After years of being an “also-ran” in the full-size truck segment, Nissan->ke62 is obviously looking to change that with the introduction of the 2016 Nissan Titan->ke482. Introduced in 2003, the first-generation Titan has been around long enough to see three generations of Ford F-150 dominate the truck->ke1311 market, but the all-new Titan was just introduced at the Detroit Auto Show with a bold style and a big competitive advantage -- a powerful Cummins diesel->ke1917 engine.

Bridging the gap between heavy-duty trucks and the traditional half-ton trucks, the Cummins-powered 2016 Nissan Titan XD balances towing power and fuel economy, and while exact numbers have yet to be released, initial estimates look very competitive. Nissan says that the Titan XD will be capable of towing more than 12,000 pounds to go with a 2,000-pound payload capacity, and the truck will be able to tow with a receiver-style hitch or a gooseneck -- the latter comes available as a factory-installed option.

As for the engine, the Cummins 5.0-liter, turbo-diesel V-8 is rated at 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque, and Nissan says that this engine will help return fuel economy that is 20-percent better than a gas V-8. Speaking of gasoline engines, the 2016 Titan will also offer gasoline V-6 and V-8 engines, but Nissan has yet to divulge any information about these powertrains. The Cummins engine is paired with a heavy-duty, six-speed automatic that was designed specifically for this application. The Titan XD also rides on a chassis that was developed for use with the Cummins V-8 using a fully boxed ladder frame for optimal strength, and it has a wheelbase that is 20 inches longer the non-diesel Titan models.

Other than its age, the biggest disadvantage that the current Titan has in the full-size truck market is the lack of options. That won’t be the case with the 2016 Titan as Nissan is promising three cab configurations (Crew Cab, King Cab and Single Cab), three bed lengths and even five trim levels including the range-topping Platinum Reserve. Nissan has obviously left no stone unturned with this second-gen Titan.

To prove that it is serious about catering to the needs of truck buyers, the 2016 Nissan Titan XD is snow-plow capable, and it comes with Nissan’s Around View Monitor that includes a RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides for easy trailer hook-up. Since this makes it even easier for drivers to hook the Titan up to a trailer without any additional help, Nissan has also created the innovative Trailer Light Check System that allows drivers to also check for proper light operation without requiring a second person.

Nissan also stepped up the styling of the 2016 Titan with a bold, new design. Everything from the oversized grille emblazoned with the “Titan” letters to the cargo bed were styled to give the 2016 Nissan Titan a more imposing look. The best part about the exterior design? Those big Cummins “C” logos affixed to the front fender vents. As expected, the cargo bed also has plenty of practicality with options that include an available factory spray-in bed liner, an integrated Utili-Track Bed Channel System and even bedside storage compartments – moving the built-in compartments inside the bed rather the previous model’s exterior placement.

Nissan says that the 2016 Nissan Titan will go on sale later in 2015.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Nissan Titan XD.

Why it matters

Nissan has completely redesigned its Titan pickup truck for 2016 to be more competitive in the full-size segment. The biggest advantage this new truck will have is the Cummins 5.0-liter, turbo-diesel V-8 found under the hood of the 2016 Nissan Titan XD. This truck will finally give truck buyers a reason to legitimately consider this over the Ford F-150->ke423 EcoBoost and Ram 1500->ke4684 EcoDiesel. The all-new 2016 Nissan Titan will also add some of the real options that truck buyers demand such as three engine options, five trim levels, three cab configurations and three bed sizes.

2016 Nissan Titan XD