Nissan Navara

Navara Overview

After meeting success with the third generation Nissan X-Trail back in 2000, the Japanese carmaker immediately followed it up with the release of the NP300 Navara. The NP300 Navara is Nissan’s midsize pickup truck offering and currently remains one of the most well known in its segment. The vehicle is a product of Nissan’s 80 years of experience building and engineering pickup trucks and met significant anticipation when it was first introduced in the Philippine market. The most recent iteration features a more dynamic and muscular design that enhances the NP300 Navara’s distinct intimidating appearance. Its sporty character gives it a more modern touch, perfect for city driving besides off-road adventures.

The 2015 version saw a new platform as well as powertrain options. Its rear multi-link suspension was a key feature at the time, something that was typically only found in crossovers and sedans. The refreshed 2018 NP300 Navara received the all-new Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite which includes a variety of advanced safety and tech features such as the notable around-view monitor. Meanwhile, the latest generation released this 2021 sees an upgraded and facelifted Nissan NP300 Navara with more modern features and styling for both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Nissan retained the 2.5-liter diesel powerplant and transmission options for the model.

There are currently eight variants available across all six Navara grades. All models are double cab pickups that have received more aggressive features as well as improved safety. However, its tough design isn’t only for aesthetics. These improvements allow the NP300 Navara to handle heavier loads for longer trips and various uses, making it the ideal vehicle for the active entrepreneur. Drivers can expect to see a departure from the rugged, utilitarian pickup trucks of the past and an entry into a more practical and comfortable all-around vehicle.

Nissan Navara Interior & Features

The cabin of the NP300 Navara retains most of the original premium design from the previous generation. Nissan gave mostly minor updates for the interior yet these still managed to make a huge difference to the pickup’s ride experience. The dashboard is styled to appear like a gentle sweep from the center panel to the side of the door that sports 3-dimensional sections that evoke a feeling of spaciousness. For convenience, there are a number of functional trays and storage spaces situated on the dashboard for easy storing of devices and personal belongings.

Nissan has also added a new multi-information display as well as upgraded instrument clusters. However, the key feature on the latest Navara is the new steering wheel design which lets drivers enjoy increased functionality. The high end PRO-4X enjoys a leather wrapped steering wheel with the black Nissan logo sitting in the middle as well as black inner door handles. Meanwhile, the Navara EV trim gets a new 8-inch touchscreen display is equipped with Apple Carplay and Android Auto alongside a 6-speaker system plus a large trip computer. The base Navara EL model only offers a 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth, USB, and a 4-speaker system.

All variants get Zero Gravity front seats with varying upholstery and adjustment options depending on the trim. The Navara VL and top of the line Navara PRO-4X receives premium leather seats with exclusive PRO-4X stitching for the latter. Meanwhile, the rest of the variants get a combination of leather and fabric seat designs. Nissan also included an upgraded rear seat across all models with extended and higher cushions. Standard for all variants as well is a rear center armrest with dual cupholders. The Navara VL offers power adjustment for the driver’s seat while the PRO-4X only includes manual adjustment. The VL also enjoys more safety features from the Nissan Intelligent Mobility system.

Comfort & Entertainment

One of the Navara’s key offerings is its advanced set of technology features that provide maximum convenience and entertainment options. Nissan introduced a new 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system which can be found in all variants except for the base Navara EL trim. This is equipped with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth, USB, iPod, AUX, and AM/FM radio.

Meanwhile, the 2-DIN unit includes Bluetooth, USB, AUX, and a standard radio tuner. Nissan also added a new 7-inch color TFT display that is flanked by two cylindrical gauges for VE trims and higher. This helps the driver get all the information they need in a single glance. In addition to that, VL variants and higher get Nissan’s Around View Monitor which involves a 360-degree camera system.

Navara Exterior

The biggest changes on the NP300 Navara can be found on the exterior. The latest generation received a major refresh. The front fascia now features a larger chrome grille as well as new edged slopes that give it a more intimidating appearance. Besides the grille, the front bumper, headlights, rear tailgate, taillights, and rear bumper also got some major updates. For the lights, Nissan upgraded them to LED with a daytime running feature. All variants aside for the base Navara EL are now equipped with Quad LED Projector lights with Follow Me Home functionality, daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, and LED tail lamps. On the other hand, the Navara EL gets only halogen multi-reflector headlamps and bulb-type taillights.

The PRO-4X received some exclusive styling touches such as gloss black wheels with orange accents, as well as a blacked out grille that also sports orange accents. Buyers of the PRO-4X can also expect similar body cladding with accents plus gloss black side mirror caps and gloss black door handles. Speaking of wheels, Nissan gave all variants a new wheel design to tie together the vehicle’s aggressive look. The VL trim received the largest set of wheels at 18 inches in diameter. Meanwhile, the 4x4 Pro got a smaller 17-inch set in a glossy black finish instead. 

Ground clearance for the base Navara trims is 245 mm, 220 mm for the Navara VE, 225 mm for the Navara VL 4x2, and 220 mm for the PRO-4X 4x4 and Navara VL 4x4. The NP300 Navara is available in a variety of exclusive colorways. The high end PRO-4X is being offered in Stealth Pearl Gray, Firey Red, Galaxy Black, and Aspen Pear White. The Navara EL and VE trims are available in Brilliant Silver, Alpine White, and Galaxy White. Meanwhile, the VE to VL variants are in Galaxy Black, Aspen Pear White, Forged Metallic Copper, and Lunar Metallic Gray.

