The 2017 Nissan Titan Xd carved a distinctive niche in the full-size pickup truck arena, presenting a compelling blend of heavy-duty strength and light-duty accessibility. This model year solidified the TITAN XD’s position as a “new class” of truck, bridging the gap between traditional classifications and offering a unique value proposition for drivers seeking enhanced capability without sacrificing everyday drivability.
The ’17 Nissan Titan XD, building on the foundation laid in 2016, continued to showcase Nissan’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the pickup segment. It combined robust, commercially-rated components with user-friendly technology and comfort, appealing to a broad spectrum of truck owners. The introduction of new body styles and option packages for the 2017 model year further broadened its appeal, offering configurations to suit diverse needs and preferences.
Commercial-Grade Strength Underpinning the 2017 Titan XD
While the original Nissan Titan earned accolades for its consumer-centric features, the 2017 Nissan Titan XD took a different approach, prioritizing commercial-grade strength from the ground up. This truck was engineered with heavy-duty components designed to withstand demanding workloads and provide exceptional durability. From the radiator to the rear axle, every element was chosen and engineered for enhanced robustness.
The foundation of the ’17 Nissan Titan XD is its unique, fully boxed, full-length ladder frame. This frame, derived from Nissan Commercial Vehicles, underwent extensive reinforcement to handle the torque of both the Cummins diesel and Endurance V8 engines, as well as the truck’s increased towing and payload capacities. The frame’s enhanced stiffness, vertical and lateral bending resistance, and torsional rigidity contribute to the Titan XD’s solid and planted feel, even under heavy loads. The extended 151.6-inch wheelbase, approximately 20 inches longer than standard Titan half-ton models, further enhances stability.
The ’17 Nissan Titan XD’s suspension system is designed for heavy-duty performance and ride comfort. The front suspension features a reinforced double-wishbone design with a stabilizer bar, tuned for demanding use. At the rear, a rigid axle suspension with substantial leaf springs, leaf bushings, and twin-tube shock absorbers ensures stability and load-carrying capability. The axles themselves are purpose-built by American Axle Manufacturing, with a 9.84-inch rear differential and 3.5-inch axle tubes, and a 9.25-inch front differential (on 4×4 models). An Electronic Locking Rear Differential is also available, providing enhanced traction in challenging conditions.
Hydraulic cab mounts effectively isolate the cabin from chassis vibrations, improving ride comfort for occupants. The ’17 Nissan Titan XD offers a range of wheel sizes – 17, 18, or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – paired with LT-rated tires to deliver reliable traction across varied surfaces and weather conditions.
Braking power is provided by a 4-wheel disc brake system with large ventilated discs, ensuring confident stopping performance. The hydraulic power assist system, augmented by an electric pump, provides consistent brake pedal feel. Steering is managed by a recirculating ball-type, high-capacity system engineered for responsiveness and ease of handling, even when the truck is heavily loaded or towing.
Even the cooling system of the ’17 Nissan Titan XD is over-engineered for performance. The radiator boasts over 25 percent greater heat radiation capacity compared to the previous Titan, crucial for meeting SAE J2807 towing compliance. The large radiator, transmission oil cooler, and a 23.6-inch engine cooling fan diameter ensure the Titan XD can confidently handle demanding towing tasks exceeding 12,000 pounds.
Engine Options: Cummins Diesel and Endurance V8 Power for the ’17 Titan XD
The 2017 Nissan Titan XD offered two robust engine choices, each designed to deliver distinct performance characteristics and cater to different driver needs: the Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel and the Nissan 5.6-liter Endurance V8.
Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel: This engine was a key differentiator for the Titan XD, positioning it uniquely in the market. The Cummins diesel provided a bridge between smaller, less capable diesels and larger, more expensive heavy-duty diesel engines. It delivered a compelling combination of power, torque, and relative fuel efficiency.
The ’17 Nissan Titan XD’s Cummins diesel was the first commercial application of the Cummins M2 two-stage turbo system. This innovative system significantly reduced turbo lag by precisely balancing high-pressure and low-pressure turbos. The patented Rotary Turbine Control ensured consistent performance across the engine’s power band and effectively managed exhaust gas temperatures.
