finder score: 79.80%
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarExpert | 78% | "But this is a pretty solid update, addressing many of the issues the Navara has carried for some time. This Series 5 iteration is actually significantly better than the original D23." | Read more |
| CarsGuide | 89% | "We're pleased to say this is the best Navara we've tested, since the NP300's launch in 2015. Although it's taken a few years, Nissan has finally delivered what this Navara should have been from the start." | Read more |
| Drive | 79% | "The new Navara is well worth consideration, and a quick test drive to see if it tickles your fancy." | Read more |
| Chasing Cars | 75% | "If you've been considering a Navara for a while, the 2021 version is better looking, more refined, a little more capable and ultimately, more desirable." | Read more |
| Practical Motoring | 78% | "This is the best Nissan Navara yet and a quality option for ute buyers." | Read more |
For 2021, the Nissan Navara has a more streamlined model line-up. You can buy the Navara as a single, king or double cab chassis model, or choose from a single, king or double cab pick-up.
Gone are the DX and RX Nissan Navaras, making the Japanese ute-maker's entry point, the SL. In our opinion, the SL model is the best-looking Navara, thanks to the imposing grille and steel wheels.
SL Navaras start from $38,351 drive-away.
Key features include:
Next in the 2021 Nissan Navara range is the ST model. The ST is available only as a dual-cab pick-up. Nissan lists the drive-away price from $50,490.
Highlights include:
At least one journalist said the ST was their pick of the Navara range.
Next is the Nissan Navara ST-X, which starts from a drive-away price of $55,490.
In addition to the ST, the ST-X Navara has:
This model has some additional option packs that add things like heated front seats, power driver's seat adjustment and an electric sunroof.
The Nissan Navara PRO-4X is the top of the range model. It starts from $60,790 drive-away.
Equipment, in addition to the ST-X, includes:
Click on a price to compare car loans for the Nissan Navara.
| Nissan Navara SL | Nissan Navara ST | Nissan Navara ST-X | Nissan Navara PRO-4X |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3-litre diesel, single turbo, 4x2, 6-speed manual, single-cab chassis: $38,351 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x2, 7-speed automatic, single-cab chassis: $40,926 2.3-litre diesel, single turbo, 4x2, 6-speed manual, dual-cab chassis: $43,674 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x2, 7-speed automatic, king-cab chassis: $44,874 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 6-speed manual, single-cab chassis: $45,561 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x2, 7-speed automatic, dual cab: $46,249 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 6-speed manual, dual cab: $47,490 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, single-cab chassis: $48,152 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, dual cab: $48,990 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 6-speed manual, dual-cab chassis: $50,938 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, king cab: $52,002 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, king-cab chassis: $52,176 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, dual-cab chassis: $53,563 | 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 6-speed manual, dual cab: $50,490 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, dual cab: $51,990 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x2, 7-speed automatic, dual cab: $52,192 | 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 6-speed manual, dual cab: $55,490 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x2, 7-speed automatic, dual cab: $55,857 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, dual cab: $56,990 | 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 6-speed manual, dual cab: $60,790 2.3-litre diesel, twin-turbo, 4x4, 7-speed automatic, dual cab: $62,290 |
The Nissan Navara SL cab chassis is available in the following paint colours:
SL king and dual cabs, ST dual cabs, ST-X are sold in:
The Nissan Navara PRO-4X is sold in:
| Website | Pros | Cons | Notable quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarExpert |
|
| "There's still an argument that the Navara gets a little lost in the pack, against the bargain Triton, endlessly popular Ranger and HiLux, and slick new D-Max and BT-50. I'd argue the new PRO-4X goes some way to addressing this." |
| CarsGuide |
|
| "It's worthy of serious consideration by sub-$50K dual cab ute buyers looking for a competent 4x4 workhorse that offers the right combination of refinement, safety, performance, fuel economy and load-carrying ability." |
| Drive |
|
| "This ute is well sorted across the board, and proved to be one of the better off-roaders in the segment during our test." |
| Chasing Cars |
|
| "Australian tastes have been moving toward preferring more assertive ute styling for a while, and the new Navara arguably delivers the best local interpretation of this American-style design. While the interior is starting to feel a little old, most other parts of this ute are quite fresh and competitive with the rest of the segment – including the good ride quality and particularly quiet cabin." |
| Practical Motoring |
|
| "With a solid platform underneath that we know is capable off-road, it can now balance hardcore load-lugging duties with polite (for a ute) around town manners. It offers a solid choice to shoppers and is a much safer ute thanks to a bevvy of tech upgrades." |
The Nissan Navara is available with just one engine, the YS23DDTT, a 2.3-litre diesel engine.
