aid, and tire pressure monitor are all standard safety features, as well as stability control, blind-spot monitor, and ABS. 

The PRO-4X is built to tackle the roads less traveled and boasts exceptional ground clearance, steel skid plates, and a tough exterior. It's a bold Titan with looks that match its capabilities. After all, you want a tough performer to stand out in a crowd. If the four-wheel drive isn't enough, hit a switch and engage the electronic locking rear differential, which will deliver equal power to both rear wheels to keep you moving forward. The PRO-4X comes with hill start assist and hill descent control, which keep you from rolling backward while ascending steep hills and automatically maintains speed while coming down the hill to help provide a controlled descent. 

Platinum Reserve

Topping the range of the 2021 Titan is the Platinum Reserve. The gun-metallic painted bumpers, 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and unique grille make it stand out from the crowd. On the interior, you enjoy front and back seat heating, premium leather embroidered with the Platinum Reserve logo, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. By far, it is one of the most luxurious Titan models you can get. The standard features read like a list of top Hollywood talent. On the comfort side, multi-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, and power driver and passenger seats are standard. Interior beauty features for the Platinum Reserve include woodgrain trim, bucket seats, and an optional dual-panel panoramic moonroof. As you can see, the Platinum Reserve is the cream of the crop.