Quick Drive: 2014 Nissan Titan Pro-4X

[William Maley]

When I learned that I would be getting a 2014 Nissan Titan 4X4 in for a week’s evaluation, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to fully test its capabilities. The reason is because this particular model was the Pro-4X which features a number of off-road tweaks such as Rancho performance shocks, lower final drive ratio, electronic locking rear differential, and other items. Well the week I got the pickup, Mother Nature decided to drop half a foot in snow. Thank you Mother Nature I thought as I got into the truck.

Driving the Titan Pro-4X through the snow was a very fun experience. With a 5.6L V8 engine making 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, and the 4WD set in the 4Hi setting, the Titan romped the snow like it was nothing. The BFGoodrich tires that come as part of the Pro-4X were able to claw through the deep snow, while the four-wheel drive system kept the vehicle moving. Even when I stopped the truck in some deep snow to see if it would be able to get out, the locking rear differential and four-wheel drive were able to get the Titan out and on its way.

Otherwise in day to day driving, the Titan drove like a truck that was built in early-2000’s; a very powerful engine that chugged gas like it was going out of style (my average for the week landed around 12.1 MPG); very bouncy ride, and a lot of wind and road noise coming in the cabin. Also showing the Titan 2000’s roots is the interior. While Nissan did a refresh of the interior a few years ago, it still feels old with bits of the dash being the same as it was when it was first introduced and materials being the hard, plastic kind. One other thing that hurts the Titan Pro-4X is the price. As tested, this Titan rang up to $45,555.00. Aside from the off-road bits, I’m not sure it's the good value that it once was.

The 2014 Nissan Titan Pro-4X is perfect for someone who wants a pickup truck that can pretty much go anywhere right out of the box. But for everyone else, you'd be better served by looking elsewhere or waiting till next January as Nissan will show off the next Titan.

Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the Titan, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

Year: 2014

Make: Nissan

Model: Titan

Trim: Pro-4X Crew Cab

Engine: 5.6L V8

Driveline: Five-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive

Horsepower @ RPM: 317 @ 5,200

Torque @ RPM: 385 @ 3,400

Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 12/17/14

Curb Weight: 5557 lbs

Location of Manufacture: Canton, TN

Base Price: $39,690.00

As Tested Price: $45,555.00 (Includes $990.00 Destination Charge)

Options:

Pro-4X Luxury Package - $2,630.00

Pro-4X Premium Utility Package - $1,500.00

Utility Accessory Package - $360.00

Rear Bumper Steps - $230.00

Pro-4X Floor Mats - $160.00

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[G. David Felt]

WOW, I do not like or think very highly of the Ford New Trucks and yet this dinosaur makes the Fords look luxury level. What an old out of date beast. I agree for the asking price, this is way over priced.

[2QuickZ's]

That instrument panel is essentially the same one they have been using since 2004. I know because I worked on the interior back then. It basically looks the same other then the center stack. They definitely weren't bad trucks at all when they were first launch but it appears as though time has passed them by (a while ago) and the new truck can't get here fast enough.

[Guest Larry in Virginia]

Mr. Maley article reads the Titan was manufactured in Canton, TN. It should be Canton, MS.

[A Horse With No Name]

Like the off road vibe of this, but would prefer a GM truck.

[Drew Dowdell]

They are good trucks, but not $45K good.. for that price I can get an extremely nice V8 Ram 1500