And to add to the thread, this is me.
One of the largest attractions the XD was the ability to ride and handle smooth as any half-ton for day to day living, but having that extra ability for weekend events (without overkill), like in this picture, without either A: Coughing out big money for a new 3/4, or B: Buying a used 3/4 with an unknown history and having to likely sacrifice amenities. This XD's come well equipped with a lot of neat features. I regularly use the adjustable headlights, trailer light check, and no truck is a truck unless its equipped with a hitch and brake control, of which come standard on the XD in this trim. And now with the rebates and priced properly, they are in their niche area. Would like Nissan to promote them more; I too was a nay-sayer until I tried one. Hooked ever since.
Coming from probably the absolute worst towing setup (2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, short wheel based, P rated tires, soft suspension and worn out steering components) to one of the best, I can't express that feeling of control, that sense of stability, all effortless that is obtained driving this vehicle, its truly in its element. I've towed a lot of stuff, and this truck is head and shoulders above any half-ton.
As the mileage racks up, I'm seeing improvements in both shift management as well as engine performance. In this setup, as is (including likely 200lbs of 'road debris', 6000lb camper, 600lb atv in bed, cab full of happy campers, travelling 105 kph (63 mph for southern'er's) my average was between 20-22 litres/100kms (20 on flat trips, 22 during rolling hilly terrain), or roughly 10 mpg for those with the new female to be president..
