2009 Nissan Titan: Road Test
2009 Nissan Titan ▼
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- MSRP: $26,150 - $39,350
- Invoice: $23,688 - $35,620
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Our road test for the 2009 Nissan Titan includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Nissan Titan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Nissan Titan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Nissan Titan help you decide if a 2009 Nissan Titan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Smooth, powerful V8 puts Titan among quickest large trucks off the line. Passing punch is ample. The transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD Titans averaged 12.1 mpg in all-city driving and 14.2-14.5 in city/highway use. Titan uses regular-grade gas, and it can also run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Titan rides firmly with marked chop over broken surfaces and rail tracks. The suspension does a good job of quelling secondary motions, however.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Titan is relatively easy to drive and nimble for a big pickup. Still, as with any of the breed, the rear end tends to hop through bumpy corners when the cargo bed is empty. Steering feel is accurate, and the brakes deliver drama-free stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
Road, engine, and wind noise are nicely muted, but Titan's constant exhaust rumble gets tiring on long drives.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
The gauges have a simple, clean design. Most controls are generously sized and close to the driver, but they're not always easy to see. Some switches are mounted too low for quick access while driving. The column-mounted transmission shift lever felt loose to some testers, but it cleverly integrates a toggle control for manual shifting.
DETAILS
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Titan's cabin is let down by an overuse of hard plastic materials and mediocre assembly quality. The glovebox lid has a flimsy, insubstantial feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8.4 |
Some testers judge the bench seat too flat and firm for best comfort, and its center position is inhospitable. All agree the buckets are substantial and supportive. Headroom and legroom are ample either way. High step-in requires grabbing the steering wheel or assist handle to enter.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 5.4 |
King Cabs have acceptable knee space if the front seats not set far back. Crews have generous legroom. Three adults fit in either, but two are less crowded. Some testers find the Crew Cab seat too upright and lacking in thigh support. King Cab rear doors open 180 degrees for great access in tight parking spaces. Tall step-in hampers entry and exit in any Titan.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Bins and cupholders abound in both cab styles, but the bench seat's center-armrest cubby has a large, cumbersome lid. The Crew Cab's near-flat rear floor and fold-up rear-seat cushions provide outstanding in-cab storage. A locking fender compartment, tailgate cargo-bed lighting, track tie-down system are added assets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7.2 |
Limited to just one engine and two cab configurations, Titan's appeal is narrower than that of its large-pickup competition, though new longer cargo beds are nice for those who need the extra space. Titan also is strong in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. If you need what it offers, this brawny Nissan is worth a look.
Total Score
| 2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat | 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 57 | 53 | 57 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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