2020 Nissan Titan engine has boosted horsepower and torque

Nissan’s full-size Titan pickup is notably updated for 2020 with styling revisions unique to each trim level, active safety features added as standard equipment, a newly available dual panel automatic moonroof, and enhanced next-generation connectivity that includes standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The infotainment system is upgraded with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch display.

The Titan’s standard 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine, previously providing 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, is retuned for 2020 and now has a rating of 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It also has a different partner: a new nine-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous seven-speed.

Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of safety features is standard on every model. It includes lane departure warning, high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert.

Titan and Titan XD models are still available in S, SV, Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve trim levels, but Titan models are available only with an extended cab or crew cab, and the Titan XD comes only in crew cab configuration. Nissan’s name for its extended cab is “king cab.”

The base Titan S model comes with a front manual split bench seat (40/20/40), the NissanConnect infotainment system with 8-inch display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, hands-free text messaging, and two USB ports.

I drove the Titan SV King Cab with four-wheel drive, which builds on the S model with intelligent cruise control, upgraded cloth seats, a 9-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, LED taillamps, power adjustable outside mirrors with heat, and a smattering of cabin niceties such as standard floor carpeting, an overhead console, and a front sun visor with extension and illuminated mirror.

Other SV upgrades include a body color grille surround with Gun Metallic mesh grille, chrome outside door handles, side mirror turn signal lamps, and front tow hooks.

My tester was an especially handsome truck. Its Gun Metallic paint matched the mesh grille and the 18-inch spoked wheel design was a perfect complement. There’s just enough bright stuff on the outside of the SV model to liven it up but not overwhelm like the upper Titan models.

The genuine four-wheel-drive system ensures capability over rugged terrain, but the Titan’s highway ride is gentle. Under sudden acceleration demands or during steep climbs, its powerful V8 engine doesn’t flinch or strain, and the nine-speed automatic transmission works under the radar to keep the momentum steady and smooth.

At night on the unlit backroads of Snohomish County, my Titan’s headlights could have done a better job. Even the high beams seemed to lack work ethic. LED headlights, which are standard or available depending on Titan model, are called for on those roads. My tester did have optional LED tailgate illumination and LED under rail bed lighting, both of which were a lot of help on several occasions during the week.

Official fuel economy ratings for the 2020 Nissan Titan have not been announced yet, but 16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined is a pretty good guess for the SV King Cab with 4WD.

2020 NISSAN TITAN SV KING CAB 4WD

Base price, including destination charge: $44,585

Price as driven: $44,585

Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.