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2021 Nissan Navara Review
The comprehensive 2021 Nissan Navara review
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How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of CarExpert, CarsGuide, Drive, Chasing Cars and Practical Motoring to bring you the finder.com.au score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the five different expert ratings you see below.
finder.com.au is personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn how we work and how we make money.
Critic reviews
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."
"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."
"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."
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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.
Nissan Navara SL
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.
The Nissan Navara SL cab chassis is available in the following paint colours:
Solid White (No cost)
Twilight Grey ($668)
Brilliant Silver ($668)
SL king and dual cabs, ST dual cabs, ST-X are sold in:
Solid White (No cost)
Black Star (No cost)
Burning Red ($685)
Twilight Grey ($685)
White Pearl ($685)
Forged Copper ($685)
Brilliant Silver ($685)
The Nissan Navara PRO-4X is sold in:
Black Star (No cost)
White Pearl ($650)
Stealth Grey ($650)
Burning Red ($650)
The above prices are for private buyers in NSW postcode 2000, taken from the Nissan Australia website in September 2021.
Overview
In our 2021 Nissan Navara review analysis, we found that the latest model was widely viewed by motoring journalists as the best Navara Nissan has made, outright. It's got excellent specs, an extremely attractive design, fantastic load-lugging and carrying capabilities, and an eager powertrain. The Navara is also very good off-road and delivers decent fuel economy. There's not a lot to dislike and it's a bit puzzling as to why the Nissan Navara doesn't sell in higher volumes, like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
Website
Pros
Cons
Notable quote
CarExpert
Active safety additions
Fearsome exterior redesign
Comfy ride
Quiet
Price rise
Driver's seat ergonomics
Interior could do with more storage bins
"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
Powertrain
Fuel efficiency
Safety equipment
Load lugging
Rear seating for taller passengers
Limited payload when towing
Driver's seat base dimensions
"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
Great off-road
Traction Control implementation
Gearing for off-road
Ergonomics could be improved
Torquey powertrain, but behind other utes
Second to first downshift in low range
"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
Muscular, chiselled exterior
Cabin noise-deadening
Dual-cab 1-tonne payload
Ride quality beats majority of rivals
Engine power only satisfactory
Cabin looks outmoded
Ford Ranger has better handling
"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
Safety upgrades
Tough styling
Chassis tweaks
Towing and load-carrying performance
Interior doesn't match the exterior's looks (though it is still improved)
"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."
Engine and performance
The Nissan Navara is available with just one engine, the YS23DDTT, a 2.3-litre diesel engine.
Nissan 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.
Car reviewers' impressions of the Nissan Navara engine and transmission line-up
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.
Nissan Navara engine and transmission figures
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)
According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the Nissan Navara uses the following amounts of fuel:
2.3-litre single-turbo diesel
The Green Vehicle Guide indicates that the single-turbo SL cab chassis 4x2 manual is the most fuel-efficient of the Navara range:
Combined: 7.2L/100km
Urban: 8.3L/100km
Extra: 6.5L/100km
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.
2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel
Depending on the model, the twin-turbo Navaras use between:
Combined: 7.2-8.1L/100km
Urban: 8.3-10.1L/100km
Extra: 6.5-7.0L/100km
That would translate, as recorded by the Green Vehicle Guide, to an annual fuel spend between $1,484 and $1,709.
Use fuel economy figures for comparison only Manufacturers have to put their cars through strictly mandated fuel economy testing procedures. These tests are designed to control variables that could affect fuel economy, meaning you can compare vehicles from different brands. However, on real-world roads, things like traffic, the mechanical condition of your ute, the amount of payload you're carrying and even the weather can all sway the achievable fuel economy. It is not unusual to record figures that are within a 1.0L/100km margin of the brochure figures.
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.
Handling
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.
Interior and equipment
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 safety, security and driver assists
Nissan Navara SL
Nissan Navara ST
Nissan Navara ST-X
Nissan Navara PRO-4X
ANCAP rating
5 star (tested 2015)
Airbags (7):
Front
Side seat
Curtain
Driver's knee
✔
✔
✔
✔
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 interior and comfort features
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 exterior highlights
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
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Verdict
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.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Ben Gribbin is an automotive writer at Finder. He is a life-long car enthusiast, bringing many years of experience working with and writing about cars. During his time, Ben has been a freelance writer, editor and reviewer for a number of leading publications across the UK. He was voted the Guild of Motoring Writers Breakthrough Blogger in 2015.
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