[TITANUP2017]

2017 Titan SV Crew Cab 4x4 - What I LOVE/HATE (UPDATED)

What I LOVE about my Titan:
Engine - sounds amazing, plenty of power (although the 7 speed tranny severely restricts its full potential)
Interior - tons of room
Ride - very quite, good sound deadening and hydraulic frame mounts
Design - I happen to love it (personal opinion)
Fit n' Finish - They have been building quality cars/SUVs for decades so that seems to have carried over
Step Rails - Best looking and most functional I've seen on any truck so far
Tailgate - soft close and easy up (can lift with one finger)

What I HATE about my Titan:
Transmission - New 7 speed seems unrefined and tends to gear hunt. Really restricts the power on this engine.
Fuel Economy - Gen2 MPG still sucks. I haven't done much better than 13 mpg in mixed driving and 15 mpg on the highway.
Steering Wheel - Its thin and car-like, as if it was taken right out of the Altima. I would have preferred a thicker bolder truck design.
Steering - The hydraulic system is VERY heavy. Don't get me wrong I love hydraulic steering in general but this is cumbersome.
Bumpers - My front is chrome and rear is painted. Not sure why Nissan didn't match the front and rear on some trim levels.

 

[hunter]

Let me say - excellent review - I have the exact same truck as you - had mine for 2 months now

I totally agree with your "LOVE" items as for the "DISLIKE" items, I agree about the issue with the 7-speed transmission - I'm going to start shifting manually. As for the gas mileage, After about 500 kms on the truck, went on a 450 km highway trip on which I recorded 17.6 mpg (US gallon) together with mixed driving city/highway, I'm averaging between 13.5 to 14.5 mpg (US gallon) basically identical with my previous truck (2012 GMC Sierra SLE extended cab 4x2 with the 5.3L and 6-speed transmission) so I would say that Nissan has improved over the Gen 1 Titan which I also owned (2004 Titan king cab 4x2 - was averaging 11 to 12 mpg (US Gallon)

 

[rico387]

I've had my 2017 for a few weeks now and there are some things that those considering the new truck should be aware of.
SL CC 4x4 non-XD
Options:
Towing Convenience PKG.
Off-Road Pkg.
Locking Tailgate
Carpet Mats
Splash Guards

LIKES:
1. The engine is effortless when accelerating. Power and torque to spare.
2. Solid metal front bumper that can actually bump things. Gone are the urethane end caps that were destroyed by going off road. In the southeast, the painted bumpers didn't stand a chance against love bugs.
3. LED lighting in the bed & 120 volt in the bed, instead of the old cigarette lighter plug. (there has to be a name for those things)
5. Superb fit and finish on the interior. Probably no higher quality in the industry. Pride taken in building is obvious.
6. No need for a leveling kit. It sits flat and has a nice profile.
7. Great sounding exhaust. No need for a cat-back.
9. Great brakes.
10. Bilstein shocks.
11. Power window buttons are a better placed and a little more protected from rain.
12. Interior door latch is well designed and chrome plated. Smaller than the last generation, but this one won't suffer from peeling paint.
13. The glove box latch is moved from the center to the side closer to the driver. A good thing since it is now the only convenient place to lock a handgun.
14. Great running boards. Full length. Good non-skid tread. Good width.
15. Much improved tow mirrors. Not power folding, so pedestrians will still walk into them in parking lots. Well designed nonetheless.
16. The puddle lights are now in the rear view mirrors, instead of the door panels. They light up a large area when stepping out of the vehicle. Anyone with a dog in their yard will appreciate this.

