2020 Nissan Titan XD adds power and tech but cuts cab decisions

Goodbye diesel, hello more power, more style, and more tech from the 2020 Nissan Titan XD, the automaker's freshly upgraded truck. Pulling onto forecourts after the 2020 Titan pickup made its redesigned debut, the 2020 Titan XD packs a freshly tuned 5.6-liter V8 for more hauling power. Nissan, meanwhile, has pared back the choices on offer to make picking a Titan XD easier.

The standard engine is a 5.6-liter Endurance V8, and it's now been combined with a 9-speed automatic, up to ratios from the old transmission. There's 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque – up 10 hp and 19 lb-ft on the old pickup – and Nissan says that a large final gear ratio means more of that torque arrives at the wheels at any given gear.

4x4 drive is standard, with a transfer case, while PRO-4X models get Hill Descent Control and an electronic locking rear differential. An Off Road Gauge shows tire angle, relative pitch, and roll angles, with Nissan promising more accuracy from those numbers than rival systems. Hill Start Assist and Brake Limited-Slip Differential are standard.

As for those brakes, there's a 4-wheel disc system with 14.2 x 1.5-inch front and 14.4 x 1.2-inch rear ventilated discs with hydraulic power assist.

There's a 6.5 foot, full-length bed on the Titan XD Crew Cab, taking full advantage of the fully-boxed ladder frame and 151.6 inch wheelbase. Compared to the Titan, the wheelbase is approximately 15-inches longer. Specific towing power hasn't been confirmed yet, but Nissan says it'll comfortable outperform the regular Titan there, and indeed the old Titan XD. An integrated gooseneck hitch with an in-bed plug will be one option.

With only a Crew Cab body being offered for the 2020 model year, Nissan will rely on five trims and multiple packages to differentiate the line-up. That'll include S, SV, PRO-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve grades.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 will be standard across the range, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking. Other features, like Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Traffic Sign Recognition will be available. Eight airbags are standard, up from six on the old truck, and four seat belt pretensioners, up from two.

In the cabin, there's a 9-inch WXGA touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A WiFi hotspot is included, with support for up to seven concurrent devices, while Nissan's infotainment system supports OTA updates and, optionally, NissanConnect Services from a phone or the dashboard. A smartphone holder/charger is integrated, and every trim gets a 7-inch driver display.

Titan XD SL and Platinum Reserve models can have a Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof. A 12-speaker, 485W Fender audio system is standard and a Fender Premium Audio system optional on the PRO-4X and standard on SL and Platinum Reserve trims. PRO-4X trucks also get stain-resistant seat coverings, among other unique trim.

Pricing for the 2020 Titan XD is yet to be confirmed. Nissan says it will announce that, as well as other details like towing ratings, closer to the truck's release in early 2020.