Ask Nathan: Will the Nissan Titan Ever Come Back, and More Jeep Malarkey?

Sketch of the Nissan Titan concept: Nissan

IIn this week’s Ask Nathan:

Do you think we will see a return of the Nissan Titan?
Jeep! What the hell?

The first question comes from a Nissan fan who wants to know if the Nissan Titan will return to production, in a few path.

Q: (Via Twitter/X @NathanAdlen): My 2011 Nissan Titan has almost 200,000 miles on it and drives like a rock star.

I thought Nissan would use the Titan name again if they ever brought back their big trucks. Or maybe if the Titan could return as an electric pickup or something? I hope Nissan continues to build trucks because I’ve had good luck with three Nissan trucks in 30 years.

A: I would love to see Nissan bring back a Titan, but the reality is cruel.

Honestly, it’s doubtful. I’m not sure Nissan’s higher-ups consider the Titan to be the name of a much-missed truck. Sure, Andre and I liked it, and I almost bought one, but its limitations kept it from being a real contender. Ultimately, sales figures were abysmal and the Titan name remained silent.

Could they just use the name and stick it on the side of an electric van or PHEV? Of course, but why? Nissan has many other names they could bring back, and some might be more significant.

Sorry man, I’ll miss the Titan too – but I think he’s danced his last dance.

–N

The final question comes from an angry Jeep owner.

Question : (RE: Jeep did WHAT!?)

I’ll be 40 in a month and I’ve already owned a dozen Jeeps. I love the brand but I’m tired of some of their decisions. Why are they killing the 8 speed V6? This makes no sense! Isn’t it usually the opposite when they decide to get rid of the manual transmission? And as if they even want to push the turbo 4 on people who hate turbos! What’s in their tea man?

I don’t understand why their best transmission isn’t paired with their best engine. Explain that to me!

– Hello from Ashville!

A: Hi

Yeah. I didn’t expect it to happen like this. Like you, I thought it would be cheaper and easier for Jeep/Stellantis to ditch the manual transmission altogether. Editor Zach posted (this) article and considered the possibility that they want more consumers to buy turbos. And hybrids.

I have a hard time completely understanding this rationale, given how Jeep sales have been going. It’s even more confusing that anyone who can’t (or won’t) row in their own gears has to pay $2,000 more to get the turbo, which comes with the eight-speed automatic. I hate to say it, but it’s almost like they’re trying to make it difficult for customers.

It’s possible that the decision is based on manufacturing, emissions or simple belt tightening. In addition, the Pentastar V6 is getting old. I doubt the twin-turbo I6 will make an appearance in this generation of Jeep, but it’s always a possibility.

I’m curious: what do you think they have in store for the Jeep Gladiator powertrain?