There are no changes for the Nissan Titan for the 2009 model year, but we did get a PRO-4X for the competition, which is Nissan's new-for-last-year off-road package. Ours came in short-wheelbase configuration with custom-tuned Rancho shocks, a rear locking differential, a unique interior seat and stitching package, white-face gauges, bigger wheels and tires, bodycolor trim pieces, and extra skidplating underneath. The Titan's Endurance V-8, although listed as having just 318 horses, has been known as a strong puller and hauler from its introduction. As to its exterior styling, mixed reviews best describe the unique and polarizing look.
A brand-new entry last year, the much anticipated Toyota Tundra won Motor Trend's 2008 Truck of the Year title with relative ease and, as noted earlier, the model here is not a 2009. The Tundra has a fully boxed frame with a high-tech, all-aluminum, 32-valve, variable valve-timed 5.7-liter V-8 that makes over 400 pound-feet of torque. Across the lineup, it offers three engine choices (one V-6 and two V-8s), three wheelbases, three cab configurations, three bed lengths, and three trim levels. Our Tundra came loaded in SR5 trim with the CrewMax cab and equipped with one of the best nav systems around. The truck is the largest of our set and, by the numbers, slots in between a half-ton and 3/4-ton truck.
Our tests were set up specifically to allow each pickup truck to show off its strengths. Of course, that also meant they weren't going to be allowed to hide their weaknesses. We started with objective testing by running each competitor at Milan Raceway in Michigan to get, among other things, 0-to-60 times with and without our 6500-pound test trailer in tow. After a day at the track, we spent a day with each truck navigating our fuel-economy runs, which included half the loop empty and half the loop with our trailer. The next day we headed out to the General Motors Proving Grounds, where we raced each pickup up a seven-percent grade, also with trailers. Then we set up a short autocross course to determine how these vehicles handle when pushed like sport sedans. Later, we conducted what we called the Squat Test, to determine how much spring deformation occurs when adding 650 pounds of tongue weight to each bumper. And finally, we conducted our subjective part of the testing, where we looked at interior and exterior fit and finish, observed design and pickup styling decisions, and overall quality. In addition to this final test, we attempted to quantify each vehicle's perceived ride quality with our own personal "butt dynos."
We've charted all our results for your perusal and selected a winner, rating each category equally. Of course, you may have a different set of priorities, in which case we hope you use the data we've collected and make your own best choice.
For us, the Chevy Silverado was the best overall choice, balancing power, performance, value, and quality. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. We have to admit it came down to the Chevy and Ford (Dodge will be a strong player this year as well), and maybe the home field gave the Silverado the slight advantage, but with a strong powertrain story and a top-notch interior layout (not to mention a pretty good price advantage), our pick by a nose (and a very small nose at that) is the Chevy Silverado LTZ.
FIGHT CLUB WINNER:Chevrolet Silverado
Check out www.pickuptrucks.com for more full facts and figures from this years Half-ton shoot out!