All Nissan Navaras have the same YS23DDTT diesel engine, but Nissan fits it with either a single-turbo charger or a twin-turbo. The single-turbo models produce 120kW @ 3,750rpm. With dual turbos, power output bumps up to 140kW, at the same rate of revs. Likewise, peak torque sits at 403Nm between 1,500-2,500rpm for single turbo Navaras, but when the engine gets the extra turbo, torque rises to 450Nm, across the same band.
There's no petrol option for this series of the Nissan Navara.
How did car reviewers review the Navara engine line-up?
One car reviewer noted that the Navara was more powerful than the Mitsubishi Triton and matched rivals like the Mazda BT-50 and the Isuzu D-Max. The Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux are more powerful, however.
Reportedly, this engine is typically smooth. It was mentioned that it was possible to spin the rear tyres with aggressive accelerator pedal use. With 2 turbos, one journalist commented that the diesel did not experience lag, which is good, as that's a common grumble from the motoring media. Torque on the twin-turbo was described as abundant. Others said it was effective and powerful, though one complained it felt somewhat asthmatic at higher speeds. Another source mentioned that the Navara could easily handle payloads, but when loaded, the engine got noticeably noisier as it needed to work harder. Contrasting that, another motoring expert hooked up a 1.1-tonne trailer and observed they could hardly feel the extra weight. This viewpoint was echoed by a second motoring writer. Reportedly it was pretty snappy to get to 100km/h.
In summary, the Navara's 2.3-litre is said to be a thoroughly capable, reactive and smooth-running engine.
Interestingly, the manual transmission casing is made locally, at Nissan Australia's nearly 40-year-old Victoria casting plant. The parts have a kangaroo emblem cast into them, which then make their way to Thailand for assembly. It appears the same facility also fabricates towbars for Nissan.
The gearboxes also sound as though they are effective. One journalist liked that the automatic's top 2 gears have long gear ratios, which was great for highway driving. For automatics, there are selectable driving modes to make the transmission adapt to different conditions, like driving off-road. One tester commented that the manual override option came into its own when carrying loads uphill or descending steep slopes. Gearshifts are reportedly almost undetectable.
| 2.3-litre diesel | |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Turbocharged (single or twin) common rail direct injection, intercooled, Double Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16V |
| Drivetrain | RWD or 4WD |
| Engine size/displacement | 2,298cc |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Cylinders | 4, inline |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 litres |
| Max. power | 120kW at 3,750rpm (single turbo), 140kW at 3,750rpm (twin turbo) |
| Max. torque | 403Nm @ 1,500-2500RPM (single turbo), 450Nm @ 1,500-2,500rpm (twin turbo) |
| Fuel consumption (best model, combined) | 7.2L/100km (single cab SL cab chassis 4x2 manual) |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | N/A |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 |
| Top speed (km/h) | N/A |
| Security | Engine immobiliser and alarm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (or 7-speed automatic) |
| Towing capacity (unbraked/braked) | 750kg/Up to 3,500kg |
According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the Nissan Navara uses the following amounts of fuel:
The Green Vehicle Guide indicates that the single-turbo SL cab chassis 4x2 manual is the most fuel-efficient of the Navara range:
If you travel 14,000km per year in this Navara, 66% of the time in an urban environment, the government fuel efficiency database estimates you'll spend $1,453 on diesel.
