All-new 2020 Nissan TITAN Ready to Take Another Shot at the Big 3
Nissan came to this year’s State Fair of Texas, in the heart of pickup country, to unveil the next-generation 2020 TITAN, which will go on sale early next year.
It follows the redesigned-for-2019 Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra while arriving a few months before the 2021 Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra.
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More Muscle
Faced yet again with the impossible task of beating Detroit’s Big 3, Nissan found a way to stand out. The 2020 TITAN features a direct-injected 5.6-litre V8 that produces more power (400 hp) and torque (413 lb-ft) than any other standard V8 in the segment.
It is mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission that enables smoother and faster acceleration, Nissan claims. For example, 60-100 km/h sprints are shortened by almost a full second versus the old seven-speed transmission.
The 2020 TITAN is available in 4x4 drive configuration and features a transfer case designed to ensure maximum power distribution in every gear. When venturing away from pavement, drivers will also appreciate the enhanced Off Road Gauge that displays the vehicle's tire angle, relative pitch and roll angles. It’s said to be more accurate than the competition at higher speeds.
Maximum towing capacity has not been specified, but it will no doubt be slightly better than the outgoing model’s 9,200 lbs.
“Powerful Warrior”
That’s how designers at Nissan’s studio in California describe the look of the new TITAN. Highlights include large LED headlights with 120 percent more light output than the previous design, "double boomerang" LED daytime running lights and three unique grille designs to provide a higher degree of differentiation between trim levels.
What’s more, you’ll notice red “NISSAN” lettering on the brand’s logo at both ends of the truck. The tailgate sports unique finishers on select models, including the rugged TITAN PRO-4X you see here, while new all-LED lighting has been added to the pickup bed, using four light sources for full surround lighting.
Other new exterior items include the front bumper, fog lights, badging and wheel designs. Three of the eight available body colours are new, as well: Red Alert, Baja Storm (PRO-4X only) and Cardinal Red Metallic.
More High-tech Cabin
Similar to its predecessor, the 2020 Nissan TITAN comes with a Crew Cab only. More importantly, it boasts a fresh new layout that definitely feels up to date, what with the seven-inch programmable display behind the steering wheel and an eight-inch centre screen (the largest standard screen in the segment). The latter can be replaced with a nine-inch touchscreen offering WXGA resolution—higher than HD.
The TITAN’s enhanced next-generation connectivity includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the internal WiFi router (WiFi subscription required) allows occupants to pair up to six devices with a connection speed of up to 45 Mbps. Next-generation NissanConnect allows over-the-air software updates, new safety and security features, HD Traffic and Google Places/Search.
What else? Well, the 2020 Nissan TITAN features an innovative, flexible smartphone holder/charging system, increased storage, specific materials and finishers for each trim level, plus an available dual-panel panoramic moonroof—the first offered on TITAN and one of the largest in the segment.
Oh, and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 now comes standard on every TITAN. It includes Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and class-exclusive Rear Intelligent Emergency Braking.
Pricing will be revealed closer to the 2020 Nissan TITAN’s on-sale date. The current model starts at $47,198 before freight and delivery. Also, Nissan continues to provide Canada's best truck warranty with 5-year/160,000 kilometre bumper-to-bumper coverage.