Dislikes:
1. SL offers only heated front seats. If you want cooled seats and heated rear, You have to go down a level to the Pro4X or pay 6k more for Platinum Reserve.
2. Strange body color plastic cover on the rear bumper. If you want chrome, You have to drop down two levels to the the SV trim.
3. The Off Road Pkg. in the SL doesn't have an electric locking differential. You have to go down a level to the Pro4X.
4. No option for the 360 degree view camera on the SL. Again, You have to go down a level to the Pro4X or pay 6k more for Platinum Reserve.
5. The center console no longer locks.
6. The gated floor shift is gone. Column shift only at all trim levels. Nissan eliminated one of the best features to make room for tobacco spit cups in the console. (true story) The column shifter now has a sporty up-down thumb switch for manual shifting. Tow mode is now on the multi function column shifter stalk adding complexity (and expense for repair) over the simple rocker switch featured in the last generation.
7. The last generation had more overhead console storage and better interior lighting.
8. Gauges. Or lack thereof. The only gauges readily visible are fuel and coolant temp. They are nearly an exact copy of the 2008-2014 Cadillac Escalade instruments. You can see oil pressure, oil temp, volts, and trans temp only by toggling through the LCD display. Even then, the LCD displays only two at a time. That's not a distraction from driving...
*speaking of gauges, during night driving, unless the gauge lights are dimmed until the speedometer is barely visible, they reflect off the side drivers side window making it impossible to see the rearview mirror.
9. No more fold down arm rests on the bucket seats.
10. The Rockford Fosgate stereo is unremarkable but it does the job. The screen angle makes it prone to glare. It won't wirelessly connect to an MP3 player. The Bose system like the Armada has would have been nice. OEM car stereo is now so integrated into other systems that an owner upgrade seems unlikely.
11. Very poor paint quality. Lots of orange peel to varying degrees in different areas.
12. The old truck averaged 12 mpg. The new truck averages 13 mpg.
13. Rough ride. The Bilstein shocks are great, but it's springs are too stiff. Four wheel drive is available without the off road package. Given the choice of a do-over, I'd bypass the off road pkg. But that is a personal choice. I'd recommend driving both to be sure.
*I've left out subjective things like styling, color choices, fake wood, etc. These are usually what people critisize and argue about most.
There is more to like about the 2nd generation Titan than there is to dislike and it's a pleasure to drive. Just beware of the weird way that options are bundled.

 

[mikenc]

I've had a SL CC 4x4 non-XD for a few weeks. I pretty much love just about everything about it, but here are a few dislikes...

I'm not thrilled about the column shifter. It's too big, it blocks the view of some of the console controls (defrost) when it's in D. Getting it off of the center console is fine, but it would have been nice if they came up with something that wasn't so bulky.

Not a big deal, but I don't like the radio antenna either. There's an XM antenna (I think) right above the driver. Why is there also a wire antenna on the passenger side? I think it should be been hidden somewhere. It's not hard to do that.

I traded in a 2007 SL 4x4 King Cab that I bought new. I've been waiting for another King Cab, but got tired of waiting. I like the new CC, but it's around 600 pounds heavier and the hood is higher, so it feels a lot bigger even though it's about the same size as before. I'm still babying the engine most of the time, but the extra HP matches the extra weight so acceleration seems to be about the same as the '07. I had a dual Flowmaster and K&N air filter on the '07, so it probably pulled a little better than stock. I like the sound of the 2017. It's quiet but it sounds like a V8 should.

Gas mileage isn't too great, but it's a little better than the '07. I was getting around 12, now I'm getting close to 14.

Remote start is great, keyless entry and start is great, the seats and materials are nice (the fake wood is kind of cheesy LOL, why didn't they use real wood?), the electronic displays are good for the most part, but some of them seem to be a little useless.

I'll post a few pictures, but I like the gun metallic paint, 20" wheels, and chrome, but not too much chrome. Lighted running boards are nice too.

I loved the '07 but it was getting old. Definitely happy about the new one.

 

[TITANUP2017]

Let me say - excellent review - I have the exact same truck as you - had mine for 2 months now

I totally agree with your "LOVE" items as for the "DISLIKE" items, I agree about the issue with the 7-speed transmission - I'm going to start shifting manually. As for the gas mileage, After about 500 kms on the truck, went on a 450 km highway trip on which I recorded 17.6 mpg (US gallon) together with mixed driving city/highway, I'm averaging between 13.5 to 14.5 mpg (US gallon) basically identical with my previous truck (2012 GMC Sierra SLE extended cab 4x2 with the 5.3L and 6-speed transmission) so I would say that Nissan has improved over the Gen 1 Titan which I also owned (2004 Titan king cab 4x2 - was averaging 11 to 12 mpg (US Gallon)

thanks man. Yeah I'm in the 12-13 range but I drive like an *** lol. I agree though they def improved the MPG from past generation from what I hear.

