Pickup trucks are a big deal in the US, where models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra are top sellers. These trucks are well-known for their power, reliability, and V8 engine options that handle tough jobs with ease.
However, there’s a lesser-known alternative from outside the US that combines Japanese reliability with a strong V8 engine for those who prefer it over turbocharged options.
The Nissan Titan is the most affordable V8-powered pickup truck from a non-US brand in 2024. As many automakers switch to turbocharged engines, the Titan stands out as one of the last V8-powered options from a foreign brand.
Despite its strong engine and reliability, the Nissan Titan won’t be around for long. Nissan has announced that they will stop producing the model after 2024, making now the perfect time to appreciate it before it’s gone for good.
The Cheapest Foreign V8 Pickup Nissan Titan’s Last Stand
As the V8 engine becomes less common in modern trucks, the Nissan Titan holds its ground as one of the few remaining V8-powered pickups from a non-American brand.
With more automakers, like Toyota, shifting to smaller, turbocharged engines, such as the Tundra’s 3.4-liter turbocharged V6, the Titan stands out with its powerful V8 engine.
It offers a unique choice for truck buyers who still appreciate the raw strength and performance of a traditional eight-cylinder engine.
In 2024, the Nissan Titan continues to come standard with a V8 engine, making it the cheapest foreign V8 pickup in the U.S. market.
Nissan advertises the Titan’s starting price at $46,690 for the Crew Cab SV 4×2 version, which features rear-wheel drive.
Under the hood, it boasts the Nissan VK-series 5.6-liter V8 engine, which delivers the kind of power and torque that appeals to truck enthusiasts who prioritize performance over fuel economy.
Multiple Trims for Different Needs
The 2024 Nissan Titan comes in several trims to suit different buyer preferences. There are two main versions: the standard Titan and the more rugged Titan XD, which is built on a heavy-duty chassis for increased towing capabilities.
However, for the purpose of this comparison, we’ll focus on the standard Titan models, as they’re more aligned with everyday driving and work needs.
Most of the available trims offer the option of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with AWD models adding around $3,000 to the price.
Nissan’s entry-level Crew Cab SV 4×4 starts at $49,880, providing a solid balance between performance and affordability. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line Crew Cab Platinum Reserve 4×4, with its luxurious features and premium materials, is priced at $63,670.
Pricing Compared to Rivals
When comparing the Titan to its biggest rivals, the value for money is somewhat of a mixed bag. On one hand, the Ford F-150 offers a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine in its base XL model for around $38,000, which is significantly cheaper than the Titan’s starting price.
This makes the Ford a more attractive option for buyers looking for a budget-friendly V8 pickup. Ford also offers a wider variety of trims and features, giving customers more flexibility in terms of price and customization.
On the other hand, the Chevrolet Silverado, another strong competitor, provides an even wider range of trims and engine options.
However, its equivalent 6.2-liter V8 engine is only available in the higher-end trims, such as the RST, which starts at about $62,000—considerably more expensive than the Titan.
While the Silverado does offer a more affordable 5.3-liter V8 option starting at $41,000, it produces less power than the Titan’s 5.6-liter engine, making the Nissan a more powerful option in the same price range.
Why the Titan Is Still Worth Considering
While the Nissan Titan may not be the absolute cheapest V8 pickup on the market, it strikes a good balance between price and performance. For buyers looking for a dependable, full-size truck with a standard V8 engine, the Titan provides a compelling alternative to American-made models.
It sits comfortably between the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado in terms of pricing for V8-powered trucks, offering more power than the lower-end Silverado models and a more affordable price tag than Ford’s higher trims.
Additionally, with Nissan planning to discontinue the Titan after the 2024 model year, this could be one of the last chances to own a brand-new, V8-powered Nissan truck.
For those who value a V8 engine in their pickup, the Titan represents a shrinking class of trucks that may soon disappear entirely from the market.
While the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado offer competitive options, the Nissan Titan remains a solid choice for anyone seeking a capable and reliable V8-powered pickup.
With its powerful engine, decent pricing, and the added appeal of Japanese engineering, the Titan is a worthy consideration before it’s gone for good.
This Japanese Pickup Packs a Punch The Nissan Titan’s Mighty V8
The 2024 Nissan Titan stands out in today’s market as one of the few trucks that still offers a V8 engine as standard across its entire lineup. Where many automakers are turning to smaller, turbocharged engines to meet fuel efficiency and emission goals, Nissan chose to stick with the big, naturally aspirated power of a V8 under the hood of the Titan.
For truck buyers who value reliability, durability, and the unmistakable grunt of a traditional eight-cylinder engine, the Titan’s 5.6-liter V8 is a welcome choice.
2024 Nissan Titan Engine and Performance
At the heart of every Nissan Titan is a 5.6-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine from Nissan’s renowned VK engine family.
This engine has powered various vehicles across Nissan’s lineup, from trucks and SUVs to performance sedans and even race cars. The Titan’s V8 is an all-aluminum design with double overhead cams (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing.
It’s engineered for durability and has earned a reputation for being both tough and dependable—qualities that truck buyers appreciate.
The Titan’s V8 produces a solid 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong competitor against other full-size trucks in its class.
This level of power puts the Titan on par with rivals like the Ford F-150’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8, which delivers an identical 400 horsepower but slightly less torque at 410 lb-ft.
The Chevrolet Silverado’s 6.2-liter V8 edges out the Titan with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, but it’s worth noting that this engine is only available in higher trims of the Silverado, making it a much more expensive option.
