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NISSAN TITAN CREW CAB PRO-4X

Published 9:10 am Friday, April 10, 2009

I’m not often provided the opportunity to test drive a full-size pickup. Maybe the powers-that-be recognize I’m not in a position to put such a rig through its proper paces: No, I didn’t tow a large boat or trailer. No, I didn’t venture off the asphalt to partake in any four-wheelin’ frivolity. No, I didn’t need the pickup for my daily commute. And I didn’t even take a much-needed trip to the dump with a load of crapola from my garage.

But I did still manage to enjoy the 2009 Nissan Titan anyway. Imagine that.

Manufactured in Canton, Miss., the Titan is entering its fifth year of production and continues to build on its reputation as a rugged, reliable, spirited choice for truck buyers seeking style, innovation and value.

Like virtually all full-size pickups, Titan provides buyers with a multitude of choices. It is offered in King Cab and Crew Cab styles with the option of 4×4 or 4×2 configuration, and four well-equipped models: XE, SE, PRO 4X and LE.

My tester, a Crew Cab PRO 4X, included two mini-doors that access a rear fold-up bench seat accommodating two additional passengers in semi-comfort or assorted personal items that need to be kept from the elements – such as my Bushnell 1500 Tournament Edition rangefinder.

Built on Nissan’s rugged F-Alpha pickup platform, the Titan features a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, a standard five-speed automatic transmission and a maximum towing capacity of 9,400 pounds. It has an EPA rating of 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway – eating a $50 bill to cover 300 miles.

Titan’s high pickup bed includes an industry-first, factory-applied spray-on bedliner, Utili-track tie-down system that provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility, and an integrated, lockable bedside storage compartment.

The Pro-4X model is built for dedicated off-road types and provides Rancho performance shock absorbers, a lower final drive ratio, additional skid plates on the oil pan and transfer case, a class-exclusive electronic locking rear differential and unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels and P275/70R18 all-terrain tires.

Nevertheless, Titan will still spend the bulk of its time on the boring ol’ pavement, transporting people from Point A to Point B. And for a work truck, it’s hard to believe passengers are pampered with hands-free Bluetooth technology, navigation system,

Rockford Fosgate audio system with eight speakers, heated leather seats, satellite radio, rear proximity sensors, moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and a compass.

For that matter, Titan does not handle or ride like a truck. Power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes, Bosch anti-lock braking system, and an all-steel double wishbone front suspension coupled with a bird’s-eye view of the road create a feeling of power, control and testosterone.

Titan is loaded with safety features, and includes optional towing packages as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with fold-down eight-inch monitor for viewing “The Dark Knight” or “Quantum of Solace” on the fly.