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The Nissan Titan XD model is a little strange, but it sits in a good place. It's not quite a heavy-duty truck, but it does offer an upgrade in heft over the standard Titan. For 2020, the Titan XD gets a new face, an updated interior, and an updated powertrain but with the loss of the diesel engine option and an increase in payload and towing capacity over the half-ton Titan model. Also packed in are new technology and safety features. Nissan is showing here that it's serious about the Titan XD and its place in the market.

The Titan XD's all-new look closely coincides with the new 2020 half-ton Titan, and is all the better for it. Each trim level will be easy to spot with unique grille designs and tailgate styles. The most obvious is the PRO-4X trim with its all-black grille and all-black black tailgate featuring the all-new Lava Red Nissan badge. On top trims, the sophisticated updated headlights also house a Titan logo engraved inside. Other updates for the 2020 model include fresh designs for the wheels and front bumper, as well as new paint colors made up of Red Alert, Baja Storm, Super Black, and Cardinal Red Metallic as a premium option.

The XD is 15 inches longer and 3 inches taller than the standard Titan, offering a 151.6-inch wheelbase overall. All XD models come with a 6.5-foot truck bed featuring LED "surround" lighting. The Titan XD is also now only available as a crew-cab as Nissan has learned that's what customers want.

Nissan describes the Titan XD's interior as being robust while also featuring premium comfort. We're already fans of Nissan's Zero Gravity seats and the standard equipment list has grown and improved to match that of the standard Titan, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Step up to the optional 9.0-inch screen to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and other features. Nissan Titan XD SL and Platinum Reserve models are available with a new and large Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof.

Safety Shield 360 is standard on the Titan XD for 2020, and includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, and rear automated emergency braking.

The diesel-powered Cummins engine option has been struck off due to a lack of interest from buyers, so the Titan XD is left with a single power plant. Nissan has done the smart thing and updated the 5.6-liter V8 to produce 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, putting it up 10 hp and 19 lb-ft of torque over the last iteration. A nine-speed transmission replaces the previous seven-speed unit along with a new final gear ratio that Nissan claims will increase torque at the wheels. The nine-speed transmission brings it in line with the overall truck segment.

Nissan says that the Titan XD is an even stronger working vehicle than before, but won't release actual towing and payload figures for another couple of days. We're expecting over 1,500 lbs of extra towing capacity and nearly 100 lbs of extra payload. Available towing aids include a tow and haul mode with downhill speed control, trailer sway control, an integrated trailer brake controller, and a system for checking the trailer lights. Also available is RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides and Nissan's Intelligent Around View Monitor to help with tight parking and off-roading. There's also a range of hitches available, including a gooseneck hitch built into the frame.

Whether the upgrades and changes will be enough to put the Titan XD on the same footing in customer's minds with the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500 will be interesting to see.