Passenger & Boot space

Drivers and front passengers of the Navara can expect to enjoy Nissan’s premium Zero-Gravity Seats which helps in reducing body fatigue, especially when on long drives. While there is no available telescopic adjustment for the seats, finding a comfortable driving position isn’t a problem. Nissan also designed the rear bench seats to be angled in a way that will be able to support the passengers’ size and weight. The Navara’s cabin can accommodate up to five adult passengers. However, three large adults may not be able to fit in the rear row. Regardless, the Navara offers an excellent amount of knee, head, and elbow room for passengers overall. The pickup currently offers a payload capacity of 964 kilograms, including the weight of the passengers inside the cab.

Nissan Navara Ride & Handling

The NP300 Navara might not have the best power output numbers in its class, but it still manages to prove itself when driving on actual roads. The engine is incredibly responsive thanks to the vehicle’s 7-speed automatic transmission. The 7th gear is great for relieving some stress on the engine when cruising down the highway. This also managed to perform well even when just going for a casual drive around the city or traversing through dirt roads. In terms of ride handling, the Navara does have a tendency to nose dive when hard braking. This is mostly due to the rear drum brakes which often don’t provide enough stopping power. Drivers and passengers may also feel a considerable amount of body roll when turning corners at high speeds.

However, despite these setbacks, the Navara still delivers a premium level of comfort with its driving experience without managing to feel floaty. The truck’s wide driving visibility makes it easier to maneuver even in tight spots. The steering wheeling also feels perfectly balanced, though some may still experience a couple of dives and pitches, as well as shaking from the rear bed, here and there. Though these are things that are typically expected in a pickup truck so they’re not complete deal breakers.

Navara Engine & Fuel Consumption

The latest NP300 Navara has a rigid body-on-frame construction and is available in a four-door double cab body type. It’s built on the Nissan F-Alpha Platform with the code D23. The drivetrains come in either 4x2 or 4x4 configurations for those who desire off road capability.

The full length, fully boxed ladder frame provides some additional stiffness to the vehicle. Balancing it out is a five-link rear suspension setup for the rear that softens the ride and offers high levels of comfort for passengers. This setup includes an independent double wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer bar for the front. Front and rear brakes are ventilated discs and drums.

Powering the NP300 Navara is a 2.5-liter YD25 DDTi diesel engine that can be tuned in two ways depending on the variant and transmission. 6-speed manual variants generate 161 hp and 403 Nm of torque while the 7-speed automatic transmission produces a more powerful 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque. This is the same powertrain that can be found in the previous generations dating back to as far as the 2015 model. It still remains one of the best power output offerings per displacement in its segment, as well as in terms of fuel efficiency and emission ratings.

Lets talk about the Fuel consumption..

Thanks to the NP300 Navara’s linear and dynamic engine, the pickup manages to deliver some decent fuel economy numbers. When stuck on the road in heavy traffic, the Navara registers around 6.8 km/L when driving at an average speed of 10 to 15 km/h. Faster drives on clear roads can return approximately 12.2 km/L when cruising at an average speed of 60 km/h. On the other hand, highway cruising at 90 km/h registers about 16.2 km/L. However, these numbers reflect only two passengers on board. Expect the Navara to guzzle up a bit more fuel when there’s more load to work with.

Nissan Navara Braking & Safety

The NP300 Navara is equipped with a number of standard safety features such as driver, front passenger, side, and side curtain airbags. Other standard features include an anti-lock brain system with electronic brakeforce distribution, and vehicle dynamic control. The higher end variants come with additional advanced safety features such as the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite which includes intelligent emergency braking, driver attention alert, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, around view monitor, moving object detection, hill start assist, and hill descent control. The Navara received a score of 14.44 for Adult Occupant Protection and 61% for Child Occupant Protection from the ASEAN NCAP.

Navara Verdict

Is Navara a Value for money car?

Nissan NP300 Navara price list:

NP300 Navara EL MT 4x2-P1,149,000
NP300 Navara VE Calibre MT 4x2-P1,369,000
NP300 Navara VE Calibre AT 4x2-P1,459,000
NP300 Navara VE MT 4x4-P1,499,000
NP300 Navara VL Calibre AT 4x2-P1,599,000
NP300 Navara VL MT 4x4-P,1699,000
NP300 Navara Vl AT 4x4-P1,779,000
NP300 Navara PRO-4X AT 4x4-P1,849,000

The Nissan NP300 Navara is currently one of the best pickup trucks in its class. Its relatively affordable price range also makes it an attractive buy for those who desire a reliable hauler with advanced tech features.

Final Words

The Nissan NP300 Navara may not be the best choice for carrying heavy cargo loads, but it’s definitely undisputed in terms of providing maximum comfort and convenience. The Navara is more ideal as a city pickup truck though it can still hold its own on rough terrains. Its affordable price tag and multitude of tech and safety features are already good reasons to add the Navara to the list of pickup trucks to consider.

However, if you think you’ll be doing a lot of heavy hauling, it might not be the best choice. Regardless, the latest Nissan NP300 is still an excellent buy and is definitely a strong contender in the local pickup segment.