2016 Nissan Titan XD
After hauling up our Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Pickup, the Nissan Titan XD looks to wow us again. This time, running on tried and true V8 gasoline power.
The original 5.0 liter Cummins turbo diesel V8 was a torque-y and stout mover that impressed us mightily. A tow rating of 12,300 pounds impressed us, too.
This time, we’re cruisin’ in the 5.6 liter “Endurance” V8, a naturally aspirated gasoline engine carried over from the current gen, and also smaller, Titan. Although some reengineering bumps horsepower way up to 390, and torque to 401 lb-ft.
Compared to the diesel, there’s a penalty on tow rating, of course. But at around eleven hundred pounds less weight, it’s not as much as we expected. Max payload on the other hand, is actually up about 500 pounds.
The lighter gas engine also makes it feel a little more nimble on its feet.
On sale now, the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, with V8 Gasoline power, starts around $36,000.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.6 liter
- Horsepower: 390
- Torque: Starts around $36,000
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
The three-row Chevrolet Traverse midsize SUV… Chevy’s biggest crossover utility… is re-engineered and re-energized for 2024, with a new power source, beefed up looks and a host of standard safety features to please its core family buyers.
ls and lt return as the bread and butter packages, joined by a revved up RS trim offering sporty looks and a premium driving experience, and an off road-ready Z71 model.
We took a turn at the wheel around the rolling countryside near Atlanta, Georgia.
DAVE SCRIVENER: “For the first time, Traverse gets a Z71 off-road package. Now, this is not meant to be a baja-beater, but it extends capabilities for families who want to try something more adventurous, like going to the cabin in the woods.. and for that, it’s great.”
The Z71 package starts with a modest suspension lift, adds a wider track for stability and a twin clutch all wheel drive system for max traction. Two skid plates protect the vital parts underneath, while 18” all-terrain tires and ZF dampers with hydraulic rebound control handle the humps and bumps of off-roading.
An exclusive “terrain” mode helps with one-pedal driving for clearing obstacles, but if all else fails, those Z71 signature red tow hooks are there to bail you out.
All trim levels share an all-new 2.5 liter turbo i-four engine that outputs 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. Both numbers are improvements over the outgoing V6 and deliver the “oomph” at a lower RPM. Max tow rating rises to 5,000 pounds.
We found power delivery to be more than adequate and the overall driving experience to be quiet, composed and responsive.
Inside, drivers are greeted by an 11-inch configurable digital gauge cluster. The shifter is moved to the steering column to free up storage space in the center console, and a huge new 17.7-inch touchscreen display has google built-in, allowing for apple and android phone integration.
GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology is now available, along with lane change alert, side blind zone alert, buckle to drive, teen driver settings and more.
The Traverse’s new mission is to move away from the 4-door minivan aesthetic and lean into the new mainstream…rugged, truck-like style and function for today’s adventurous family, and it succeeds on all fronts.
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is on sale now, starting just $39,000.
We’ll have more on the new Traverse soon, but until then, drive safe and stay tuned to MotorWeek.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
Delivers the Goods Better than the V6
I was fortunate enough to be on the Big Island of Hawaii last spring to see Toyota unveil this 4th generation Tacoma, and have driven a few of them since then, but this is my first chance to get behind the wheel of a Tacoma with the new i-FORCE MAX powertrain.
This is Southern California not Hawaii, but the weather’s just as nice and this 2.4-liter turbo-4 with hybrid assistance puts down the kind of power that has you forgetting about where you are anyway and just enjoying the drive. Technically that’s 326-horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque.
The i-FORCE MAX is paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which has a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into it. It’s also packing 4-wheel-drive as standard, and a 1.9-kWh battery pack located under the rear seat just as in the Tundra hybrid.
The i-FORCE MAX is available in TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited Tacomas, standard in the Trailhunter and TRD Pro.
After much seat time both on and off-road, it’s clear the i-FORCE MAX delivers the goods.
“Say what you will about turbos, and you can complain about the hybrid assistance as well, bottom line, there’s 200 more lb-ft. of torque here than in the V6 and you can feel it. This thing is a monster, and it’s smoother and quieter than the V6 ever was.”
If you need a refresher on all the changes to happen to Tacoma for ’24, check out one of the many other videos on the site. For now, just know that while Tacoma pricing starts at around $32,000, getting i-FORCE MAX power will cost you at least $46,000.
Stay tuned to MotorWeek, as we’ll continue to bring you all the news you need to know about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.