Depending on the model, the twin-turbo Navaras use between:
That would translate, as recorded by the Green Vehicle Guide, to an annual fuel spend between $1,484 and $1,709.
How much diesel did the Nissan Navara use on public roads?
One motoring expert logged 8.1L/100km with an ST-X dual cab (while towing a 1.1-tonne trailer). Official combined fuel consumption for this model is 7.8L/100km, so that's pretty decent. Another, driving a dual-cab SL, registered 9.2L/100km on the dashboard, after lugging a maximum allowable payload. Upon later calculation, the figure was closer to 9.8L/100km, so that's not bad given the cargo. One source, who was loaned an ST-X dual-cab, logged 9L/100km across a mixture of use, but 12L/100km when towing.
With utes seeing increasing use as dual lifestyle or family vehicles, ute buyers likely expect a less utilitarian and more car-like drive. So what's the Navara like?
One of its most standout features is the multi-link rear coil suspension, unlike other utes that use a less compliant (but age-old) leaf-spring suspension set-up. Testers said the rear springs, which have dual rates, meant the Navara drives well whether it is unladen, or carrying a substantial load. It seems that the Ford Ranger and HiLux (which both have leaf springs) handle just as well, with the Navara body teetering slightly more when turning hard (according to Chasing Cars). This Navara also steers with an easy to spin wheel (one journalist pinned this on the 2021 model's smaller diameter wheel). One tester added that it was balanced and helped make the driver feel more closely connected with the road.
In the eyes of reviewers, the benefits of the coil springs were most noticeable when off-roading.
The Navara reportedly has heaps of suspension travel with lots of articulation to help maintain grip. Reviewers used words like "compliant", "supple" and "yielding" to explain how the Navara rides. Some of the reviews suggested the Navara handled in a car-like manner.
What's the interior of the Nissan Navara like?
There have been some changes made. There's a new steering wheel for 2021, which is smaller, has simpler styling and has improved ergonomics. One particular improvement mentioned by some of the testers was that it's now harder to accidentally beep the horn (something that several reviewers suggested was a problem with the previous Navara). It appears very similar to the steering wheel in the Nissan Qashqai.
Testers widely liked the new 7-inch digital trip computer and speedometer. The infotainment system is apparently as good as any of its rivals, with a responsive and user-friendly design.
One area reviewers knocked the newer interior back was the removal of cup holders that were previously mounted on the dashboard below the air vents. A couple pointed out something that cost the Navara a more glowing appraisal – the omission of steering wheel adjustment. Reviewers did point out that the Ford Ranger also lacks this adjustment. A complaint was made by a taller reviewer, who found the driver's seat positioned marginally too high, even when bottomed out. Two mentioned that the seat bases could be longer, which would improve comfort, but overall, it seems the seats are very accommodating. A final factor that lost the Navara some points was the interior's practicality, with reviewers wanting more interior storage bins and cubbies.
Build quality-wise, reviewers scored the Nissan Navara favourably. By all accounts, the interior materials used are sound and don't feel cheap. One journalist commented that even the entry-level SL looked premium with a pleasing choice of upholstery and contrasting trim pieces.
On the dual cabs, it's apparently somewhat tight when seating 3 in the back. Also, when the middle rear seat was occupied, it was discovered that any rear air vents were almost blocked completely by the passenger's legs. They went as far as to say the dual-cab pick-ups were more suited to carrying 4 occupants. A reviewer that stands over 6 feet, 3 inches tall found the back seats very workable.
