Driven: 2022 Nissan Titan PRO-4X
2022 | nissan | pickup trucks | reviews
When it comes to full-size pickup trucks, the Nissan Titan might not be the first name to come to mind. The 2022 Titan is a beefy and bold looking truck – especially in its rugged PRO-4X trim. It has a powerful engine, a comfortable cabin, and many upgrades for off-roading and overlanding. Read on for our hands-on review.
We headed into the countryside of Northern Oklahoma to put the Titan PRO-4X to the test on a mix of dirt, gravel, and paved roads, along with some modest off-roading. Working in concert with Titan's double-wishbone front suspension, the Bilstein off-road performance shocks offered impressive isolation from rocky and rutted roads.
The Titan packs a 400 hp V8 engine that produces an impressive 413 lb-ft. of torque when you fill its fuel tank with 91 octane gas. That's enough power to push the 5800-pound truck from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. That's undoubtedly not Raptor or TRX territory, but it still is satisfying. Working in concert with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the truck shifts smoothly and predictably. Towing capacity is rated at 9050 pounds, which puts it behind its biggest competitors but should be plenty for pulling most 24-foot travel trailers or a small speed boat.
The truck rolls on 18" dark-finished aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber P275/70R18 all-terrain tires. The Titan PRO-4X rides higher than the standard Titan, with an overall height of 77.2" - roughly 2" taller than the Titan S Crew Cab. With added underbody protection from skid plates, there's a minimum ground clearance of 10.6", a 22.8º approach angle, and a 23.0º departure angle. That improves to 26.8º if you forgo the tow hitch.
The Crew Cab-only PRO-4X has a breakover angle of 21.7º, an overall length of 229.5", and a 139.8" long wheelbase, which make it a bit long for navigating tight trails, but that's a reasonable tradeoff for a 67" long cargo bed and enough space to transport five adults comfortably. Our truck's bed was equipped with a handy adjustable tie-down rail system, a 120-volt outlet, and under-rail lighting. A kick-out rear step improves bed access, while the sturdy steel running boards on the truck's sides look great and make it easier to get in and out of the cabin.
The PRO-4X model gets several other upgrades, including standard 4-wheel drive and a 2-speed transfer case with 4-Hi and 4-Lo modes, the latter being helpful when dealing with steep hills, deep mud, and negotiating larger rocks. Switching between those 4WD modes is easier than other trucks since you can flick between them on-the-fly without having to stop and change into neutral. An electronically-locking rear differential helps provide added traction when dealing when a wheel leaves the ground or on loose terrain.
Like other recent Nissan vehicles we've driven, the front seats are wide, comfortable, and supportive, making long trips a breeze on or off the tarmac. The PRO-4X Convenience Package includes leather seating surfaces with logo embroidery and red stitching that carries across onto the dashboard, center armrest, and steering wheel. You also get heated front and rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel (which we didn't get to test thanks to this Summer's triple-digit temperatures.)
The dashboard, doors, and other cabin trim are unremarkable and not as upscale or modern as other trucks we've driven recently. They're perfectly functional, and there are tactile controls for climate, media, drivetrain, and safety settings, which we generally prefer over burying them in touchscreen menus. Nissan's media interface feels a bit dated, as does its 8" touchscreen, but it does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so you can use those as your primary interface. That Convenience Package includes a surround-view camera system that helps maneuver the truck in tight parking spaces. Still, its images aren't nearly as crisp as we've experienced on competing vehicles.
Second-row passengers get tons of legroom and headroom, and the cabin feels extra bright and airy thanks to the optional panoramic moonroof. You'll find dual USB ports along with 12V DC and 120V AC outlets at the back of the center console.
The rear seats fold up towards the back wall for added versatility, providing plentiful interior cargo space. There's a fold-out deck system to transport oversized items at an even height, along with locking storage trays under the seats.
Overall, the Titan PRO-4X is a tough, good-looking truck with solid off-road capabilities. We were impressed with its ride quality, acceleration, and comfortable cabin. Its exterior styling seems more up-to-date than its interior and tech, though. The 2022 Nissan Titan PRO-4X Crew Cab has a starting price of $51,200. Our fully-equipped truck cost $62,275, including $1695 in destination charges.
