Which is better, Navara or Ranger? – Ford Ranger vs. Nissan Navara

Both the two-door D22 and the four-door D40 generations of the Nissan Navara have been available since the vehicle's introduction in 1997. Nisan Navara focuses mostly on the European and Asian markets. The Nissan Frontier is a popular pickup truck in both South and North America. Ford produces and sells the Ranger pickup truck. It has a variety of options similar to the Nissan Navara.

The Ford Ranger isn't exactly a best-seller, but after getting a makeover midway through 2018, Toyota regained its lead in local sales. But what if you're not interested in the conventional options but yet want something sturdy and cutting-edge?

To find out if the new Navara offers comparable value for money than the 2 market leaders, we compared them. Because cost-effectiveness is the primary concern, we excluded the most feature-rich models from consideration.

Instead, we narrowed our choices down to three pickup trucks. This means that each vehicle has a double cab, a diesel engine, a manual transmission, and front-wheel drive.

In any case, ladies and gentlemen, the pickup season has returned. Updated models of the Navara & Hilux are now available from both Nissan and Toyota. Chevrolet, meanwhile, has released a new Colorado model.

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In contrast, Ford has been receiving a lot of attention as of late due to the release of the Ranger Raptor. Sure, it's cool that an American automaker has released a performance-oriented pickup truck, but the really big deal is that the top-tier Wildtrak comes standard with a bi-turbo V6 like the Raptor.

That's a major development, but there's a cost associated with the improved functionality. Because of this, we thought it would be cool to compare the Ranger Wildtrak to other new releases of the year. The Navara is first, and it now has some cool safety technology to go with its reliable performance and rugged good looks.

The low price of the Japanese product is its primary selling point. When compared to the bi-turbo Wildtrak's pricing of $68,000, the VL 4x4 AT's price of $45,000 is a significant savings. You should also think about the American's superior power, torque, and standard safety features, such as its more airbags.

The ute market is highly competitive, therefore vehicles in this category are always improving their performance and technological features to stay ahead of the pack.

We have recently evaluated several different makes and models of Japanese pickup vehicles. Let's switch things up a bit and compare a well-known American brand to one of the popular Japanese brands.

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Ford Ranger

The Ranger Wildtrak has skyrocketed in popularity. The PX version of the Ranger has been widely purchased, customised, taken off-road, and put to work.

Ford has released a new trim level above the base Wildtrak for the 2019 model year. The Ranger Wildtrak X has a few extra features for a somewhat higher price, hence the 'X.'

The Wildtrak X was put through its paces in both everyday driving and heavy workloads, and we will shortly get into the specifics.

Even while the Ranger Wildtrak X can handle heavy lifting, it is more at home flaunting its capabilities than really completing the task at hand. There is always someone like that around.

You could get a lot less than the Wildtrak-X if you're in the market for a dual-cab truck, and that's saying something. It's capable and has a remarkable list of features, even if they do come at a premium. The assistance of our friends in Sydney during this load test is greatly appreciated.

We get that the Wildtrak X's good looks are the primary factor in influencing your decision to purchase one. When compared to the base model, the X adds a few aesthetically pleasing touches, most of which serve a practical purpose as well.

It receives several blacked-out upgrades, including new 18" wheels (still wrapped with the same Dueler H/T by Bridgestone), wheel-arch flares (enabling a more sporty wheel/tyre arrangement), a black nudge-bar with an integrated LED light bar, and an authentic Ford snorkel.

Added together, these features make the Wildtrak-X look like many of the non-X vehicles you've seen, whose owners have spent a fortune on optional equipment.

The Wildtrak X's cabin is as spacious as that of any Ranger dual cab. There is ample room for three persons to sit across the back, making the total passenger capacity five adults. However, there are no back air vents, so the back seat can get stifling on hot days.

There are bottle compartments in all 4 doors and cup holders up front and at the back. If the tub is too small for all of your belongings, you may simply lift the seat base.

There is a lot of room and storage up front, and the entertainment system is user-friendly. We haven't mentioned this before, but all the alarm bells and sirens can get annoying.

Its dimensions of 1549 x 1560 x 1139 mm are too small to accommodate a standard Australian pallet (1165mm minimum). Wildtrak versions don't benefit from the full 511mm of tub depth because the roller covering housing at the tub's far end cuts into useful space by around a third.

Having a hardtop roller covering and a tub liner are both nice features, but the lack of centre tie-down hooks and four corner hooks makes securing cargo a hassle.

We tested a Ford Ranger Wildtrak X with a 3.2-liter turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine, which starts at $65,290 including on-road fees, while the more potent and refined 2.0-liter Bi-turbo four-cylinder engine costs an additional $1500 (totalling $66,790).

That's a $6,000 premium over the base Wildtrak, but Ford claims you'll only pay $2,000.

Additional stylistic equipment found on the Wildtrak X adds to the already extensive standard features found on the Wildtrak.

This trim level features the model-specific inside with part-leather upholstery and a black headlining, in addition to 18" alloy wheels, HID Headlights, LED day running lights, and an LED light bar.

Plus, there's a 6-speaker stereo system with both a CD player, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, and an 8.0-inch touch media system with navigation, DAB digital radio, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. There are 230-volt PowerPoint, two USB ports, and a 12v charger through the back seat.

The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable, and the driver also gets access to a set of digital screens in front of them that provide directions and other useful information (including a digital speedometer).

The Wildtrak X that we tested had a 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 147kW of output (at 3000rpm) and 470Nm of torque under the hood (from 1750-2000rpm). In this configuration, the Wildtrak X is only available with an automatic transmission and does not offer a manual gearbox. It features selectable low-range (4H, 4L, and 2H) four-wheel drive, an electronic lock rear differential, and a low-range transfer case.

