Are Nissan Navaras any good?

Of course it's good; it's a ute. The Navara can even be used as a tow vehicle.

The Navara you choose will determine the maximum payload. As there are fewer people in the cab, the tray can be longer and heavier loads can be carried.

A Navara can only legally carry less weight than other utes. But the Navara ST-X Dual-Cab four-wheel drive, which is the most well-equipped of the bunch, can carry 770 kg in the tray (38 bags of cement) and a driver and passenger with no problem at all. No other subtype is restricted in this regard.

As mentioned, the dual-pitch springs installed in the Navara's rear axle are all about making the vehicle more suitable for carrying cargo.

We ran side-by-side comparisons with the discontinued Series 2 model and found a significant improvement when we loaded 750 kilogrammes into the tray.

The rear suspension of the most recent vehicle has been designed to sit flatter and be less stressed by the load on board prior to acceleration.

Once things get going, it's much easier to keep things under control. With the new shocks and less rear-end bouncing, the tail is easier to keep under control.

The revised steering and lower centre of gravity work together to improve the driver's feedback from the wheel. The vehicle's response to bumps and corners inspires greater assurance.

When towing the maximum 3500kg load, we found that the Navara was also vastly improved.

Increased rear suspension control allows for more precise handling and a more rapid recovery from large bumps, which is especially noticeable when they occur mid-corner.

The rear leaf springs on the one dual-cab Navara model, the RX cab-chassis 4WD, have not been updated. Additionally, it is capable of transporting heavy loads. However, this is the range's farm ute, so it has the less powerful diesel engine.

The rear suspension of every Single Cab and King Cab Navara is made up of leaf springs.

To be sure, at first glance it may look like a crossover, but closer inspection reveals that it is, in fact, a commercial vehicle. The leather on the shift knob and steering wheel is nice, but those hoping for a sea of pliable plastics will be disappointed. Everything is sturdy and looks like it will last a long time, but the plastics are all very rough to the touch.

The engine shares the same level of adequate quality. At any speed over 3000 rpm, you can hear that there is a fairly large diesel engine up front. With either powerplant, the vehicle's performance is adequate; it won't set the world on fire, but it will keep up with the flow of traffic.

Since the 187-horsepower engine requires less effort, we'd choose it if given the chance. We'd also be tempted to go with the automatic transmission, despite its flaws (it's slow to get going from a stop, and the shifts could be smoother on occasion), because it's superior to the long-throw manual's sometimes nebulous feel.

If we're being practical, we should know that the seven-speed automatic raises emissions from 169g/km to 183g/km and decreases fuel economy from 44.1mpg to 40.3mpg. It's worth noting that if you want an automatic transmission or a high-end trim level, the 187-horsepower lump is your only choice.

The Navara is more pleasant to ride in than its rivals, has a handsome exterior (at least to these eyes), and can tow substantial trailers. So, if you're looking for a pickup truck, it's the best option. But can it really be compared to SUVs? That's a difficult question to respond to.

Compared to other vehicle types, SUVs have lower operating costs, more space in the back, should handle better, and likely have a higher perceived quality inside.

Not that this will matter much to the target market for the Navara; the appeal here is in the concept of a versatile family car. The Nissan's lack of crossover-like handling isn't a dealbreaker, as it still manages to be one of the best pick-ups on the market because it bridges the gap between trucks and SUVs.

Nissan Navara reliability

There's no reason to suspect the Navara won't manage to stay reliable. All its parts are well proven, and the 2.3-litre diesel engine has found its way into more than 300,000 Renault and Nissan commercial vehicles already without any major problems being reported.

Nissan's 11th-place finish in our 2019 Driver Power owner-satisfaction survey was a drop from fourth place the previous year, but few participants were Navara owners. Generally, Nissan drivers are pleased with the infotainment, technology, safety systems and the practicality of their cars. The brand's reliability, though, has seen nearly a two-fold rise in the number of owners reporting faults within the first year, rising to 19.3%; an increase from 10.3% in 2018.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the Navara is pretty well equipped, which helped it achieve an impressive four-star rating from Euro NCAP. This is about on par with its rivals. As well as the mandatory stability and traction control systems, all models get seven airbags and a Forward Emergency Braking system, which can detect an impending collision, warn you about it and apply the brakes automatically if you don't react in time. There are two ISOFIX child-seat mounting points in the rear, and all models get LED daytime running lights.

What stands out?

Nissan's Navara ute stands out for its ability to efficiently combine high power with low fuel use in its more well-equipped models. The Navara's cabin is more plush than that of most utes, and it's also more compact and easier to park. The Navara has improved greatly in both ride quality and handling since its previous iteration, the NP300. Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are available.

What body styles are there?

There are a few different types of cabs, including King Cab, Single Cab, and Twin Cab When converted into a pick-up, the Navara has four doors and seating for five people on coil springs in the back.

The King Cab Navara's rear seats are small enough to accommodate luggage, animals, or (on shorter trips) human passengers. Two small rear-hinged doors provide access; these doors will only open if their corresponding front doors are also unlocked. The only way to get a Navara with a single cab is as a cab-chassis—you choose the tray. The back suspension of every King Cab and Single Cab is a set of leaf springs.

Each trim level of the Navara has a base model with rear-wheel drive only. The higher-priced model features part-time, dual-range four-wheel drive. (On paved surfaces, they only power the rear wheels, but off-road, you can switch to low-range 4WD.)

It is a light commercial pickup, and the Navara fits into that category.

What features do all Navaras have?

Audio system with auxiliary, USB, and iPod inputs, plus at least four speakers (six in dual-cabs). Its functions can be adjusted via the vehicle's steering wheel.

