2006 Nissan Titan: Road Test

Archived Review

2006 Nissan Titan 

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  • MSRP: $23,400 -$35,900
  • Invoice: $21,152 -$32,452

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Our road test for the 2006 Nissan Titan includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Nissan Titan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Nissan Titan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Nissan Titan help you decide if a 2006 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 4.8

Smooth, powerful V8 puts Titan among quickest large trucks off the line, delivers ample passing power, 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, 14.5 in mixed city/highway use. 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 4.1

Firm always, choppy over broken surfaces, rail tracks, though suspension quick to quell secondary motions.

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 any of the breed, 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 4.5

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 7 7 5

King Cabs have acceptable knee room if front seats not more than halfway back. Crews have generous leg room. Three adults fit in either, but two are less crowded. Some testers find Crew Cab seat too upright, lacking in thigh support. King Cab rear doors open 180 degrees for great 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

Bins, cupholders abound in both cab styles, but bench seat's center-armrest cubby has a large, cumbersome lid. Crew Cab's near-flat rear floor, fold-up rear-seat cushions provide outstanding 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
7 7 6 6.7

Titan is strong competition for large domestic pickups in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. Some buyers may miss a regular-length cab and longer cargo beds, but this brawny Nissan 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
49 52 53 50.5

Total Score: 51

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60

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