Modern Nissan vehicles are overcoming past issues. The updated Armada, new Frontier, and the Z are great examples of this push for change. At the beginning of this changes was the Titan XD. Two years ago it was updated with a more premium interior and some exterior design features. Since then not much has changed. It is still powered by the excellent 5.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. That power runs through a well tuned 9-speed automatic. Where does the 2022 Titan XD fit into the truck market?

How the XD is Different

When compared to a regular Titan, the Titan XD is bigger in nearly every dimension. It comes in one format only; Crew cab, 6.5-foot bed, and 4wd. It is also equipped with a larger and stronger frame, larger rear axle tubes and ring gear, larger disc brakes, and a standard gooseneck mount. All of these features make the 2022 Titan XD an eXtra Duty half-ton truck, or a ⅝-ton as many call it. The cabins of the Titan and Titan XD are shared, despite the big differences underneath.

2022 Titan XD Video Review

Short Take

What the 2022 Titan XD boils down to is a truck that is more stable and confident while towing than the half ton class. Despite there being half ton’s that have higher tow ratings than the XD’s 11,060-pound rating, the mass and large wheelbase of the 2022 Titan XD make it more stable and controlled under load. We haven’t had the chance to tow with the F-150 that is rated to tow 14,000 pounds, but of all the other’s we’ve tested the Titan XD has been the most stable while towing. 

Pricing

For 2022, the Nissan Titan XD Platinum Reserve has a base price of $63,040. Our tester was equipped with the $1,490 moonroof, $1,390 Platinum utility package, $395 Cardinal Red premium paint, $535 off-road protection package, and $350 illuminated kick plates. With the $160 credit for the lack of a locking tailgate and the $1,695 destination charge the total MSRP was $68,735.

Conclusion

Nissan hoped to create a new class of truck with its in-betweener XD. While 2022 Titan XD is an excellent truck with great features, it has two main problems.

Problem 1

A nicely equipped, gas powered, Ford F-250, GMC Silverado 2500, or Ram 2500 can be had for roughly the same price. All of these trucks have more power, higher tow ratings, and stronger drivetrains. This makes the value quotient of an XD not so great.

Problem 2

Ford, GM, and Ram all make half-ton trucks with tow ratings that are higher than the XD’s. However the half-tons ride smoother, are more fuel efficient, generally cost less, and are easier to drive in tight spaces.

Nissan may have arrived in this game a little late. Had this truck been to market a decade earlier it could have been a big hit.  Right now, many of its strong points have been squeezed out by the ever increasing capability of the half-ton pickup trucks.