Other than the diesel, what exactly does the XD have over the other 1/2 ton pickups? Not much. Let's look at the numbers...
I'll go with crew cab 4x4 models, as XD is currently only available as crew. Max towing configurations.
Towing:
GM 1500: 10,800 lbs (5.3), 11,700 lbs (6.2)
Ford F150: 10,900 lbs (5.0 V8), 11,500 lbs (3.5 EcoBoost V6)
Ram 1500: 8,390 lbs (3.0 EcoDiesel V6), 10,100 lbs (5.7 V8)
Toyota Tundra: 9,500 lbs (5.7 V8)
Titan XD: 10,608-12,038 lbs
Payload:
GM 1500: 2,010 lbs (6.2 V8)
Ford F150: 1,957 lbs (5.0 V8), 1,960 (3.5 EcoBoost V6)
Ram 1500: 1,270 lbs (3.0 EcoDiesel V6), 1,520 (5.7 V8)
Toyota Tundra: 1,555 lbs (5.7 V8)
Titan XD: 1,061-1,204 lbs
The numbers say otherwise.....
Shall we look at base prices? Let's see what they range, low to high (note, I merely selected crew cab, 4x4. Didn't select engines or options):
GM 1500 (Chevy): $39,690-54,010
Ford F150: $38,213-56,121
Ram 1500: $37,150-56,200
Toyota Tundra: $31,660-47,975
Titan XD: $43,290-60,520
So, we can see the Titan has significantly less payload than do most other 1/2 ton pickups, and in the same ballpark range for towing as most others. All for a higher entry price and tops out several thousand higher as well. So much for that 'tweener status, it's a 1/2 ton. I mean, the XD has the same numbers as others, what's the regular 1/2 ton going to look like? Logic says it's going to pale in comparison, since the XD is supposed to be bigger, heavier duty, and more capable than the non-XD Titan.
Ok, well the diesel should offer significant mileage increases, yeah? Nope, SOL there too. It's in the same ballpark as everyone else's gassers are, and doesn't even come close to sniffing the EcoDiesel.
Hmm, well at least it's got the interior and the looks! Well....it's right in line with every other option out there as well interior wise and exterior...(both are highly subjective)
I see nothing, NOTHING, the XD has over the other well-established trucks on the market place. Less payload, same towing capacity, higher cost.