2021 NISSAN TITAN VS. TITAN XD: WHICH TRUCK IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you’re in the market for a truck, then there’s a good chance you’ve at least considered the 2021 Nissan Titan. It’s one of the top trucks available right now, offering an impressive mix of features, safety, and performance.

During the research phase, you may have noticed that the 2021 Nissan Titan isn’t alone — it’s got a big brother by the name of Titan XD. While the two trucks are similar, there are some distinct differences that potential buyers should be aware of.

2021 NISSAN TITAN VS. TITAN XD: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

So what exactly are the differences between the 2021 Nissan Titan and 2021 Nissan Titan XD? On the surface, they seem subtle. However, when it comes to determining which is the best buy for you, the variances can make a world of difference.

2021 NISSAN TITAN VS. TITAN XD: BODY/SIZE

Let’s start with the differences between the body and size of the Titan and the Titan XD.

First and foremost, the Titan XD is the heavy-duty version of the Titan. As a result, it offers a longer body and wheelbase, as well as a 6.5” bed (compared to the Titan’s 5.5” bed). Additionally, the suspension is taller, although the amount of extra inches varies by each trim of the Titan.

The Titan XD weighs 780 pounds more than the Titan, but still drives well despite the added bulk. With that said, the Titan feels more agile and accelerates quicker due to the reduced size and mass.

2021 NISSAN TITAN VS. TITAN XD: ENGINE/PERFORMANCE

When it comes to drivetrain and performance, there are some significant differences between the Titan and Titan XD you need to know about.

First, the Titan comes standard with front-wheel drive, whereas the Titan XD is only available with an all-wheel drive configuration. The Titan can have all-wheel drive tacked on, but that’ll cost you an additional $3,200.

Surprisingly, the two models both feature Nissan’s Endurance 5.6L V8 engine that creates 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque — slight upgrades over the already-powerful 2020 Titan. While that may be the case, there’s a sizable gap between the payloads and towing capacities of the Titan and Titan XD.

The Titan maxes out at 1,680 pounds of payload capacity and 9,210 pounds of towing capacity. Those numbers increase markedly with the Titan XD, which features a max of 2,450 pounds of payload capacity and 11,000 pounds of towing capacity.

2021 NISSAN TITAN VS. TITAN XD: PRICE

While the differences are subtle in terms of body and performance, the gap in price is far from negligible.

The base model of the Titan, the King Cab S, starts at $36,550 MSRP, while the beefed-up Crew Cab Platinum Reserve starts at $59,280 MSRP. Meanwhile, the Titan XD’s base model starts at $45,030 MSRP and jumps all the way to $62,310 with the top-of-the-line Crew Cab Platinum Reserve trim.

The numbers draw close as the trim levels go higher, but there’s a large price difference between the two base models.

2021 NISSAN TITAN VS. TITAN XD: WHICH IS THE BEST BUY?

In the end, it’s up to the driver to determine which truck meets their needs and budget. If you’re seeking superior size and towing capacity, then there’s a good chance the Titan XD is the best fit. However, if towing or hauling isn’t a necessity or you’d like to keep your monthly payments to a minimum, the Titan sounds like the ideal option.