The engine also featured a Bosch HPCR fuel system, allowing for precise fuel control and multiple injections per combustion stroke. This technology enhanced efficiency and reduced the characteristic diesel engine noise. Advanced, maintenance-free Bosch ceramic glow plugs ensured quick engine starts, even in cold climates.
Weight reduction was a key consideration in the Cummins diesel design. The cylinder block was constructed from compacted graphite iron (CGI), which is stronger and lighter than traditional iron. Other lightweight components, including high-strength aluminum-alloy heads and composite valve covers, further contributed to weight savings. The CGI block and dual overhead camshafts also contributed to the engine’s refined NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) characteristics.
The Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel exhaust system incorporated a particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction, enabling cleaner emissions and further reducing diesel noise. This engine offered approximately 45 percent more torque at cruising speed compared to similarly sized gasoline V8 engines, resulting in less frequent downshifting, enhanced towing confidence, and improved fuel economy, particularly when towing or hauling heavy loads. The engine was paired with a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin A466ND automatic transmission, specifically developed and tuned for the ’17 Nissan Titan XD to handle its power and torque.
Nissan 5.6-liter Endurance V8: Introduced midway through the 2016 model year, the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 engine continued as a strong gasoline option for the 2017 Nissan Titan XD. This engine was also available in the 2017 Titan half-ton model.
Manufactured at Nissan’s Powertrain Assembly Plant in Decherd, Tennessee, the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 featured four valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL), and Direct Injection Gas (DIG™) technology. It produced 390 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 394 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This represented a significant increase in power and torque compared to the previous generation Titan’s V8 engine.
The VVEL technology combined hydraulically-controlled variable valve timing and electronically-controlled variable valve lift on both intake and exhaust sides, optimizing performance and responsiveness. DIG™ technology enhanced wide-open throttle performance, fuel economy, and emissions by improving combustion stability and providing precise injection control. A higher 11.2:1 compression ratio, achieved through a new piston design, further contributed to engine efficiency and performance. The engine was matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
For 2017 Nissan Titan XD 4×4 models, a new transfer case ensured optimal power distribution in all gears, providing four-wheel drive capability when needed. Off-road features such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and Brake Limited-Slip Differential (BLSD) enhanced performance in challenging terrains. An available off-road gauge provided real-time vehicle pitch and roll angle information.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities of the 2017 Titan XD
The 2017 Nissan Titan XD was engineered for serious towing and hauling. When equipped with the 5.0L Cummins diesel engine, the Titan XD offered a maximum payload capacity of 2,420 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 12,640 pounds (when properly equipped). Models with the 5.6L Endurance gasoline V8 provided a maximum payload of 2,910 pounds and a maximum towing rating of 11,590 pounds (when properly equipped).
To enhance the towing experience, the ’17 Titan XD offered a range of available towing aids, including:
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Provides seamless and adjustable trailer braking.
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC): Helps maintain trailer stability during towing.
- Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control: Optimizes transmission settings for towing and provides controlled descent on grades.
- Trailer Light Check System: Allows for single-person verification of trailer light functionality from inside the cab or using the key fob.
- RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides: Simplifies trailer hookups by providing visual guidance.
- Around View® Monitor (AVM): Offers a 360-degree bird’s-eye view for enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces, including Moving Object Detection (MOD).
Available hitch options included an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered directly into the frame, providing a robust and convenient solution for gooseneck trailers. The 2017 Nissan TITAN XD met the rigorous J2807 certification standards for towing. Additional driver aids included Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Front and Rear Sonar System, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), enhancing safety and driver awareness.
Smart Design and Utility Features of the ’17 Titan XD
The exterior and interior design of the 2017 Nissan Titan XD, crafted at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, California, focused on smart utility and ease of use. The goal was to simplify and enhance the truck owner’s experience through thoughtful design and practical features.
The 2017 Nissan Titan XD was available in three body configurations:
- Crew Cab: Four full-size doors and a 6.5-foot bed.
- Single Cab: Two doors and an 8.0-foot bed.
- King Cab: (Coming Spring 2017) Featured 172-degree wide-opening rear doors and flexible rear seating/storage options.
The exterior design conveyed a sense of “powerful precision tool,” with a bold and modern aesthetic. Aerodynamic considerations were integrated into the design, including front, roof, and tailgate spoilers, underbody covers, and rear tire wind deflectors, improving efficiency compared to the previous Titan. Available exterior features included LED headlights and taillights, signature Daytime Running Lights, puddle lamps, and step rails.