 

[TITANUP2017]

I've had my 2017 for a few weeks now and there are some things that those considering the new truck should be aware of.
SL CC 4x4 non-XD
Options:
Towing Convenience PKG.
Off-Road Pkg.
Locking Tailgate
Carpet Mats
Splash Guards

LIKES:
1. The engine is effortless when accelerating. Power and torque to spare.
2. Solid metal front bumper that can actually bump things. Gone are the urethane end caps that were destroyed by going off road. In the southeast, the painted bumpers didn't stand a chance against love bugs.
3. LED lighting in the bed & 120 volt in the bed, instead of the old cigarette lighter plug. (there has to be a name for those things)
5. Superb fit and finish on the interior. Probably no higher quality in the industry. Pride taken in building is obvious.
6. No need for a leveling kit. It sits flat and has a nice profile.
7. Great sounding exhaust. No need for a cat-back.
9. Great brakes.
10. Bilstein shocks.
11. Power window buttons are a better placed and a little more protected from rain.
12. Interior door latch is well designed and chrome plated. Smaller than the last generation, but this one won't suffer from peeling paint.
13. The glove box latch is moved from the center to the side closer to the driver. A good thing since it is now the only convenient place to lock a handgun.
14. Great running boards. Full length. Good non-skid tread. Good width.
15. Much improved tow mirrors. Not power folding, so pedestrians will still walk into them in parking lots. Well designed nonetheless.
16. The puddle lights are now in the rear view mirrors, instead of the door panels. They light up a large area when stepping out of the vehicle. Anyone with a dog in their yard will appreciate this.

Dislikes:
1. SL offers only heated front seats. If you want cooled seats and heated rear, You have to go down a level to the Pro4X or pay 6k more for Platinum Reserve.
2. Strange body color plastic cover on the rear bumper. If you want chrome, You have to drop down two levels to the the SV trim.
3. The Off Road Pkg. in the SL doesn't have an electric locking differential. You have to go down a level to the Pro4X.
4. No option for the 360 degree view camera on the SL. Again, You have to go down a level to the Pro4X or pay 6k more for Platinum Reserve.
5. The center console no longer locks.
6. The gated floor shift is gone. Column shift only at all trim levels. Nissan eliminated one of the best features to make room for tobacco spit cups in the console. (true story) The column shifter now has a sporty up-down thumb switch for manual shifting. Tow mode is now on the multi function column shifter stalk adding complexity (and expense for repair) over the simple rocker switch featured in the last generation.
7. The last generation had more overhead console storage and better interior lighting.
8. Gauges. Or lack thereof. The only gauges readily visible are fuel and coolant temp. They are nearly an exact copy of the 2008-2014 Cadillac Escalade instruments. You can see oil pressure, oil temp, volts, and trans temp only by toggling through the LCD display. Even then, the LCD displays only two at a time. That's not a distraction from driving...
*speaking of gauges, during night driving, unless the gauge lights are dimmed until the speedometer is barely visible, they reflect off the side drivers side window making it impossible to see the rearview mirror.
9. No more fold down arm rests on the bucket seats.
10. The Rockford Fosgate stereo is unremarkable but it does the job. The screen angle makes it prone to glare. It won't wirelessly connect to an MP3 player. The Bose system like the Armada has would have been nice. OEM car stereo is now so integrated into other systems that an owner upgrade seems unlikely.
11. Very poor paint quality. Lots of orange peel to varying degrees in different areas.
12. The old truck averaged 12 mpg. The new truck averages 13 mpg.
13. Rough ride. The Bilstein shocks are great, but it's springs are too stiff. Four wheel drive is available without the off road package. Given the choice of a do-over, I'd bypass the off road pkg. But that is a personal choice. I'd recommend driving both to be sure.
*I've left out subjective things like styling, color choices, fake wood, etc. These are usually what people critisize and argue about most.
There is more to like about the 2nd generation Titan than there is to dislike and it's a pleasure to drive. Just beware of the weird way that options are bundled.

