Nissan Titan XD Category Comparison

Titan XD vs 1/2 ton & 3/4 Ton Competition

Is the Nissan Titan XD a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton pickup? That seems to be a common question regarding the pickup's classification. One might suggest that the Cummins equipped Titan XD bridges a gap between the two categories. Others may consider the XD lost in limbo between the two markets. We've been referring to it as a heavy 1/2 ton - primarily because it weighs in at over 7,000 lbs, but fails to meet the capabilities of 3/4 ton pickup models. Despite this, the Nissan Titan XD is technically classified as a class 2B vehicle as a result of its GVWR. Class 2B, which encompasses vehicles with a GVWR between 8,501 and 10,000 lbs, includes 3/4 pickups such as the Ford F-250, Ram 2500, Silverado 2500, and Sierra 2500. A closer look at the comparisons between the Nissan Titan XD and its competition identifies the pickups clear advantages and disadvantages in both the 1/2 and 3/4 ton categories.

For the purpose of this comparison, and for the sake of identifying the Titan XD's true place in the market, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has been omitted to focus on each respective pickup line's most capable offering. While the EcoDiesel is an impressive option from Ram, EcoDiesel equipped trucks do not carry the Ram 1500's maximum tow and payload ratings. To see how the 3.0L EcoDiesel and 5.0L Cummins compare, see Ram 1500 EcoDiesel vs Nissan Titan XD.

Nissan Titan XD vs Competing 1/2 Tons

2016 Nissan Titan XD 2016 Ram 1500 2016 Ford F-150 2016 Chevrolet Silverado,
GMC Sierra 1500
Engine[1] Cummins 5.0L Turbodiesel V-8 Chrysler 5.7L Hemi VVT V-8 Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 GM 6.2L EcoTec3 L86 V-8
Transmission 6 speed automatic 6 speed automatic 6 speed automatic 6 speed automatic
Displacement 305 cid, 5.0 liters 346 cid, 5.7 liters 213 cid, 3.5 liters 376 cid, 6.2 liters
Bore 3.701 inches 3.92 inches 3.64 inches 4.060 inches
Stroke 3.543 inches 3.58 inches 3.45 inches 3.62 inches
Injection System High pressure common rail Multi-port fuel injection w/ cylinder deactivation Direct injection Direct injection
Aspiration Two stage Holset turbocharger, intercooled Naturally aspirated Twin turbocharged, intercooled Naturally aspirated
Horsepower 310 hp @ 3,200 rpm 395 hp @ 5,600 rpm 365 hp @ 5,000 rpm 420 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 555 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 410 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm 420 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm 460 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
Fuel Economy N/A[2] 14 city/20 hwy 17 city/24 hwy 15 city/21 hwy
Curb Weight 6,709 - 7,480 lbs 4,900 - 5,445 lbs 4,420 - 5,009 lbs 5,154 - 5,602 lbs
GVWR up to 8,992 lbs up to 6,900 lbs up to 7,850 lbs up to 7,600 lbs
GCWR up to 19,455 lbs up to 15,950 lbs up to 17,100 lbs up to 17,700 lbs
Payload up to 2,091 lbs up to 1,800 lbs up to 3,240 lbs up to 2,140 lbs
Max Trailer Tow up to 12,314 lbs up to 10,640 lbs up to 12,200 lbs up to 12,000 lbs
Nissan Titan XD vs Ram 1500 Hemi Nissan Titan XD vs Ford F-150 Nissan Titan XD vs Chevrolet/GMC 1500
Displacement 13% < Ram 1500 36% > Ford F-150 21% < GM 1500
Horsepower 24% < Ram 1500 16% < Ford F-150 30% < GM 1500
Torque 30% > Ram 1500 28% > Ford F-150 19% > GM 1500
Max Curb Weight 32% > Ram 1500 40% > Ford F-150 29% > GM 1500
Max GVWR 26% > Ram 1500 14% > Ford F-150 17% > GM 1500
Max GCWR 20% > Ram 1500 13% > Ford F-150 9% > GM 1500
Max Payload 15% > Ram 1500 43% < Ford F-150 2% < GM 1500
Max Trailer Tow 15% > Ram 1500 1% > Ford F-150 3% > GM 1500

What is typically referred to as the "1/2 ton" category encompasses class 2A fullsize pickups, which have a GVWR between 6,001 and 8,500 lbs. The Nissan Titan XD features a GVWR between 8,800 and 8,992 lbs and is therefore, for all intents and purposes, not a 1/2 ton pickup. While this seems like a cut-and-dry way to settle any disputes regarding the pickup's classification, it's compromising that the Titan's maximum tow rating only edges the nearest 1/2 ton competitor by 1%, while it loses by up to 43% to the categories' maximum payload. The Ford F-150, specifically, displays similar capabilities as the more powerful Titan XD, and yet does so at 40% the curb weight.

Despite holding a significant margin in the 1/2 ton category with respect to the Cummins impressive torque figures, it becomes quite clear that the Nissan Titan XD's worst enemy is its heft. The platforms high curb weight handicaps its maximum payload and towing capabilities.

