2009 Nissan Titan Review

This truck can tow or haul just about anything. When properly equipped, the Titan can tow up to 9,400 pounds. But one of the most amazing feats for me was how refined the ride felt while driving around town.

If you absolutely have to have a full-size pickup for work or play, the 2009 Nissan Titan is quite capable and features a powerful V-8 engine and a host of cab and bed configurations.

After making significant revisions to last year's model, Nissan has made very little change to the 2009 Titan.

For 2009 there are new Max Utility Packages that combine some of the most popular towing and bed utility items. Other enhancements for 2009 include the addition of matte black finish grille and body-color front bumper for Titan XE models and an auto-door locking feature to all power door lock-equipped vehicles.

I like Titan's tough-looking, muscular stance. For 2009, the Nissan Titan is offered in four trim levels: XE, SE, PRO-4X and LE. There are two body styles: King Cab and Crew Cab, and there are four bed sizes (5'5", 6'5", 7' and 8').

All Titans can be had as 2WD or 4WD models, except the PRO-4X (4WD only), which is Titan's true off-roader.

Powering all Titans is a strong and powerful 5.6-liter V-8 engine that produces 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The refined and likable V-8 is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode. A manual transmission is not available.

Still, this truck can tow or haul just about anything. When properly equipped, the Titan can tow up to 9,400 pounds, but one of the most amazing feats for me was how refined the ride felt while driving around town.

For a 4x4, my 2009 Nissan Titan PRO-4X Crew Cab tester delivered a very likable ride that wasn't too bouncy or too stiff. My only complaints were my tester's thirst for fuel (rated at 12/17 mpg city/highway) and its large size, which made it difficult to park on the street or in crowded mall parking lots.

On the plus side, Titan is available (no-cost option) as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designed to run on E85 and its 4WD system works well and is easy to operate.

While I did not get the opportunity to leave the pavement with my PRO-4X model, it adds Rancho off-road performance shocks, skid plates, a lower final-drive gear ratio, all-terrain tires and a push-button rear locking differential. That should please off-roaders.

My tester's crew cab was large and easily accommodated five adults. The heated leather seats in my tester were comfortable and looked nice with "PRO-4X OFF ROAD" embroidered on the front seatbacks.

Titans with front bucket seats (a bench seat is available) feature a large center console that holds a variety of beverages, including a 1-liter bottle. The console offers a variety of storage choices with size adjusted by simply removing or adding dividers.

The console's storage box can also accommodate hanging file folders. My rear passengers liked that the windows in the rear doors motored all the way down and the large rear window by the bed also motored down for a pleasant open-air experience.

Regarding the bed, I liked the available dampened tailgate assist that aids in the effort to open and close the tailgate. Nissan offers an extensive line of bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units, along with bike and kayak racks and other accessories.

Titan also features and available lockable bedside storage compartment to hold items such as gloves, chains, rope, flares, a first-aid kit, or a hitch ball.

Titan doesn't give you as many drivetrain choices as some, but it provides plenty of power for hauling, a spacious cabin with room for up to six adults, innovative design features, and one of the smoothest rides in the segment.

2009 Nissan Titan PRO-4X 4WD Crew Cab

Engine: 5.6-liter (317 hp) V-8

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Drive type: 4WD

Fuel economy: 12 city/17 highway

Base price: $35,880

As tested: Not available

Web site: www.nissan-usa.com