Crucially, Nissan has paid attention to reducing cabin noise levels. This was noticed by several motoring journalists who said things were much more civilised inside. The effect of the extra acoustic deadening was most noticeable at higher speeds. One tester said because of that, the Navara is a great long-distance cruiser.
| Nissan Navara SL | Nissan Navara ST | Nissan Navara ST-X | Nissan Navara PRO-4X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANCAP rating | ||||
Airbags (7):
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Brake Limited Slip Differential (BLSD) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Brake Assist (BA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent Driver Alert (IDA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (IBSI) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3-point seatbelts with all-seats warning | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speed-sensing central locking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Immobiliser and factory alarm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Locking fuel filler flap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remote keyless entry | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Intelligent key with push-button ignition | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Headlights | Halogen | LED | LED | LED |
| Daytime running lights | Halogen | LED | LED | LED |
| Indicators (in door mirrors) | ✖️ | LED | LED | LED |
| Fog lamps | ✖️ | LED | LED | LED |
| Tail lights | Halogen | LED | LED | LED |
| High beam assist | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Door mirror: heated, power-adjustable | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power-folding door mirrors | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hill start assist | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hill Descent Control (HDC) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trailer sway control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full-size spare wheel | Steel | Steel | Alloy | Steel |
| Reverse parking camera | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reverse parking sensors | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Child safety rear door locks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear ISOFIX | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto rain-sensing wipers | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Off-road monitor | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| UV and heat attenuating windscreen | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cruise control | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Nissan Navara SL | Nissan Navara ST | Nissan Navara ST-X | Nissan Navara PRO-4X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-inch infotainment touchscreen | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Satellite navigation | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manual air conditioning | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Dual-zone climate control | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear passenger air conditioning vent | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front seat: manual 6-way driver/4-way passenger adjustment | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AM/FM radio | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| DAB+ radio | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6 speakers | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 7-inch instrument cluster screen | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digital speedo | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 2 x 12V outlet (console tray/centre console) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 1 x USB-A/1 x USB-C (centre console), 1 x USB-A (centre console rear – charging only) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Easy cleaning, hard-wearing cloth seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Leather-accented seats | ✖️ | ✖️ | $0 | ✖️ |
| Leather-accented PRO-4X seats | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Leather-accented steering wheel | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather-accented gear shift lever | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Leather accented centre console lid | ✖️ | ✖️ | Optional | ✖️ |
| Leather-accented door upholstery | ✖️ | ✖️ | Optional | ✖️ |
| Vinyl floor material | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Carpet flooring | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Carpet floor mats | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear power sliding window | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Second row and rear privacy window glass | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cloth centre console lid | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ambient temperature gauge | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front occupant sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear seat armrest with cupholder | ✖️ | ✖️ | Optional | ✖️ |
| Flip-up rear seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Nissan Navara SL | Nissan Navara ST | Nissan Navara ST-X | Nissan Navara PRO-4X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-inch steel wheels | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 17-inch alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 18-inch alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| 17-inch PRO-4X alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| All season tyres | 255/65/R17 | 255/65/R17 | 255/60/R18 | 255/65/R17 |
| Full-size steel spare wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Full-size alloy spare wheel, matching | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Tow bar | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Steel underbody bash plate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Util-Track twin channel sliding tie-down points | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Black plastic grille, door handles, rear bumper, door mirrors and window surround | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Black painted door mirrors and door handles | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Black roof rails and fender flares | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Chrome plastic grille and window surround | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Black chrome with Dark Grey surround | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Black plastic side steps | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Body-coloured door mirrors | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Body colour front bumper | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Body colour rear bumper | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Chrome door handles | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Polished stainless steel single tube sports bar | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Polished stainless steel double tube sports bar | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Black stainless steel double tube sports bar with sail panel | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Second-row and rear window privacy glass | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Navara tailgate embossing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Tub liner | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
The 2021 Nissan Navara is easily the best looking Navara ever made. We dare say, in the right combination, it's probably the best-looking ute too. Nissan has made some calculated and welcome updates to the specs, especially the active safety system. It's great off-road, it handles very well and the cabin feels refined. If you're looking for a new ute, the 2021 Nissan Navara should be on your shortlist, for sure.
Our 2021 Nissan Navara review combines the findings of 5 different car reviewers to save you time. With the time you saved, why not take a moment to compare car insurance and car loans, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Pictures: Nissan
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