Great review man! I did not own a GEN 1 so I have nothing to compare it to other than what people that have say about it. Weird how they bypassed the SL on those options. I was thinking about getting a Pro4x but was worried about the everyday off-road ride so I'm glad I stuck with my SV which I'm guessing has some softer rated springs. The main thing that gets me thought is no locking diff on ANY trim except Pro4x that is crazy. All other manufacturers except Toyota offer than in EVERY trim offered. The column shifter doesn't bother me as much. I'd prefer more console space anyway but it does get in the way of some of the dash buttons I noticed.

 

[TITANUP2017]

I've had a SL CC 4x4 non-XD for a few weeks. I pretty much love just about everything about it, but here are a few dislikes...

I'm not thrilled about the column shifter. It's too big, it blocks the view of some of the console controls (defrost) when it's in D. Getting it off of the center console is fine, but it would have been nice if they came up with something that wasn't so bulky.

Not a big deal, but I don't like the radio antenna either. There's an XM antenna (I think) right above the driver. Why is there also a wire antenna on the passenger side? I think it should be been hidden somewhere. It's not hard to do that.

I traded in a 2007 SL 4x4 King Cab that I bought new. I've been waiting for another King Cab, but got tired of waiting. I like the new CC, but it's around 600 pounds heavier and the hood is higher, so it feels a lot bigger even though it's about the same size as before. I'm still babying the engine most of the time, but the extra HP matches the extra weight so acceleration seems to be about the same as the '07. I had a dual Flowmaster and K&N air filter on the '07, so it probably pulled a little better than stock. I like the sound of the 2017. It's quiet but it sounds like a V8 should.

Gas mileage isn't too great, but it's a little better than the '07. I was getting around 12, now I'm getting close to 14.

Remote start is great, keyless entry and start is great, the seats and materials are nice (the fake wood is kind of cheesy LOL, why didn't they use real wood?), the electronic displays are good for the most part, but some of them seem to be a little useless.

I'll post a few pictures, but I like the gun metallic paint, 20" wheels, and chrome, but not too much chrome. Lighted running boards are nice too.

I loved the '07 but it was getting old. Definitely happy about the new one.

Great comments man! I agree with ALL of them. OMG the good old mast antenna LOL!!! I had to change mine out for an original stubby. Looks a lot better and works just as good in my area. I listen to XM anyway so really doesn't matter. My biggest pet peeve that I can't change is my front bumper is chrome and my rear bumper is painted. Make up your mind Nissan. It would look a lot better if they matched!

Where I bought the original stubby:
The Stubby Antenna for Nissan - CravenSpeed Online

 

[mikenc]

Thanks for the link to the stubby antenna. I'll give that a try.

I don't have many good pictures yet, but here are 2...

 

[mikenc]

This picture is from 2007. This was a great truck :smile:

 

[TITANUP2017]

Thanks for the link to the stubby antenna. I'll give that a try.

I don't have many good pictures yet, but here are 2...

Sweet looking truck man! I really like the color, lights and wheels. Not so much a fan of all the chrome (more of a monochromatic type) but still looks damn handsome.

 

[nightowl]

Gear searching will be with any transmission over a 5 speed. My 2010 Tahoe did it and my friends Tundra did the same thing. This is why I wish Nissan would have stuck with the 5speed personally because latest greatest isn't always better. Imo

 

[bender2]

Gear searching will be with any transmission over a 5 speed. My 2010 Tahoe did it and my friends Tundra did the same thing. This is why I wish Nissan would have stuck with the 5speed personally because latest greatest isn't always better. Imo

A five speed with a two speed rear! Now were talking. lol.

