I won’t try to argue that Nissan is the top name in full-size trucks here in the US. Obviously, the brand is behind domestic competitors like Ford, Chevy, Ram, and even Toyota pulls ahead of it. That being said, a growing number of people are flocking to their nearest Nissan Titan dealer for one simple reason: the Titan PRO-4X delivers off-road capability that puts many others to shame. Of course, that’s not to say that there aren’t other impressive full-size trucks designed to hit the trail because there are, but the PRO-4X simply does things differently and has a lot to offer.
The Nissan Titan is a fine full-size truck in its own right, particularly since it comes with a standard V8 engine, but the PRO-4X goes significantly further. It looks stunning, for starters, both inside and out, plus it features an aggressive stance that perfectly speaks to its off-road design. When it comes to the trail, Nissan hasn’t missed a beat––they’ve loaded the Titan PRO-4X with skid plates, all-terrain tires, and Bilstein shocks, all designed to let it eat up anything nature can throw at you. I’m not saying it can beat something like the Ram TRX, but since it starts at about $30k less, that’s not what I’d call direct competition.
What You Can Expect From the Titan
To really get a sense of what the PRO-4X brings to the table, I think it helps to start off with what the standard Nissan Titan has to offer. The starting S trim, for example, features 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires, with a 5.6L V8 engine that delivers 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, which comes paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Looking at a higher trim for the Titan, like the Platinum, you find the same engine and drivetrain, though it comes with 20-inch wheels featuring all-season tires.
Every Nissan Titan comes with lower radiator skid plates to protect some of the truck’s underside, along with a Class IV tow hitch for pulling a trailer. The starting S trim has air conditioning, while the Platinum features dual-zone automatic temperature control. Titan models are available with either a front-row bench seat or pair of captain’s chairs. Every model comes with a seven-inch driver display, and while the standard S trim has an eight-inch infotainment screen, the Platinum comes with a nine-inch display and Navigation.
What Sets the PRO-4X Apart?
With the PRO-4X, drivers get an exceptional selection of features and options that are as good as any Titan model but with an off-road focus. For example, the PRO-4X has 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels that are wrapped in all-terrain tires for optimal grip and traction when on the trail. Similarly, in addition to the standard lower radiator skid plate, the PRO-4X features skid plates to defend the transmission, oil pan, fuel tank, and transfer case to give drivers a lot more protection on the trail. It also has front tow hooks, LED signature headlights, and daytime running lights, much like the Platinum, but with some exclusive details like charcoal front and rear bumpers as well as a body-color front grille and unique PRO-4X badging.
Off-Road Engineering and Design
The off-road design of the PRO-4X goes well beyond skid plates and exclusive badging, however, and also includes an electronic locking rear differential with its four-wheel drive system to boost traction for the rear tires. Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control also help keep the Titan PRO-4X from rolling backward when a driver is working their way uphill, as it maintains speed and brake pressure automatically. It also has exclusive Bilstein shocks to help ensure driver comfort while delivering precise control on the trail, along with unique off-road gauges that include information for the truck’s pitch, roll, and four-wheel drive engagement.
All of these design choices come together to create a full-size truck that’s born to conquer the trail, not only in terms of features but also when it comes to its specs. For example, the Titan PRO-4X has 9.8 inches of ground clearance at the rear axle, with 10.6 inches of clearance for its skid plates. It has an approach angle of 22.8 degrees (more than five degrees greater than other Titan models), a departure angle of 26.8 degrees, and a breakover angle of more than 21 degrees. Plus, with 1,500 lbs of maximum payload and more than 9,000 lbs of towing capacity, the PRO-4X can be loaded up with everything someone needs for a weekend (or longer) of camping, boating, and more.
Gorgeous Style and Rugged Comfort
It might not be fashionable to say this, but I like to be comfortable even if I’m going off-roading or camping. I don’t need every creature comfort imaginable, but life’s too short to be miserable just because you want to get some fresh air. Nissan’s designers would seem to agree with me because the PRO-4X comes with a lavish selection of comfort and convenience features such as dual-zone automatic temperature control, a Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, and an available remote engine start system. It also has rain-sensing wipers, so the driver can keep their hands on the wheel while crawling over rocks if it starts raining, and an available dual panel panoramic moonroof to give passengers a stunning view of the sky overhead.
The PRO-4X comes with front captain’s chairs, which include an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and there is available heated front and rear seating. The front seats have available climate controls that include both heating and cooling, which sounds perfect to me, along with an available memory function for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Stain-resistant cloth seating with PRO-4X contrast stitching is standard, but drivers looking for some extra luxury on the trail can spring for available leather-appointed seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, with heating available for it.
The technology inside the PRO-4X is also excellent, including a nine-inch infotainment display with Navigation, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has Wi-Fi Hotspot functionality, which can be a real boon while camping, and numerous USB ports. Although the PRO-4X comes with a six-speaker sound system, there’s an available Fender premium 12-speaker audio system, including a center speaker and subwoofer that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys jamming out while on the trail.
Advanced Safety On and Off-Road
Nissan vehicles are known for having some of the best safety features in the industry, and the Titan PRO-4X is no exception. It has a massive suite of standard safety systems that put a lot of other vehicles to shame, including Intelligent Cruise Control that can adjust the vehicle’s speed based on surrounding traffic, a Lane Departure Warning, and an Intelligent Driver Alertness system. The Titan PRO-4X also includes an Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, as well as a Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and an available Intelligent Around View Monitor for improved visibility through a virtual 360-degree view around the truck.
Rear Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist are both standard, along with a Traffic Sign Recognition system designed to help drivers spot signs that might be hard to see or obstructed. Hill Start Assist is standard on all Nissan Titan models, but the PRO-4X has Hill Descent Control to help stay put on an incline, along with Trailer Sway Control, that’s ideal for anyone doing some towing. Some people might not think these kinds of features are all that important for an off-road truck, but personally, I like to know that I’ll survive the trip to and from the trail, along with my time while playing in the mud. But maybe that’s just me.
A Surprisingly Excellent Off-Road Truck
While Nissan might not be the first brand you think of when you are looking for a truck, the Nissan Titan PRO-4X should be at the top of your list if you are interested in off-roading. With a build specifically designed to handle the elements and features that make the bumpy ride more comfortable, you simply can’t go wrong.