Nissan Titan XD vs Competing 3/4 Tons

2016 Nissan Titan XD 2016 Ram 2500 2016 Ford F-250 2016 Chevrolet Silverado,
GMC Sierra 2500
Engine[3] Cummins 5.0L Turbodiesel V-8 Cummins 6.7L Cummins Turbodiesel I-6 Power Stroke 6.7L Turbodiesel V-8 Duramax 6.6L LML Turbodiesel V-8
Transmission 6 speed automatic 6 speed automatic 6 speed automatic 6 speed automatic
Displacement 305 cid, 5.0 liters 408 cid, 6.7 liters 409 cid, 6.7 liters 403 cid, 6.6 liters
Bore 3.701 inches 4.21 inches 3.90 inches 4.06 inches
Stroke 3.543 inches 4.88 inches 4.25 inches 3.90 inches
Injection System High pressure common rail High pressure common rail High pressure common rail High pressure common rail
Aspiration Two stage Holset turbocharger, intercooled Variable geometry turbocharger Variable geometry turbocharger Variable geometry turbocharger
Horsepower 310 hp @ 3,200 rpm 370 hp @ 2,800 rpm 440 hp @ 2,800 rpm 397 hp @ 3,000 rpm
Torque 555 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 800 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm 860 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm 765 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Fuel Economy N/A[2] N/A[2] N/A[2] N/A[2]
Curb Weight 6,709 - 7,480 lbs 6,842 - 8,038 lbs 6,589 - 7,668 lbs 6,721 - 7,852 lbs
GVWR up to 8,992 up to 10,000 lbs up to 10,000 lbs up to 10,000 lbs
GCWR up to 19,455 lbs up to 25,300 lbs up to 23,500 lbs up to 25,100 lbs
Payload up to 2,091 lbs up to 3,160 lbs up to 3,115 lbs up to 3,275 lbs
Max Trailer Tow up to 12,314 lbs up to 17,980 lbs up to 16,300 lbs up to 18,000 lbs
Nissan Titan XD vs Ram 2500 Nissan Titan XD vs Ford F-250 Nissan Titan XD vs Chevrolet/GMC 2500
Displacement 29% < Ram 2500 29% < Ford F-250 28% < GM 2500
Horsepower 18% < Ram 2500 35% < Ford F-250 25% < GM 2500
Torque 36% < Ram 2500 43% < Ford F-250 32% < GM 2500
Max Curb Weight 7% < Ram 2500 3% < Ford F-250 5% < GM 2500
Max GVWR 11% < Ram 2500 11% < Ford F-250 11% < GM 2500
Max GCWR 26% < Ram 2500 19% < Ford F-250 25% < GM 2500
Max Payload 41% < Ram 2500 39% < Ford F-250 44% < GM 2500
Max Trailer Tow 37% < Ram 2500 28% < Ford F-250 38% < GM 2500

As previously stated, the Nissan Titan XD is technically classified as a class 2B vehicle, which encompasses what the industry calls "3/4 ton" pickups. However, it is notable that the Titan XD comes in at the lower end of the classification's weight range, which includes all vehicles with a GVWR between 8,501 and 10,000 lbs. The Nissan Titan XD does not compete well in the 3/4 ton category, falling short in all capability aspects while weighing within 7% of the heaviest competitor and 3% of the lightest.

The Nissan Titan XD's physical characteristics and engine/transmission combination suggest the makings of a solid 3/4 ton pickup. However, the XD's capabilities fail to edge the 1/2 ton category, let alone become a player in the 3/4 ton sector. Regardless of the Titan's identity crisis, we commend Nissan for bringing this Cummins powered behemoth to the U.S. market - after all, there's always room for improvement.

Where the Nissan Titan XD shines...

• Diesel engine yields improved fuel economy over comparable gas engines under severe tow conditions.

• Heavy curb weight tends to improve handling while towing, displaying favorable command over heavy trailers.

• 5.0L Cummins Turbodiesel yields excellent torque, power characteristics.

• Solid platform, fully boxed ladder frame.

• Two stage Holset turbocharger yields quick throttle response, great all-around turbocharger performance.

Where the Nissan Titan XD falls short...

• Relatively low trailer tow and payload capacities for a pickup with a comparable curb weight.

• Titan XD platform does not compete well in either the 1/2 ton nor 3/4 ton categories with respect to payload and trailer tow capabilities.

• Hefty curb weight restricts fuel economy potential of Cummins Turbodiesel.

[1] Engine chosen for comparisons purposes corresponds to brands maximum available payload and towing capabilities. Specifications for trucks equipped with optional engines omitted for comparison purposes. Truck specifications may vary by configuration, trim level, and available options.
[2] EPA does not require automakers to publish fuel economy ratings for vehicles with a GVWR greater than 8,500 lbs.
[3] 3/4 ton category comparison includes diesel engine equipped trucks only. All specifications for gasoline equipped 3/4 ton pickups have been omitted.

Sources: nissanusa.com, ramtrucks.com, ford.com, chevrolet.com