2019 Nissan Titan XD Diesel: The Last of Its Kind - Performance & Real-World MPG

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The Unique Position of the Titan XD Diesel

Occupying a distinctive niche in the pickup truck market, the 2019 Nissan Titan XD Diesel defies conventional classification. With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,990 pounds, it narrowly exceeds the 8,500-pound threshold that exempts it from EPA fuel economy reporting requirements. This places the Titan XD in what Nissan has cleverly marketed as a "tweener" category—positioned between traditional light-duty pickups and full heavy-duty trucks.

This strategic positioning offers distinct advantages for certain buyers:

• Enhanced capability over standard half-ton trucks for towing and payload
• Lower operating costs compared to traditional three-quarter-ton trucks
• Improved ride quality when unloaded versus heavy-duty counterparts
• Competitive pricing relative to Detroit Three heavy-duty models

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Cummins Power: The Heart of the Titan XD

At the core of this unique truck lies the 5.0-liter Cummins turbo-diesel V8, an engine that delivers:

• 310 horsepower at 3,200 rpm
• Earth-moving 555 lb-ft of torque at just 1,600 rpm
• Class-exclusive compacted graphite iron block construction
• Variable geometry turbocharger for responsive power delivery

While the powerplant itself remains thoroughly modern, it's paired with a somewhat dated six-speed automatic transmission—a notable contrast to the eight-, nine-, and even ten-speed transmissions found in competitors. The powertrain combination drives a part-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, particularly in our tested Pro-4X off-road trim.

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Real-World Fuel Economy Testing Methodology

To provide accurate, real-world data, MotorVero conducted extensive testing under controlled conditions:

• 200-mile test loop through varied Michigan terrain
• Route included suburban roads, highways, and rural two-lanes
• Maintained speeds within 5 mph of posted limits
• Tire pressures set to manufacturer specifications
• Ideal weather conditions (75°F, sunny, dry pavement)

Our test vehicle represented a challenging scenario for fuel efficiency—a crew cab 4×4 Pro-4X model equipped with aggressive General Grabber all-terrain tires designed for off-road traction rather than highway mileage.

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Surprising Fuel Efficiency Results

Despite its off-road orientation and substantial curb weight, the Titan XD diesel delivered impressive numbers:

This performance translates to a theoretical range exceeding 480 miles from the 26-gallon fuel tank—an impressive figure for a vehicle of this capability. When compared to previous testing of a more street-oriented Titan XD Platinum Reserve (which achieved 19.3 mpg), the Pro-4X's results demonstrate only a modest penalty for its off-road equipment.

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How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

When placed in context with other diesel-powered trucks from the same era, the Titan XD holds its own:

• Ford F-250 King Ranch (2017): 18.3 mpg
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (2017): 17.1 mpg
• Ram 2500 (2017): 16.4 mpg

While these competitors have since been redesigned with newer, more efficient powertrains, the Titan XD's showing demonstrates that Nissan's "tweener" approach delivered competitive efficiency during its production run.

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The Pro-4X Factor: Off-Road Capability With a Mild MPG Penalty

Our tested Pro-4X trim added several features that impacted fuel economy:

• All-terrain tires with more aggressive tread pattern
• Off-road suspension tuning
• Additional skid plates and underbody protection
• Higher ride height affecting aerodynamics

Despite these efficiency challenges, the Pro-4X maintained respectable numbers while offering:

• Electronic locking rear differential
• Bilstein off-road shocks
• Unique 18-inch wheels
• Hill descent control
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The Impending Discontinuation: Why Timing Matters

Nissan has confirmed that the 2019 model year marks the end of the diesel-powered Titan XD. The 2020 refresh will continue the XD designation but with gasoline power only. This discontinuation reflects several market realities:

• Declining demand for mid-range diesel pickups
• Increasing development costs for diesel emissions compliance
• Strong performance from Nissan's gasoline V8 alternative
• Market shift toward half-ton trucks with increased capability

For buyers who value the unique combination of attributes offered by the Titan XD diesel, this creates a limited-time opportunity to acquire one of the final examples of this distinctive truck.

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Who Should Consider the Titan XD Diesel?

This truck makes the most sense for buyers who:

• Regularly tow between 8,000-12,000 pounds
• Need more payload capacity than a half-ton offers
• Don't require maximum heavy-duty capability
• Value fuel efficiency in a capable truck
• Appreciate the Cummins diesel reputation

It's less ideal for those who:

• Need maximum towing capacity (above 12,000 pounds)
• Prioritize the latest transmission technology
• Require extensive aftermarket support
• Frequently need heavy-duty-specific features
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Final Verdict: A Niche Performer Worth Considering

The 2019 Nissan Titan XD Diesel represents a compelling option in the shrinking space between half-ton and heavy-duty trucks. While it never achieved the sales volumes of its Detroit competitors, it offered a thoughtful alternative for buyers with specific needs. The combination of Cummins torque, respectable fuel economy, and Nissan's value proposition makes remaining inventory worth serious consideration—especially as the diesel option disappears.

With its impending discontinuation, the Titan XD Diesel will soon become a curious footnote in pickup truck history—a well-executed idea that arrived as market trends were shifting in another direction. For the right buyer, it remains a smart choice that delivers where it matters most: capability, efficiency, and value.