Nissan Pickup Gets Styling Makeover, Added Tech

Nissan Motor Co. is freshening its Titan fullsize pickup truck with updated styling, interior amenities, more power and new safety systems.

The carmaker unveiled the 2020 model today at the Texas State Fair in Dallas. Sales will start early next year.

Buyers can choose from among three grille designs, including a black matte unit with the off-road Pro-4X trim package. Other updates include redesigned front and rear bumpers, larger LED headlights and boomerang-styled daytime running lights.

Nissan says the new headlights generate more than twice as much light as those on the current model. LEDs also have been added around the pickup bed, which Nissan says provides surround lighting.

The interior features improved seat comfort, more storage, additional assist grips and a smartphone holder with a built-in charging unit. Standard displays include a 7-inch programmable instrument cluster and a high-resolution 8-inch infotainment unit, which Nissan claims is the largest standard system in a full-size pickup. An even bigger 9-inch infotainment display is optional.

The 2020 Titan’s 5.6-liter V-8 engine is tuned to make 500 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, up from 390 hp and 394 lb-ft in the current model. A 9-speed automatic transmission replaces the outgoing 7-speed unit to provide better acceleration and improved fuel economy.

Other goodies include hill start assist, hill descent control (on the Prox-4X), limited-slip differential and an electronic locking rear differential. The optional four-wheel drive system features a two-speed transfer case and low-range gearing.

The truck’s advanced driver-assist system package includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, high-beam assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The new vehicle also adds two airbags for a total of eight.