Nissan’s Utili-track® Bed Channel System continued to be a standout feature, providing versatile cargo tie-down options with four heavy-duty aluminum alloy cleats that could be positioned anywhere along the bed walls, floor, and header tracks. The ’17 Titan XD also offered available dual lockable in-bed “TITAN Box” storage boxes, providing secure and weatherproof storage accessible from inside the bed, even with a bed cover installed. These boxes were also removable for maximum bed space. Other bed features included a spray-on bedliner, flush-mounted LED bedrail lighting, cargo and tailgate lamps, a 110-volt in-bed outlet, and a damped tailgate.
Interior Comfort and Technology in the 2017 Titan XD
The interior of the 2017 Nissan Titan XD was designed to be both functional and comfortable, recognizing the dual-purpose nature of modern pickup trucks. The focus was on enhanced utility, improved ergonomics, and user-friendly technology.
Storage space was significantly increased in the Crew Cab model compared to the previous generation Titan, with a 33 percent increase in front storage and a 28 percent increase in rear storage. Second-row under-seat storage included a locking lid and a fold-out flat floor. The center console was large enough to accommodate a tablet or a 15-inch laptop.
Switches and controls were logically grouped by function and frequency of use. Convenient interior features included seven assist grips, console-side map pockets, multiple 12-volt and 110-volt power outlets, Remote Engine Start with climate control, and an available Rockford Fosgate premium 12-speaker audio system. Attention to detail extended to relocating the glove compartment handle for easier driver access.
The tilt and telescoping steering column with a column-mounted transmission shifter lever improved visibility and usability of the center stack area, freeing up space in the center console for additional storage. The premium instrument panel featured a combination of analog and digital gauges, a 5.0-inch color display, and available NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, and NissanConnect Services with a 7.0-inch color monitor.
The ’17 Nissan Titan XD offered NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats in both front and rear, designed to maximize comfort on long drives. Heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats were available, along with a choice of water-repellant fabric or leather-appointed seating surfaces. Laminated front and rear side glass (Crew Cab) and enhanced noise isolation contributed to a quieter and more refined cabin experience.
2017 TITAN XD Model Lineup and Trim Levels
The 2017 Nissan TITAN XD Crew Cab was offered in five trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve, each with increasing levels of features and luxury. Single Cab and King Cab configurations were also available in select trim levels.
- TITAN XD S: Base model with functional features, vinyl floor, cloth seats, 5.0-inch color display, basic audio system, and essential connectivity features. Targeted towards fleet and commercial customers.
- TITAN XD SV: Added comfort and convenience features, including cloth seats, carpeting, upgraded meter display, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, chrome exterior accents, and Trailer Sway Control.
- TITAN XD PRO-4X: Off-road focused model with 4×4 standard, all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, unique exterior and interior styling, NissanConnect with Navigation, and advanced safety features like Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
- TITAN XD SL: Premium trim with leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable passenger seat, power tilt/telescoping steering, wood interior trim, 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, Rockford Fosgate audio system, remote engine start, NissanConnect Services, and bed utility features.
- TITAN XD Platinum Reserve: Top-of-the-line luxury trim with premium leather seats with Platinum Reserve branding, heated steering wheel, dark chrome exterior accents, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Trailer Brake Controller, and unique interior trim and badging.
The 2017 TITAN XD Single Cab was available in S and SV trims, while the King Cab was offered in S, SV, and PRO-4X trims. A wide range of optional equipment packages allowed buyers to further customize their ’17 Nissan Titan XD to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion: The 2017 Nissan Titan XD – A Unique Force in the Truck Market
The 2017 Nissan Titan XD continued to define its unique position in the full-size pickup truck market. By combining commercial-grade strength and capability with the drivability and features of a light-duty truck, the ’17 Titan XD offered a compelling alternative for truck buyers seeking enhanced performance without the compromises of traditional heavy-duty models. With its robust engine options, versatile body styles, and a range of trim levels, the 2017 Nissan Titan XD stood out as a capable, comfortable, and innovative choice in the competitive pickup segment. And with America’s Best Truck Warranty, it provided added peace of mind and value to its owners.