 

[awraynor]

Just purchased my 2017 Titan SL Quad-Cab 4x4 3 days ago.

Likes

1. The design; it's a good looking truck
2. Roomy interior
3. Good fit and finish
4. Good layout of controls
5. Plenty of features
6. Returned from Maryland to S.C. and fron I-81 to 77 to 85 (500 miles) averaged 19.8
7. The lighting package. Especially the lights under the running boards
8. Factory bed liner, rail sets and in bed lighting
9. That V8 purrs, love the exhaust noise
10. Pushbutton start that many trucks still lack
11. Remote start although I'll probably never use it much

Dislikes

1. Almost too big
2. A bit taller than expected
3. Shifter blocks defrost controls
4. Tinting on drivers outside mirror hard to see through at night
5. Blind spot to driver's left due to B post
6. Gravity seats (back is good, but buttocks area lacks good support/cushion)
7. Infotainment screen small, but not as bad as many have endorsed
8. Nissan Connect Services is something I'll never pay for after the trial. I need to review the list, but I think some of those items are stock on my Wife's Toyota
9. Antenna hits garage door so I'm trading it for stubby antenna.

Only 3 days so far, but I'll come up with more. Still my favorite of all the trucks.

 

[electricjohn]

Is the underside changed much on the 17's non XD?

 

[TITANUP2017]

Great review man. Agree with all your comments. I don't mind the tallness just more ground clearance lol.

Just purchased my 2017 Titan SL Quad-Cab 4x4 3 days ago.

Likes

1. The design; it's a good looking truck
2. Roomy interior
3. Good fit and finish
4. Good layout of controls
5. Plenty of features
6. Returned from Maryland to S.C. and fron I-81 to 77 to 85 (500 miles) averaged 19.8
7. The lighting package. Especially the lights under the running boards
8. Factory bed liner, rail sets and in bed lighting
9. That V8 purrs, love the exhaust noise
10. Pushbutton start that many trucks still lack
11. Remote start although I'll probably never use it much

Dislikes

1. Almost too big
2. A bit taller than expected
3. Shifter blocks defrost controls
4. Tinting on drivers outside mirror hard to see through at night
5. Blind spot to driver's left due to B post
6. Gravity seats (back is good, but buttocks area lacks good support/cushion)
7. Infotainment screen small, but not as bad as many have endorsed
8. Nissan Connect Services is something I'll never pay for after the trial. I need to review the list, but I think some of those items are stock on my Wife's Toyota
9. Antenna hits garage door so I'm trading it for stubby antenna.

Only 3 days so far, but I'll come up with more. Still my favorite of all the trucks.

 

[Rob J]

2017 Nissan Titan SV with premium package.
ADDED: Tonneau cover, bed extender, factory remote start, window tint.
TRADE: 2010 Nissan Titan.

LIKES:

• Engine sound.
• Warranty.
• Cargo management.
• Cargo area lighting.
• 120v outlet in cab and bed.
• Towing mirrors are great.
• Integrated brake controller / sway control.
• Trailer light check.
• Awesome running boards.
• Fit and finish is very good.
• Good seats.
• Value.

DISLIKES:

• Rear sliding window to small.
• Column shifter blocks some climate controls.
• Needs more USB ports.
• Storage compartment could be better separated like the RAM trucks have.
• Filler opening whistles during fueling.
• Transmission has the tenancy to surge at times as it is a little too aggressive at going for the up-shift.
• Infotainment system feels unpolished. Voice recognition in navigation is completely useless. I have yet to see it get the address correct.
• Wish it had a mobile phone holder like the RAM offers. Could easily be added into a new modular cup holder offering. I like how Nissan designed that.

Fuel Economy:
Best recorded was a 55 minute trip (72km) with an even mix of country roads, highway and city driving. Averaged 11.9 L/100km (19.8 MPG).
In the city, I can usually keep it under 14 L/100km (16.8 MPG) if the engine is warm when I start.
The Titan dumps so much fuel when cold that it really skews the fuel economy numbers on short trips.
So that said, I find the truck to be very reasonable given its size and weight.
I have about 3800km on the odometer and I do notice fuel mileage getting better as the truck breaks in.

