2020 Nissan Titan PRO-4X

Smart changes move the needle for Nissan’s 1⁄2-ton

- Sean P. Holman

As the cover came off the ’20 Nissan Titan, our first thought was that this should have been the truck that debuted in 2017. With refreshed and emboldened styling, no one can call the Titan a derivative anymore. Clearly staking out its corner with a look that is unique to Nissan, the Titan finally stands out in a crowded 1 ⁄2-ton field. With that, we were anxious to dig deeper into Nissan’s updates that focused on feedback from its loyal customers and the right mix of investments to retain the Titan’s exceptional value, while improving its competitiveness.

The ’20 Titan’s fresh new look includes a more distinctive front clip with signature LEDs on premium models and distinctive grilles that are unique to their respective trim levels, which include the S, SV, PRO-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve. The Titan continues on with a King Cab, 6.5-foot bed (S, SV, and PRO-4X only), and a crew cab, 5.5-foot bed model. Of course, our favorite model is the 4x4-only PRO-4X, which we’ll focus on here.

To stand apart from the rest of the lineup, the PRO-4X gets a matte black grille and tailgate applique, unique wheels, and Lava Red accents on the blacked-out Nissan badging and prominent tow hooks, as well as a front skidplate embossed with the PRO-4X logo. The signature DRLs use a total of four LED boards and put out 800 lumens each, while all exterior lighting has now been upgraded to LEDs. The previously adequate headlights are now excellent, thanks to 120 percent more light output on the low-beam setting and the foglights now cast a 15 percent wider beam for improved visibility.