A V8 Across the Board
One of the key selling points of the Nissan Titan is that no matter which trim you choose, you’ll get a V8 engine as standard. Whether you opt for the base model or the top-of-the-line Platinum Reserve, the same powerful 5.6-liter V8 will be under the hood.
This is a significant advantage over some of the Titan’s competitors, which often come with smaller engines in their lower trims.
For example, the Chevrolet Silverado starts at a lower MSRP, but its entry-level engine is the TurboMax 2.7-liter inline-four, not a V8. Buyers looking for that eight-cylinder power in a Silverado will have to spend more for higher trims.
The Titan’s engine is paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, which helps ensure that the power is delivered efficiently, whether you’re cruising on the highway or towing heavy loads.
The Titan is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, giving buyers the flexibility to choose the drivetrain that best suits their needs.
Comparing Value for Money
While the Nissan Titan may not have the lowest starting price in the full-size pickup segment, its value lies in the fact that it comes standard with a V8 engine. Starting at around $46,690 for the Crew Cab SV 4×2, the Titan offers plenty of power and capability right out of the gate.
In contrast, the Ford F-150, which is priced lower at around $38,000 for the base XL model, only includes the V8 as an option. Similarly, the Chevrolet Silverado, which starts at an even lower price, only offers the V8 engine in more expensive trims.
For truck buyers who prioritize engine power and performance over the lowest possible price, the Titan provides a compelling option.
Its naturally aspirated V8 offers dependable, consistent performance without the complexity of turbocharged engines.
Plus, with Nissan’s proven engineering behind it, the Titan’s engine is built to last and handle the demands of daily work and heavy-duty tasks.
The Titan’s Place in a Changing Market
As the full-size pickup market continues to, the Nissan Titan remains a solid choice for those who value a traditional V8 engine. Where turbocharged engines are becoming more common, the Titan’s naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 offers a sense of reliability and simplicity that appeals to many truck buyers.
With a strong engine, a smooth transmission, and the option for all-wheel drive, the Titan continues to be a capable and powerful workhorse.
Although the Titan may not be the cheapest pickup on the market, it’s one of the few foreign models that come with a V8 as standard.
For those who appreciate the power and performance of an eight-cylinder engine, the Nissan Titan remains a worthy contender in the competitive world of full-size trucks.
The 2024 Nissan Titan A Workhorse with a Touch of Luxury
The 2024 Nissan Titan remains one of the few trucks that blend practicality, strength, and a hint of luxury. Built to handle tough jobs while offering comfort on the side, the Titan holds its own in a competitive market.
While it may not have as many customization options as some American rivals, the Titan still shines with its reliable V8 engine, solid towing capabilities, and features that make it a practical workhorse.
Impressive Towing and Bed Features
The Nissan Titan boasts a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds for non-XD models, making it competitive with other full-size pickups. This figure is close to the 9,000-pound capacity of the base Ford F-150 and the 9,100 pounds of the base Chevrolet Silverado.
The Titan’s towing prowess is backed by a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 15,300 pounds, which means it can haul a significant load while remaining stable on the road.
Higher trims of the F-150 might tow slightly more, but for most everyday tasks, the Titan’s capabilities are more than sufficient.
Nissan equips the Titan with practical towing features such as an optional built-in trailer brake controller, which helps provide more control when hauling heavier loads.
Additionally, features like Active Brake Limited Slip, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control make it easier to manage challenging terrain or steep inclines.
The Titan’s off-road PRO-4X trim adds even more rugged capability, with upgrades like all-terrain tires, an improved suspension, a locking rear differential, and skid plates, making it ideal for those who like to venture off the beaten path.
The Titan’s bed is designed with practicality in mind. Its spring-assisted tailgate makes loading and unloading easier, while the Utili-Trak system provides adjustable cleats for securing cargo in various positions.
While the Titan’s towing capacity and bed features are competitive, it offers only two bed sizes and two cab configurations. Most models come with a crew cab and a standard bed, while the King Cab version has a longer 77.8-inch bed for those who need extra space for larger loads.
The limited bed and cab options may not offer as much versatility as the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado, which provide more customization, but the Titan’s sturdy design still gets the job done for most truck buyers.
A Taste of Luxury in Higher Trims
While the Titan is built for hard work, Nissan also adds a touch of luxury, especially in the higher trims. Standard features include an 8-inch infotainment display and a 7-inch digital driver’s display, both of which support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
However, to access more desirable features like leather seats, a larger 9-inch infotainment screen, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable seating, and a moonroof, buyers will need to opt for higher trims or add optional packages.
The Titan’s higher trims also come with a comprehensive set of safety features, including parking sensors and driver-assist technologies that enhance comfort and safety.
These luxury features make the truck more appealing to buyers looking for a balance between ruggedness and comfort. However, it’s important to note that the Titan already starts at a higher price compared to its American rivals, and fully loaded versions can become quite expensive.
For some, the added cost may be worth it for the Nissan’s proven Japanese build quality and engineering, which emphasize reliability and longevity.
A Strong Truck for a Limited Time
Though the 2024 Nissan Titan is packed with features that make it a strong contender in the full-size truck segment, it will soon be leaving the North American market.
Nissan has announced that the Titan will be discontinued after the 2024 model year, so this could be one of the last chances to purchase this V8-powered Japanese truck.
For buyers who want a truck that combines solid towing capabilities with a bit of luxury, the Nissan Titan offers a unique option.
It may not be the cheapest truck in the segment, and its limited cab and bed choices might not appeal to everyone, but the Titan excels with its dependable V8 engine, practical features, and comfortable higher trims.
If you’re in the market for a powerful, reliable pickup, now might be the perfect time to pick up a Titan before it’s gone for good.
