2005 Nissan Titan: Road Test
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2005 Nissan Titan ▼
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- MSRP: $22,950 -$35,400
- Invoice: $20,746 -$31,999
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Our road test for the 2005 Nissan Titan includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Nissan Titan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Nissan Titan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Nissan Titan help you decide if a 2005 Nissan Titan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
Smooth, powerful V8 puts Titan among quickest large trucks off the line, delivers ample passing power, and provides competitive 9500-lb towing capacity. Transmission upshifts smoothly, downshifts promptly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
Test 4WD XE Crew Cab averaged 12.1 mpg in all-city driving; expect 13-15 mpg overall. Nissan recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Firm always, gets choppy over broken surfaces and railroad tracks, though suspension quick to quell secondary motions. Not as soft overall as class-leading GM pickups.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.4 |
Relatively easy to drive and maybe the most nimble big pickup. Still, as with rivals, rear end tends to hop through bumpy corners. Meaty, accurate steering. Strong, responsive brakes.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Road, engine, wind noise nicely muted, but constant exhaust rumble can be tiring.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
Gauges simple, very legible. Controls generously sized, close to driver, but not always easy to see. Column-mounted transmission shift lever felt loose to some testers, but cleverly integrates toggle control for manual shifting. Console lever has convenient gated shift pattern. Interior assembly solid enough, let down only by too many lightweight plastic bin covers. Cabin materials serviceable on XE and SE, plush on LE.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 8.3 |
Some testers judge bench seat too flat and firm for best comfort. All agree buckets are substantial, supportive. Head and leg room ample either way. High step-in requires grabbing steering wheel or assist handle.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
King Cabs have passable knee room if front seats not more than halfway back. Longer Crews have generous leg room. Three adults fit in either, but two are more comfortable. Some testers thought Crew Cab seat too upright and lacking in thigh support; others found it agreeable. King Cab's innovative rear doors open 180 degrees, great for access in tight parking spaces, but tall step-in hampers entry/exit in any Titan.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Lots of bins and cupholders throughout cabin, though bench seat's center armrest has a large, cumbersome lid. Crew Cab's near-flat rear floor, fold-up rear-seat cushions provide class-leading in-cab storage. Locking fender compartment, tailgate cargo-bed lighting, track tie-down system are added assets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 7.1 |
Nissan has done its homework. For performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features, Titan is strong competition for the big Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet/GMC pickups. Some buyers may miss a regular-length cab and longer cargo beds, but the brawny Titan has a lot to like. It earns our Recommended approval.
Total Score
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 51 | 52 | 50.3 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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