2012 Nissan Titan

Fans of powerful, boldly designed full-sized pickups will be pleased with the 2012 Nissan Titan. The truck's muscular silhouette stays virtually the same and the Titan keeps up its solid fuel-efficiency ratings while retaining its famously quick 0-60 mph speed. Titans have a reputation for being reliable workhorses with plenty of kick, and the new 2012 Nissan Titans carry on that tradition while giving the driver a few new options.

The new three-part front grille and wide set headlamps enhance the truck's overall tough but practical look, and the range of exterior body colors has expanded. Four trim levels are available: the base S; the better appointed SV; the sportier, off-road friendly PRO-4X; and the luxury SL. All trim levels have a five speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode and are powered by a 5.6-liter, 317-hp Endurance V-8 engine. The engine's impressive 385 pound-feet of torque are responsible for the Nissan Titan's remarkable acceleration and the truck's 9,500-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.

The King Cab's bed is 6.6-feet long, while the Crew Cab's measures about a foot shorter at 5.7-feet. The Crew Cab and King Cab models both have a 139.0-inch long wheelbase, while the Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase model sports a 7-foot 3-inch cargo bed and a 159.5-inch wheelbase. The 2012 Nissan Titan keeps the truck's famously "high utility" cargo bed, complete with lockable storage compartment, 12-volt power outlet, cargo-area light and factory-applied protective bed liner.

Rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations are available, as are both Crew Cab and King (extended) Cab body styles. Both cabs can comfortably seat six, but the interior of the Crew Cab model is nearly as roomy as a full-sized SUV and has miles of leg room. Optional cabin features include leather upholstery, rear DVD entertainment system, premium Rockford Fosgate audio system, hands-free Bluetooth cell-phone interface, XM satellite radio and a navigation system.

The two-wheel drive Titan delivers a solid 18 mpg on the highway and 13 mpg in the city while the four-wheel drive averages 13/17 mpg. Nissan is again offering a flex-fuel version of the Nissan Titan for no extra cost, giving drivers the option to run their truck on either straight gasoline or E85 ethanol - a blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent alcohol. While not available at all service stations, E85 alcohol is generally less expensive per gallon than gasoline.