2020 Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve Crew Cab

A standard V8 that sets the standard
By Durhl Caussey
Durhl Caussey
Durhl Caussey
April 4, 2020Updated: April 4, 2020

The regular Titan was selected for its more pleasurable drive and superb driver control as opposed to the more rugged Titan XD (Extra Duty). Besides, it still tows up to 9,370 pounds. The Platinum Reserve model sits at the top of the model lineup.

Titan stands tall, making for easier movement into and out of the truck. Also, Titan has the most standard engine power and tech features in its class, while backed by America’s Best Truck Warranty of 5-years/100,000-miles bumper-to-bumper Basic Coverage and Powertrain Coverage warranties.

As noted abovve, the standard V8 for the Titan has the best standard horsepower (400 hp) and standard torque (413 lb-ft), besting the standard V8 engine in Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

This 5.6L Endurance V8 Engine features Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL), and is married to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The whole package brings great power, fuel efficiency, and crisp response.

Direct Injection Gas allows for better wide-open throttle while improving emission performance.

A big powerful truck counts on safety as your best friend. The 2020 Titan is standard-equipped with many remarkable driver assistance technologies, of which some are not standard on its rivals. These include Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Sonar System.

The new Titan brings more high-tech muscle to your personal adventure than ever before, updated with mainstream features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

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Infotainment system screen. (Courtesy of Nissan)

Solid beam construction makes for a commanding presence. The Deep Blue Pearl Metallic exterior paint will get first attention, while the satin-chrome/mesh grille and chrome tailgate finisher that rest quite nicely on 20″x8″ alloy wheels make for longer looks. Envious glances will settle gently on this beautiful, practical truck. Another bright spot is Titan’s illuminated chrome running board.

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Unique tail lamps flanking the chrome tailgate finisher. (Courtesy of Nissan Newsroom)

Welcome to the cabin, where you’ll witness extensive use of premium leather befitting the Platinum name, like leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood-tone insert and leather-wrapped center console lid with lots of space inside. The perception of premium interior is accentuate by dark metallic and dark chrome trim pieces.

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The interior of the Titan Platinum Reserve. (Courtesy of Nissan Newsroom)

Front seats are heated and cooled, while rear seats are heated. The large Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof spans almost the entire top. Up front, the 8-inch color touchscreen display and 7-inch gauge meter keep you connected and on track.

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Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof. (Courtesy of Nissan)

The roomy cabin has a variety of handy storage spaces, and the dampened rear tailgate opens in a controlled manner, which adds a nice touch. Nissan has completely redesigned Titan’s illumination, doubling the light output for low beam headlights while lowering the glare to oncoming traffic. This is great to the other on the road, and is a blessing for old folks like me, with eye problems brought on by eye surgery. New LED fog lights add additional 15 degrees of visibility while complementing standard high beam assist.

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Newly designed headlights. (Courtesy of Nissan)

For those of us who are serious about towing, Nissan has a whole catalog of helpmates, such as Remote Trailer Light Check, integrated Trailer Brake Controller, and integrated gooseneck hitch with plugs inside the bed (XD only). Intelligent Around View Monitor and Front and Rear Sonar System are also available for improved awareness of the surrounding.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a weekend hunter, adventuresome camper, off-the-beaten-path hiker, a construction foreman, or a yard worker, Titan is a great choice. Personally, I am none of the above, but I am a truck guy who needs a strong, capable truck for some weekend chores. The truck is more than just a work or recreation vehicle. It can perform nearly any task a sedan can, while offering more options.

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The Titan is a versatile truck for all purposes. (Courtesy of Nissan)

Before this horrible pandemic started, I had taken my sweetheart to a fine dining restaurant. The truck was perfect as was the meal. As we were leaving the valet recognized us approaching. The young man turned and yelled, “This is the guy with the Titan, I’ll get it,” he said with a smile.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the 2020 Nissan Titan starts at $36,190.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].