Pickup trucks are a staple in American culture. To RVers, they’re an all-important tow vehicle for travel trailers and fifth wheels. Everyone has their favorites, and we’ve heard of domestic truck manufacturers who produce Chevys, Fords, and Dodge Rams.
But are there any foreign automotive companies that can run with “the Big Boys?”
Let’s take a look at Nissan’s entrants in the truck market.
What Trucks Does Nissan Make?
Nissan has been producing the Frontier, its smallest truck, since 1997. This half-ton pickup has a V6 engine with 310 horsepower and a nine-speed transmission. The 2022 version of the Frontier has been redesigned, with beefed-up suspension, good ground clearance, and on-demand high and low four-wheel drive. It averages 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
With a towing capacity of 6,420 lbs, the Frontier is ready to hit the ground running.
The company introduced a full-size truck, the Titan, in 2003. They built it at their Canton, Mississippi, production facility. With 400 horsepower and a towing capacity of 9,320 lbs, this truck can pull most mid-sized RVs.
It comes standard with a V8 engine and high and low 4-wheel-drive on-demand, along with the Intelligent Around View monitor that keeps an eye on tow loads and off-road terrain.
In 2016, Nissan unveiled the Titan XD as the manufacturer’s heavy-duty truck offering. It’s a ¾ ton truck, and as of 2021, it comes off the line with a V8 engine instead of its previous Cummins diesel.
Pro Tip: Want to know more about the Frontier? We took a closer look at Can The Nissan Frontier Tow a Camper Trailer?
How Reliable Are Nissan Trucks?
According to Edmunds’ review of the best trucks of 2022 and 2023, none of the Nissan trucks are in the top three for mid-size, full-size, or heavy-duty trucks. Most Nissan Frontier truck owners report getting up to 200,000 miles on their vehicles. They feel their vehicle is reliable and solid. However, there are some minor complaints about heavy steering and the location of some dash switches.
The Nissan Titan has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, giving it a ranking of 2nd. The average annual repair costs are lower than other full-size pickups at $555. It also has more horsepower than its full-size counterparts, ranking it high on many drivers’ lists.
The new Titan XD hasn’t had much time to earn its rating, but most reviewers agree the change from diesel to V8 was a needed upgrade.
What Is the Most Reliable Nissan Truck?
Because it has been around much longer than the others, the Frontier has proven itself over time to be a reliable mid-size truck. It’s ninth out of 32 car brands, with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, and has been on the road for 26 years. That’s enough time to compile enduring records on its performance.
Does Nissan Make a Heavy Duty Truck?
The Titan XD is Nissan’s entry into the heavy-duty truck lineup. A revamp from its old diesel engine days, with a new V8 and the most horsepower in its class. Payload ratings for the XD are 2,430 lbs, and with the gooseneck hitch, the truck tows up to 11,060 lbs of cargo. It’s definitely up to the task as a heavy-duty vehicle.
About the Titan XD
The star of Nissan’s heavy-duty trucks offering is the Titan XD. It has good reviews with 400 horsepower and a towing capacity of 11,060 lbs. The attention to detail in the truck’s interior is an essential factor, with optional full leather seating, high-tech instrumentation, panoramic sunroof, and an Intelligent Around View monitor.
It has high capacity suspension and a towing package that contains an optional gooseneck hitch. The Utili-track bed rails and a box liner with lockable Titan boxes are exterior additions that make this model appealing.
Pro Tip: We uncovered The Best Small Trucks for Towing in 2022 to help you decide what truck to buy.
How Many Miles Do Nissan Trucks Last?
One hundred thousand miles seems to be the minimum number expected from a Nissan truck. However, when talking with actual owners, most report that their pickups are still running well at almost 200,000 with consistent upkeep and maintenance. This will remain to be seen with the newly redesigned Frontier and Titan XD.
Are Nissan Trucks Worth It?
Although it’s not one of the most popular Big Three truck brands in the US, Nissan has introduced three pickup models that deserve attention. Between the Frontier, the Titan, and the Titan XD, they have the mid-size, full-size, and heavy-duty markets covered.
They’ll turn heads with their horsepower capabilities. Because the brand has a lower profile, they don’t have the high price tags that some better-known brands do. It may be the right time to consider a second look at Nissan if you need a truck that can do the job without emptying your wallet.
Are you looking into a Nissan truck? Tell us in the comments!
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