5.0L Cummins Nissan Titan XD vs 3.0L Power Stroke Ford F-150
5.0L Cummins V-8
The Nissan Titan XD concept blew the media away - brawny Cummins turbodiesel, robust Aisin transmission, and a frame that would put some medium duty trucks to shame. But Nissan's honeymoon period has passed and many have been left wondering what the platform has to offer beyond the impression 5.0L Cummins V-8.
Nissan engineers seemingly threw cross-members at the XD's fully boxed ladder bar frame, resulting in a significant increase in heft. Based on the Titan XD's capabilities, the frame is beyond overkill. As a result of the platforms structure and diesel powertrain, certain XD models weigh in at as much, and in some instances more than a Ford F-350. Such weight quickly makes 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque feel like much less.
Moreover, the weight of the XD platform ultimately handicaps its capabilities (and fuel economy) - greater vehicle weight translates into an overall lower cargo rating. At first glance Its 2,400 lb payload and 12,700 lb tow rating is respectable, until putting the figures into perspective. With the weight of a 3/4 or 1 ton, the Cummins powered Titan XD finishes somewhere in the middle of the 1/2 ton market with Ford, GM, and Ram trucks all featuring models which surpass the Titan's ratings if gasoline engine options are to be included. Case in point, the Nissan Titan XD seems lost in translation. Shedding a few pounds and allocating those weight savings into towing and payload numbers may significantly help the confused platform.
5.0L Cummins Nissan Titan XD Specs (2018 MY)
Manufacturer: |
Nissan Motor Company Ltd |
Displacement: |
305 CID |
Configuration: |
90 deg V-8 |
Bore x Stroke: |
3.70" x 3.54" |
Block/Heads: |
Compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block, aluminum cylinder heads |
Injection: |
High pressure common rail |
Turbocharger: |
Holset sequential turbocharger system |
Horsepower: |
310 hp @ 3,200 rpm |
Torque: |
555 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
Max Payload: |
2,420 lbs |
Max Tow: |
12,760 lbs |
Transmission: |
Aisin 6 speed automatic |
Curb Weight: |
6,709 - 7,480 lbs* |
Fuel Economy: |
N/A - fuel economy not estimated by EPA do to GVWR |
Powertrain Warranty: |
100,000 miles/5 years |
*Based on 2017 model year specification - curb weight for 2018 models not available at time of publishing.
Source: NissanUSA.com
3.0L Power Stroke V-6
It's difficult to predict how buyers will respond to Ford's 3.0L Power Stroke equipped F-150 model. As we anxiously await its actual debut, we can only evaluate the numbers - and they're fairly impressive. The F-150 has long been a segment leader with regard to capability, and 3.0L Power Stroke equipped models pay homage to Ford's market strategy.
Displacing a mere 183 cubic inches, the 3.0L Power Stroke manages 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque at full bore. Nestled in the F-150's all aluminum platform, Ford hopes the engine will earn an EPA rated 30 mpg on the highway. While Nissan is not obligated to publish fuel economy figures for the XD do to the truck's GVWR, our independent research suggests it's a far cry from 30 mpg.
The Nissan Titan XD out pulls the Ford's 11,400 lb max trailer rating and out hauls its 2,020 lb payload capacity. However, the F-150's numbers are far more impressive considering its relativity small displacement. Furthermore, the 3.0L Power Stroke is placed in a much lighter platform and is likely to tow with confidence equal to (and probably greater than) the hefty XD. As is typical of diesel engines, both the F-150 and Titan XD come backed with a 100,000 mile/5 year powertrain warranty. We surmise that the F-150 will have little trouble competing with the Titan XD, largely because Ford's platform is more reminiscent of the total package that 1/2 ton truck buyers are interested in - a refined balance of performance, fuel economy, and capability.
3.0L Power Stroke Ford F-150 Specs (2018 MY)
Manufacturer: |
Ford Motor Company |
Displacement: |
183 CID |
Configuration: |
60 deg V-6 |
Bore x Stroke: |
3.31" x 3.54" |
Block/Heads: |
Compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block, aluminum cylinder heads |
Injection: |
High pressure common rail |
Turbocharger: |
Single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) |
Horsepower: |
250 hp @ 3,250 rpm |
Torque: |
440 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
Max Payload: |
2,020 lbs |
Max Tow: |
11,400 lbs |
Transmission: |
Ford 10R80 10 speed automatic |
Curb Weight: |
5,000 - 5,500 lbs* |
Fuel Economy: |
30 mpg highway target |
Powertrain Warranty: |
100,000 miles/5 years |
*Estimate only - curb weight unavailable for 2018 models at time of publishing. Based on 4x4 5.0L V-8 equipped SuperCrew model.
Source: Ford.com