Usage:

• Daily driver.
• Tow vehicle for a 24' TT weighing about 7000# loaded.

Other vehicles considered:

• Ford F-150
• RAM EcoDiesel

All in all I really like the Titan. The other trucks feel more car first and truck second whereas the Titan feels like it was built as a truck first and convenience was added later.
The dealer gave me $22,600 on the trade and that really made the Titan the most compelling option given the incentives being offered at the time.

 

[TITANUP2017]

Great review Rob! I wish I could achieve your gas mpgs. Maybe I'm alittle too heavy on the foot hehe.

 

[wpwarhawk]

I have a 2WD 2017 Titan S Crew Cab

LIKES:
Engine sounds great, performs even better
Handles great, I live in the Ouachita Mountains and drive a lot of steep twisty roads
Interior layout
Factory features, for a base model truck this thing is loaded
My only highway trip so far, about 375 miles round trip, I averaged 21 mpg.
factory spray in bedliner
Factory hitch and trailer wiring harness, both flat 4 pin and round 7 pin
Nice cargo lighting

DISLIKES:
Instruments in the dash are dim, especially the data center between the tach and speedo
Tank vent whistles while fueling

I had a couple of things included when I bought it. When they came in (step rail and rear bumper step) the dealer game me a loaner, a 2016 F-150 crew cab with the 3.5 Eco Boost. It's about 60 miles one way to this dealer, thru the mountains, so I had a good chance to compare the F-150 and the Titan. The F-150 wallowed around like an old Buick, where the Titan feels tight and handles much better. The F-150 felt heavy, and the Ecoboost doesn't have the performance of the Nissan 5.6. I was happy to get my truck back.

I haven't never had all the new electronics, cell phone, bluetooth, or anything like that. I am enjoying it, but still learning it too.

 

[Rob J]

UPDATE:

I'm not sure where the correct place would be to post this so I will leave it here for now.

I have a little over 5000kms on the truck now. My fuel mileage numbers continue to get better. My best run to date is 11.2 L/100km (21 MPG).
I noticed a big difference once I crossed over 4500kms.

I am also gearing up for some towing soon and I will post my experiences in the "Towing with the 5.6L gas engine/ 7 sp transmission" thread.
The only towing I have done to date was a 6x12 U-haul van trailer and I kept forgetting it was behind me. My TT is going to be a much more substantial pull though.

wpwarhawk, I am a little surprised to hear about your F-150 experience. That 3.5L Ecoboost is a beast. Under powered is something you don't hear when it comes to that engine.
Was it a high mileage vehicle?

 

[wpwarhawk]

UPDATE:

I'm not sure where the correct place would be to post this so I will leave it here for now.

I have a little over 5000kms on the truck now. My fuel mileage numbers continue to get better. My best run to date is 11.2 L/100km (21 MPG).
I noticed a big difference once I crossed over 4500kms.

I am also gearing up for some towing soon and I will post my experiences in the "Towing with the 5.6L gas engine/ 7 sp transmission" thread.
The only towing I have done to date was a 6x12 U-haul van trailer and I kept forgetting it was behind me. My TT is going to be a much more substantial pull though.

wpwarhawk, I am a little surprised to hear about your F-150 experience. That 3.5L Ecoboost is a beast. Under powered is something you don't hear when it comes to that engine.
Was it a high mileage vehicle?

The loaner Ford I drove was a 2016 with about 25,000 miles. The 60 mile drive to the dealer is mainly over steep crooked roads in the Ouachita mountains. The ecoboost was OK, but not quite as powerful as the Titan's 5.6. The mileage was about 1 mpg better on the ecoboost. There is only about 10 miles of straight level highway on this route, and no interstate, so I don't know how the ecoboost would have done overall on flat ground.

I know I was happy to get back in my Titan, even though the Ford was a fancy Texas edition.