The 2014 Nissan Titan 4X4 PRO-4X feels and sounds like a real truck, not some wanna be. While there is lots of competition in this segment, the Titan pickup will hold its own against the best. This week we’re testing the 2014 Nissan Titan King Cab 4X4 with the off-road PRO-4X package. This model is designed for those who want to have some serious fun in the dirt, mud and take it off-road.
What’s new for 2014?
Except for new embroidered logos on the PRO-4X seats, this trim level carries over unchanged. All Titans with Bluetooth get an upgraded microphone for the new model year, otherwise, 2014 Titan remains unchanged.
What makes PRO-4X special?
The PRO-4X models ($37,490) are available only with four-wheel drive. But this pickup comes with wider all-terrain tires (275/70R18), off-road suspension tuning, 3.36:1 axle gears, electronic locking rear differential, skid plates that protect the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case and lower radiator. It also features body-color bumpers, unique upholstery with white stitching, sporty white-face gauges, and a heavy duty battery. The off-road suspension gets upgraded with Ranch shocks for extra toughness in the dirt.
A few extras make the Titan a perfect vehicle for off-road adventures. It comes with handy front tow hooks for getting pulled out of a difficult situation. It also features a lockable climate-resistant bedside storage bin that’s perfect for storing tools and other weekend gear.
Titan’s off-road capability is enhanced with its shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive. The system allows the driver to shift between 2WD and 4WD instantaneously while driving up to 60 mph. We did this on the highway to check it out, and the system was seamless in shifting between two-wheel and four-wheel-drive.
4WD also includes a low-range 4-LO, for severe off-road conditions where control is needed at very low speeds for climbing or descending steep terrain. PRO-4X also comes with an electronic locking rear differential that works with the flip of a switch. The off-road feature enables the vehicle to send power to both rear wheels equally to boost grip in demanding situations. We tested the 4WD system out on a trail west of Denver between Evergreen and Idaho Springs. We were able to climb up a steep trail to a an old abandoned mine shaft with ease. It was easy to switch the locking rear differential on with the interior switch.
Inside, the cabin is roomy and comfortable up front. This tester came with extra upgrades like the PRO-4X Luxury package ($2,630) that included navigation and heated leather seats. The cabin works well for tough duty but with comfort and convenience. It has a level of refinement that makes it a place you want to spend time. The back features a 60/40 split rear flip up bench seat that folds flat and works good for storing items out of the elements. The rear doors on King Cabs swing open 180 degrees for easy access and there’s room in back for six-footers on short-to-moderate-length trips.
Out on the road
The Titan PRO-4X comes standard with a 5.6-liter V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission. It’s 317 horsepower doesn’t seem like much, but the 385 lb. ft of torque makes up for it. Torque is what gets this truck moving when it pulls a hill or needs to drag a heavy load. The PRO-4X pulled well up I-70 at altitude and went as fast as we wanted to go. And when we pushed the pedal down, the torquey V8 growls and sounds like its the real deal from the inside.
The five-speed gearbox responded smoothly and crisply in all conditions. The gated shift allowed access to all gears and was in a well-placed position for easy use. Fuel economy is not great, but it’s what you’d expect from a truck with this level of capability. The EPA ratings are 12/17 mpg city/highway with four-wheel drive.
Conclusion:
Overall, the PRO-4X was comfortable and well-mannered around town. But where the Titan shines is when you get it in the dirt. The 5.6-liter V8 engine gets the job done. The Titan has the robustness and ability to deal with tough jobs and heavy loads, such as pulling a trailer full of dirt bikes or snow machines to the mountains for the weekend. If you need a full-size pickup with off-road capability, deal with heavy loads, and with plenty of room inside, then the 2014 Nissan Titan PRO-4X definitely should be on your shopping list.
