Nissan’s recently introduced Titan XD pickup occupies its own niche within the current full-size truck market. The standard Nissan Titan will slot within the half-ton segment (like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and RAM 1500), but the XD “extra duty” sits just above this range based on its hauling/towing capability.

Buyers are drawn to the ease-of-use half-ton trucks provide, but some but some consumers need more versatility out of their pickups . The Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, and other three-quarter-ton trucks are up to the challenge, but sacrifice fuel economy, affordability, and drivability in the process. Nissan’s Titan XD, in its multiple configurations, is just the ticket for customers caught mid-market.

The 2017 Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X uses either a 5.6-liter V8 gas engine or 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel motor. The gas engine, as this particular model is equipped, produces 390hp and 394 lb-ft of torque and is connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle shown also includes: heated, cooled, and power leather seats for driver and front passenger, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 60/40 split folding and flip up rear bench, auto-dimming rearview and outside mirrors, remote engine start, 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound sytem, and a 7-inch color infotainment system with NissanConnect apps.

All Titan XD Pro-4X models feature shift-on-the-fly 4WD. Off-road goodies include: Bilstein Monotube shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, hill start assist, hill descent control, a two-speed transfer case, Utilit-Track with four tie-down cleats, tailgate illumination, a 120V in-bed outlet, LED bed lighting, trailer brake control, extendable, lighted mirrors, a bed step, front tow hooks, and skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case, and lower radiator.

Price as tested: $52,305 (including $1,195 destination).

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