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Check out our new vs. used comparison of the 2022 Nissan Titan against a comparably equipped 2019 model to see which one is the better value.
New vs Used: Nissan Titan
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If you’re in the market for a Nissan Titan, you’re aware it is a truck that defies American pickup norms by offering a single engine and far fewer combinations of body styles and bed lengths. Just read up on our Titan vs. Ram comparison to get an idea of this. In that context, the 2022 Nissan Titan, refreshed just two years ago, would seem to be the same truck as a lightly used model from just a few years ago.
From a running gear perspective, that isn’t too far off. However, this American-built truck from the Japanese automaker has received a host of technology and amenity upgrades recently. It has also – like everything these days – gotten more expensive. As such, you may be wondering if it’s worth exploring an older, used Titan to save a few bucks. This is the question we’ll be exploring, and answering, below, so read on.
Specs
The Nissan Titan comes in two base flavors: regular or XD, an almost-heavy duty variant that is featured on this list of beefier pickups. For today’s comparison, we’ll be evaluating a regular mid-pack SV model with a Crew Cab and four-wheel-drive. Featuring the latest and greatest stuff is the 2022 model, a detailed review you can read up on here.
The 2022 Nissan Titan benefits from a 2020 mid-cycle refresh, but our used 2019 specimen is still within the second-generation overhaul that arrived in 2016, so is not at a major disadvantage. Have a look at this 2019 Titan review for a deep dive.
Both the 2019 and 2022 Nissan Titan are powered by the naturally aspirated 5.6L Endurance V8. Though the new model boasts an output of 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, that is asterisked by the use of pricey 91-octane gasoline. Filling up with the cheap stuff, as we’re all trying to do today, means that power drops to 390 ponies, which happens to be the same figure found on our 2019 model. Point being, both trucks are basically running the same powertrain.
One key difference is that for 2022, a 9-speed automatic is fitted versus the 7-speed variant from 2019. More gears generally equals better efficiency and improved performance, but in this case, we’re splitting hairs. You are unlikely to notice a difference in either category in either truck so it’s not much of a differentiator.
If gas mileage is what you’re hoping to boost by purchasing the 2022 Titan, think again. Ratings of 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway are identical for both trucks.
Driving and Performance
You’re going to find a traditional leaf-sprung solid rear axle and double wishbone front setup on both the 2019 and 2022 Nissan Titan. You’ll also find similar towing capacity of just under 10,000 pounds. These trucks feature hydraulic cab mounts for decent road isolation, LED taillights for better on-road visibility, and standard trailer sway control as hauling stuff is a typical pickup truck job.
Both the new and used Nissan Titan can both be optioned with a tow package that brings a trailer brake controller and Class IV hitch with 4/7-pin wiring harness.
The main contrast on driving, between these two trucks, is the level of active driver assistance tech. In 2019, the Titan was available with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert but that was about it. A 2022 Nissan Titan SV, on the other hand, comes standard with both of those systems plus forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and high beam assist.
Arguably, these driver-assist systems are best suited to full-size pickups, like the Titan, since they’re inherently more dangerous to other drivers, so the 2022 model clearly has an advantage here.
Comfort and Interior
Both of these Crew Cab Titans can seat up to six people with the front center bench position that doubles as an armrest when not in use. Cloth is the standard upholstery on SV models, though in 2022 you can opt for leather-wrapped seats with heated front cushions as part of the $2,440 Convenience package that also yields dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-sliding rear window.
Outside of those Convenience package features on the new Titan, you’ll find a mostly identical cabin layout in the 2019 model. That includes Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats for front and rear outboard seats that offer a high level of road trip comfort, a center console bin large enough to swallow a 15-inch laptop, and 40/20/40 split rear bench that can fold up to reveal lockable under seat storage.
Trims and Features
Buyers choosing the new 2022 Titan will find the biggest improvement, versus a comparable 2019 model, centers on technology. A 7-inch infotainment touchscreen was standard three years ago. Today, that bumps to 8-inches with the option for a size-9 that includes navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring is standard software with both trucks, while the 12-speaker Fender stereo system featuring Panasonic Acoustic Motion Control is an option in both cases.
Cruise control, dual USB ports, and power accessories come with both new and used Titans, but for 2022 you can find an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Systems you can opt for in the new truck that were not available in 2019 include a Driver Alertness Monitor, 7-inch digital gauge cluster screen, and 360° Around View Monitor.
Conclusions
Nissan’s Titan earns itself a spot on this list of Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks because it is a solid offering whether you decide to go the new or used route. The 2022 SV Crew Cab 4×4 is certainly a nicely appointed truck with bigger infotainment screens and a far longer list of advanced driver-assistance systems on hand. Nissan also points to the improved powertrain, but really this is a nearly negligible change.
Something that is not so negligible is the price delta. A 2022 Nissan Titan SV Crew Cab with 4WD starts at $49,105. Should you decide to tack on the worthwhile Convenience package, that number cracks $51,000. Browsing the listings on carsforsale.com shows that you can find a 2019 version, with the same configuration and mileage in the 30,000 to 40,000 range for between $36,000 and $39,000.
That’s a pretty major price swing for a three-year old truck with barely broken-in mileage. If all the latest bells-and-whistles are a must have for you, the new Titan is certainly better. However, if you need a Titan for its full-size pickup capabilities, there is no contest – a used model is the way to go.
