The Ute as we know it has certainly transformed over the years. What was once just a tool for utilitarian transport, hence the name, it is equally now about image and a “lifestyle flex” to coin a phrase. There has also always been so much competition across the board but its particularly fierce now, especially with the sheer number Chinese brands making their presence felt.
So, how does the new Nissan Navara stack up in today’s modern Ute world? Well, it’s always been a favourite and has held a firm foothold in the Ute’s sphere of influence thanks to some rugged simplicity, toughness and solid powertrains. Let’s take a look.
First off, the latest Navara shares plenty with that other strong selling Ute, the Mitsubishi Triton. This should come as no surprise as both Nissan and Mitsubishi have engaged something of a “collab” to produce both products, though there is nothing new about this as other brand have been doing this sort of thing for years.
The Navara and Triton share the same engine and transmission, sports a very similar looking cabin and in terms of the looks department, apart from a new look front fascia, tweaked taillights and badging, there is very little to distinguish them at a distance.
However, when you pick up those giveaway cues, I reckon the Nissan is, from a visual stand point, looks a bit more polished. Things like the large block lettering of the model’s name on the rear tailgate, uncluttered and blacked out front grill, a set of gunmetal grey 18-inch alloy wheels, and subtle branding between the daytime running lights and LED headlights just add those extra visually appealing touches.
Said engine takes the form of a 2.4L turbo diesel four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission and, naturally, four-wheel drive. This is standard kit across the range from the base SL Dual Cab at $48,990, continuing through to the ST Dual Cab at $52,990. My test car was the upper middle spec ST-X Dual Cab at $55,990 and the flagship with all the fruit is courtesy of the PRO-4X Dual Cab at $59,990.
A total power output of 150kW and 470Nm is decent for a ute like this, especially as this kicks in down nice and low in the rev range, but more on that later. Nissan also claim a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.7L/100km and 203g/km of CO2 emissions. Towing capacity sits at a pretty decent 3500kg and when you lower the tailgate to reveal the Navara embossed rear deck, the Navara can swallow a 1065kg payload.
Inside you have a cabin with neat fit and finish and a rather ergonomically sound layout. Everything is where it should be and how it should be, from the position of the toggle switch to cycle from 2WD high, 4H and 4HLc and 4LLc, your downhill descent control and drive mode switches and the conveniently placed steering wheel mounted buttons for operating the adaptive cruise control and instrument cluster menu screens, not to mention selecting the next track on Spotify.
Being the ST-X, you have some rather comfortable Navara-embossed black leather-accented seats with good bolstering and lumbar support. Actually, come to think of it, there is a lot of Navara embossing going in all over the place here.
The whole cabin feels durable and nicely put together and it is so nice to have a good supply of physical buttons rather than just haptic touch controls. Ahead of you sits a set of classic white on black analogue dials either side of the central digital display which gives you a nice almost artistic picture of the Navara in the off-road setting reflecting your chosen off road mode.
The 9.0” touch screen infotainment display is a good size and not a distraction. Some screens have been getting bigger and can tend to be somewhat distracting, not so here. The graphics are also clear and concise too.
The ST-X sports Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, USB-A and C ports, sat nav, power adjustable driver’s seat, a six-speaker sound system which even for factory speakers does a decent job of Bon Jovi’s “99 in the Shade,” heated leather seats for driver and front passenger, adaptive cruise control, keyless start and dual zone climate control.
Safety kit includes 360-degree surround view, lane departure warning, reversing camera, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, trailer sway control, forward collision warning and intelligent driver alert to name a few.
The classic turbo diesel soundtrack accompanies you on every drive, and so it should. There is something uniquely reassuring about that sound, especially in this setting. As mentioned, when putting the power down, the Navara’s 470Nm kick in at a way low 1,500 rpm. With a redline of 4,000rpm, low down pulling power and torque is the name of the game.
It’s also worth pointing out that when it is activated, the Navara’s intelligent driver alert system, which keeps tabs on whether or not you are keeping your eyes on the road and will alert you to do so if you aren’t, is very effective, almost too effective. All it seems to take is for you to glance over at the infotainment screen or down at those analogue gauges for a second or two and it will loudly beep and remind you to look ahead. Having said that, it would come in dead handy when feeling a tad tired eyed.
Back to the drive and the Navara isn’t unwieldy around town. I could quite easily daily this Ute. However, getting off the beaten path was certainly on the cards, so pointing that Nissan embossed nose in the direction of the Waimakariri Riverbed was essential.
Activate the electronic rear locking differential and slide over into 4WD Low Lock and the Navara ST-X feels distinctly analogue in its approach to munching up the stones, mud and sections of pooling water of Canterbury’s most famous river.
You have 228mm of ground clearance and in 4WD low, that low down torque is reigned in even further, leaving the Navara utterly dedicated to the task of galivanting across rough terrain. Cycling through the off-road modes, you have Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock to use, each of which work really well, but needless to say given the setting, Mud, Sand and Rock were the most commonly used, and to great effect.
There is plenty to like about the latest evolution of a workhorse ute name which has been with us for a generation. It certainly continues that mantra of rugged simplicity and durability the model is known for. I have yet to sample a new Triton but for now I can report the Nissan half of this collab is a good all-rounder.
The Navara ST-X is great off road, sports good low-down power and torque, has good tech and is decently priced too. It’s not a revolution by any stretch, but those wanting a Ute catering to all of the above and a bit more, definitely consider taking a punt on Nissan’s favourite of many.
RATING: 7.5/10
