2016 Nissan Titan XD

2016 Nissan Titan XD

Episode 3539
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

After hauling up our Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Pickup, the Nissan Titan XD looks to wow us again. This time, running on tried and true V8 gasoline power.

The original 5.0 liter Cummins turbo diesel V8 was a torque-y and stout mover that impressed us mightily. A tow rating of 12,300 pounds impressed us, too.

This time, we’re cruisin’ in the 5.6 liter “Endurance” V8, a naturally aspirated gasoline engine carried over from the current gen, and also smaller, Titan. Although some reengineering bumps horsepower way up to 390, and torque to 401 lb-ft.

Compared to the diesel, there’s a penalty on tow rating, of course. But at around eleven hundred pounds less weight, it’s not as much as we expected. Max payload on the other hand, is actually up about 500 pounds.  

The lighter gas engine also makes it feel a little more nimble on its feet.

On sale now, the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, with V8 Gasoline power, starts around $36,000.       

Specifications

  • Engine: 5.6 liter
  • Horsepower: 390
  • Torque: Starts around $36,000
2024 Lincoln Nautilus

2024 Lincoln Nautilus

Gorgeous Inside and Out

Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

When you think of luxury vehicles, you probably think of something German flaunting a high 6-figure price tag. Well, think again! We recently had the chance to fly out to Palm Springs, California to see what Lincoln has been up to with their all new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. So, let’s take a first drive and see what this spruced up utility has to offer.

The most obvious changes are on the inside, where you’ll find quite possibly the most immersive driving experience offered in today’s market. Right in front is the Lincoln digital experience, a panoramic 48 inch display, controlled by an 11.1 inch center screen. This is fully customizable, allowing multitudes of information from weather, to tire pressure. Materials inside are luxurious and beautifully crafted. If music is your jam, enjoy the available Revel Ultima 28 speaker premium sound system, one of the best quality stereos that I have personally experienced.

Lincoln seems to be making the Nautilus more of a spa on wheels. With the digital scent feature, up to three aromas can be held in the housing located in the center armrest. An over-the-air update will be coming later down the line to add the ‘Rejuvenate’ function. After a long day, take 5-10 minutes to lay back with a massage, digital scent, and a selected theme on the display to clear your mind.

When it comes to the powertrain, there are two engine options available for Nautilus. A 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder is standard putting out 250 horsepower and 275 pound feet of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The second offering is a hybrid variant of the 2.0 turbo, with total power output of 310 horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission.

“So you might find yourself getting caught up in all these screens and forget to ask yourself, oh yeah, it’s a car… how does it drive? It’s a Lincoln, it’s quiet, it’s comfortable, it provides every amenity needed. And at the starting price point, it’s extremely competitive.”

Speaking of pricing, you can get your hands on the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus for a starting price of $50,415 for the Premiere, while top trim Black Label starts at $74,250, before destination.

This car drives like a luxury vehicle should. Smooth and soft like the materials inside. Carving through the California twisties was a pleasant experience, the car handles itself well, and looks good doing it. The exterior is revamped front to back, but what really catches the eye is the Jet-Appearance package. Available on all trims, this option includes two tone paint, 22 inch high gloss black wheels, anodized black exterior trim, and an exclusive interior. Elegance at its finest.

We can’t wait to get our hands on another Nautilus soon for further evaluation. Stay classy and check back soon for more, right here on MotorWeek.

2025 RAM 1500

2025 RAM 1500

Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

It’s rugged, it’s refined, it’s the RAM 1500! We traveled to Austin, Texas to jump into the driver’s seat of the updated 2025 RAM 1500, including all the trim levels that we are used to seeing from ram: Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited. But, we have an all new name to add to the list: Tungsten! Tungsten is top tier when it comes to comfort and luxury, with quilted leather upholstery. Massaging seats and even a suede headliner! And as luck would have it, this is where we spent the bulk of our drive time!

The second you lay eyes on this truck, you can tell the exterior styling is sleeker and smoother. The R-A-M badge is more prominent and has been lifted to increase its presence. You’ll also see 8 unique grill designs depending on the model, along with new lighting, updated wheel options and color choices.

The base engine remains the 3.6-liter Pentastar v6 with an e-torque mild hybrid system. But there is an elephant in the room, or rather, under the hood, that must be addressed. And that’s the new 3.0-liter twin turbo inline-6 Hurricane engines that are replacing the HEMI V8. We can hear the moans and groans from here, but honestly, after driving it in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and now in this 2025 RAM pickup, we’re here to say… this Hurricane-six kicks asphalt!

That loud HEMI growl may be gone, but what you gain in power and acceleration makes up for that in an instant. We tried out the 420 horsepower 468 lb-ft standard output engine as well as the 540 horsepower 541 lb-ft High Output version. Both deliver amazing performance while also improving fuel economy. And when using this truck for more trucklike purposes, there is a maximum payload of 2300 lbs and maximum trailer tow of 11,580 lbs. All three engine options are paired with an 8-speed torqueflite automatic transmission.

“So the twin turbo on this feeds one turbo, each, into a set of three cylinders. And with these smaller turbos, they spool up faster, which means a lot less… if not next to zero turbo lag which is a really great feature when you have to get up to speed quickly.”

2025 RAM pricing starts with the hard-working Tradesman at $40,275 and tops out with the Tungsten trim level at $87,155, plus destination fee.

RAM has put their best foot forward early this year, and we hear that RAM will have more exciting announcements for us in the near future! Until then, keep it locked right here, on MotorWeek!