2016 Nissan Titan XD 5.6L Gas V8: More Payload, Less Towing, Lower Price [Specs]

2016 nissan titan xd 2017 5.6L v8 gasoline endurance
2016 Nissan Titan XD with 5.6L V8

You already have all the information about the 2016 Nissan Titan XD that is powered by the 5.0L V8 Cummins turbo-diesel engine. We have shown you the truck when it was unveiled in Detroit, at the launch event in Arizona, towing and off-roading in Colorado, and much more. Here comes the next chapter. Nissan is expanding the new Titan lineup with the XD model equipped with a new 5.6L V8 gasoline motor. It still comes only in a crew cab configuration, in five grades (S, SV, SL, PRO-4X, and Platinum Reserve), and with a choice between 2WD or 4×4. So what’s the big whoop?

The crux of the new truck is the powertrain. The engine block and the crank of the 5.6L V8 are the only components that carry over from the previous generation Titan. The new gasoline V8 is packed with latest internal combustion technologies: new cylinder heads, pistons, variable valve timing, and direct injection. The result is an engine that makes 390 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm. This is a big jump from the previous engine that made 317 horses and 385 lb-ft of torque.

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The next piece of the puzzle is the 7-speed automatic transmission that backs up the new V8. It is the same transmission as you will find in the Infiniti QX80, but it has a different tuning. It offers a tow/haul mode with grade shifting logic.

This Titan XD is in a weight class that is not rated by the EPA for fuel economy. Not to worry, we will get you the real-world MPG numbers soon.

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So how does the 5.6L V8-powered Titan XD differ from the one with the 5.0L V8 diesel? You will not notice from the outside, other than the V8 Endurance badge on the front fenders.

Here are the three differences that matter most:

  • The gas truck has a payload that is around 500 lbs more than the diesel. Maximum payload is 2,594 lbs for a 2WD crew cab in base trim. This is a result of the weight savings of not having the Cummins V8, 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission, and the DEF after-treatment system.
  • The gas truck has a maximum towing rating which is around 1,000 lbs less than the diesel. Maximum towing is 11,270 lbs for the same 2WD crew cab truck in base trim. Nissan says that the gas Titan XD is a solution for customers looking for more payload. The diesel Titan XD is still the ultimate towing machine for the company.
  • The gas truck costs $5,000 less than a similarly configured diesel XD. This is a significant savings. The starting price is $35,290 before destination charges.

The other differences are:

  • The gas-powered Titan XD has different suspension spring rates. The frame, chassis, body, and bed are same as with the diesel.
  • The rear axle ratio is 3.36 in the gas truck versus 3.91 in the diesel.

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We drove the truck in Tennessee this week, but we cannot tell you our impressions until next week. There is a driving impressions embargo until 9am ET on Monday (May 2, 2016). We have videos coming up on Monday and after that. This is done is order to get all participating journalists a chance to produce coverage on the new V8.

In the meantime, here the 5.0L V8 turbo-diesel on the real-world MPG loop.