Streaming music and phone calls via Bluetooth.
A cruise control system controlled by buttons on the steering wheel.
Automatic headlights that also function as daytime running lights; useful for driving in low light conditions.
Auto-activating headlights.
Its side windows are covered in a dark tint.
The ability to lock and unlock the door without physically being present.
There's a cigarette lighter in the trunk
The vehicle is equipped with electronic traction control, which aids driving on slick surfaces. Having this feature is especially useful in rough terrain and with four-wheel drive vehicles.
There are seven safety cushions in this vehicle. The ability to prevent a skid or slide with the aid of electronic stability control. Check out the Safety section for more information on the Navara's airbags and other safety features.
There is no mileage cap during the five-year duration of the warranty.

Which engine uses the least fuel, and why wouldn't I choose it?

Navaras with the 2.3-liter turbo-diesel, the most powerful engine available, consume no more than 7.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the official test (city and country combined). The fuel economy of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models is nearly identical. Fuel economy is reduced by half a litre in manual transmission vehicles.

Real-world fuel economy is about 11 litres per 100 kilometres with the automatic transmission and 10.5 with the manual; both are respectable numbers for a vehicle of this type and, more so, one with such peppy performance.

One turbocharger improves throttle response at low speeds, while the other boosts power when you put your foot down, making this diesel the first of its kind in a Japanese dual-cab ute. Most Volkswagen Amaroks have a pretty standard interior design.

This engine is only available in the more expensive SL, ST, and ST-X trim levels of the Nissan Navara, so its high cost should be considered before making your final decision.

The Navara RX diesel that comes standard isn't as potent as some of the more expensive trucks, but it does use a touch more gas. (Like the previous one, this one has a 2.3-liter displacement but a single turbocharger.)

Navara DX, the entry-level work model, is the only place you can get the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. It uses more fuel than either diesel and provides less power.

There is a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission for each engine. There is no automatic transmission choice for the more practical Single and King cabs.

What key features do I get if I spend more?

The DX cab-chassis is the most stripped-down version of the Navara, featuring the smaller and less powerful of the two diesel engines, as well as 15-inch steel wheels, vinyl flooring, and fewer exterior and door trims.

The Navara RX comes standard with sturdy 16-inch steel wheels. In addition to the standard features, the SE adds rear and side window tinting, a CD player, a rear window demister, heated mirrors, chrome door handles, and a hidden fuel-flap release. The RX can be had for less than the DX, which has only two-wheel drive, because it has the option of having cheaper front-wheel drive.

The more expensive Navara SL 4WD Dual Cab retains the tough steel wheels and the work-friendly vinyl floor, but upgrades the engine to a more potent twin-turbo diesel. The SL eliminates the CD player in favour of an 8.0-inch multi-function display, smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a rearview camera.

The Navara ST is the more expensive option, but it's worth it if you want luxury and comfort. Carpeted floors, a satellite radio, and posher aluminum-alloy 16-inch wheels are included in the King Cab trim level. A trip computer and leather-wrapped controls for the accelerator, brake, and gear shifter are among the convenient features. Better projection can be achieved with headlights. The car's signature running lights make it stand out more. The ST also includes a chrome sports bar for the tub, fog lights, and side steps for easier entry and exit (which can be handy for carrying long items).

The ST Dual Cab now has larger 18-inch wheels that increase ground clearance for better off-road capability and a tougher 'Black styling' similar to the Navara N-TREK.

If you opt for four-wheel drive on your Navara ST, you'll be able to lock the rear differential for improved traction and control in challenging off-road conditions.

If you opt for the more expensive Navara ST-X, you'll get front seats that are heated and powered, as well as partial leather upholstery. Door mirrors that fold automatically and are heated for de-fogging in rain and cold are standard equipment. A virtual overhead perspective is also provided by four cameras. The 18-inch alloys look sporty, and they come with a matching alloy spare. Steel wheels are standard equipment on some models, while others offer optional extras.

Furthermore, the ST-X has a smart key that, when within range, allows the vehicle to be unlocked by touching the handle of the front door (say, in a pocket or bag). The rear cargo area is equipped with removable tie-down points, a durable plastic liner, and roof rails, making it simple to instal a rack for carrying luggage.

Options such as a power sunroof or leather upholstery are available for purchase, but not standard, on ST-X Dual Cabs.

The ST-X with four-wheel drive comes standard with Hill Start Control to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on steep hills and Hill Descent Control to prevent the vehicle from speeding away on steep off-road descents.

A black alloy sports bar, orange fabric seat inserts and orange accent stitch, N-TREK decals, and black and orange accents are just some of the exterior upgrades that set the Navara N-TREK apart from the ST-X Dual Cab on which it is based.

The N-TREK Warrior, the priciest Navara model, was upgraded in Australia to make it the toughest Navara ever. It has unique N-TREK Warrior styling and a stainless-steel front underbody protection plate in addition to its chunky 32.2-inch all-terrain tyres on 17-inch rims and locally tuned suspension.

What might I miss that similar cars have?

A four-wheel-drive system that works on normal roads and not just off-road. More expensive versions of the Mitsubishi Triton and all automatic Volkswagen Amaroks with 4WD have this feature. It makes them safer and more convenient in marginal driving conditions than the Navara.

Reach adjustment for the steering wheel (the Navara wheel adjusts only for height), which could bring some drivers more comfort. The Triton, Amarok and Toyota HiLux offer this, for example.

Autonomous emergency braking as available in the Ford Ranger, Amarok, Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton.

Other cars you might look at include the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50.

How is it for carrying stuff, and for towing?