The 2.0-liter Bi-turbo four-cylinder engine in the Wildtrak X generates 157kW of power (at 3750rpm) & 500Nm torque (1750-2000rpm). You can't beat that kind of oomph from a 4-cylinder engine. It has four-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Wildtrak X can pull a trailer with a gross trailer weight rating of 750 kilogrammes when not using the brakes and 3500 kilogrammes when using the brakes.

There are 2287 kg of kerb weight for the Wildtrak X 3.2L. The GCM of the truck and its cargo is 6000kg, whereas the GVM is 3200kg.

The Wildtrak X 3.2L has an 80-liter fuel tank and is rated at 8.9L per 100 kilometres. This vehicle does not have a petrol tank with a large capacity for extended travel.

During our road test, we drove in a variety of conditions (city, highway, and rural), with and without cargo, and still averaged 11.1L/100km.

Ford pickup trucks have always had a reputation for being masculine and imposing on the road, and the Ranger is no exception. The Ranger has the traditional American muscle, with a blocky style for the pickup truck that will appeal to anyone who values a strong visual presence.

Modern conveniences and features that are common on luxury SUVs are often not included in pickup trucks. In contrast, the Ford Ranger is not such a vehicle. The Ford Everest SUV has inspired the design of this pickup truck, which has several of the same features. A number of amenities contribute to the Ford Ranger's air of quality and refinement, including projector headlights with day running LEDs, a cutting-edge touch screen info-tainment system, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a partially digital instrument cluster.

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Nissan Navara

At $32,300, the Navara is priced between both the Hilux and even the Ranger, so its specs should be around in the middle as well. However, the Nissan outperforms both of them in nearly every category. In comparison to the Ranger XLT, it falls short mostly because to its cloth seats, manual climate control, and absence of parking sensors, but otherwise, it outperforms both of its competitors.

The headlights are bright LED units that are automatically adjusted (like the Ranger) and have far superior beam quality than that of the Ford. In addition to the unique selling point of an electrically operated sliding rear windshield, you also receive a touch screen entertainment system with default navigation, an auto-dimming inside mirror, and a multi function steering wheel. The Navara's basic safety features, including 7 airbags and stability control, are on par with the Ranger's.

The Navara's twin-turbo diesel engine outperforms the Ford and Toyota in terms of power and torque, respectively, for this price range. Navara has the most power, with 140 kW & 450 Nm. Its warranty is the best in its class at six years or 150,000 miles, but its service plan is the worst in its class at three years or 90,000.

Both trucks have enough room inside to accommodate a family of five. Both have standard electronically adjustable driver chairs and attractive, well-designed front cabins. However, the Ranger provides its passengers with more amenities than the Nissan Navara does, with a larger display and dual-zone automated climate controls.

Wildtrak's Ford SYNC-3 interface is the sole letdown of an otherwise excellent cabin, especially when it pertains to Apple CarPlay connection. We found Android Auto to be functional enough.

However, the Navara makes it easy to stay connected via your smartphone, be it an iPhone or perhaps an Android. However, the touchscreen device isn't navigation-ready, while the front drivers seat doesn't have four-way electrical adjustment like the Wildtrak's.

In comparison to the Ford vehicle, the 2019 Nissan Navara produces 23 fewer horsepower and 50 fewer Newton-meters of torque. The Navara is more potent than most other pickup trucks, but it can't compare to the Ranger. But it doesn't mean the Navara can't outrun the majority of cars.

Even though the Navara VL N Warrior is equipped with fewer active safety features, vehicle still comes standard with Nissan's Intelligent Mobility package. Included in the bundle are hill start aids and hill descent control, as well as a 360 degree camera that provides a virtual all-around view of the car. Not only is the surround camera helpful when parking, however some ingenious people have started utilising it off-road to steer clear of rocks and other obstructions.

The most obvious and significant distinction is that the Navara is a rear-wheel drive and the Ford is a front-wheel drive. The Ranger is powered by not one but two diesel engines, whereas the Navara has one gasoline and one diesel option. The Nissan Navar's 2.5-liter, 164-horsepower engine is compatible with both gasoline and diesel. A 2.3-liter inline-four produces about 143 horsepower for the Ford Ranger, which is mated to either a five- or six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Claimed fuel efficiency (diesel) for such twin turbo option seems to be between 6.5L and 7.0L/100 kilometres on the combined cycle, while that for the single-turbo engine ranges from 6.4L/100km to 7.1L/100km, according on which version you plonk it in.

The Navara's 80-liter fuel tank guarantees a long-range regardless of the engine, with nearly comparable mileage.

The length of the single- or king-cab Navara is 5120mm, while the length of the dual-cab Navara is 5255mm. This means that the 'boot size,' or the amount of cargo the vehicle can carry, varies slightly depending on the body style.

Payload is specified at 1356kg in 2WD variants and 1193kg in four - wheel drive versions of the single-cab configuration, indicating that the cab chassis variant with its steeltray is optimised for heavy lifting. These figures drop to 1256 kg and 1178 kg, respectively, in 4WD king-cab configurations. Weighing in at 1144kg (manual) and 1127kg (automatic), respectively, the dual-cab vehicles can (automatic). A ute canopy, as well as a soft or hard tonneau cover, is available as an accessory for purchasers to choose.

With the standard roof rails on the dual-cab ST-X, you can attach a roof rack to the top of your vehicle to increase storage capacity. But perhaps the most significant convenience improvement is that the Navara dual-cab now has two ISOFIX connection points (one for each seat in the 2nd row), allowing it to be utilised as a proper family car with adequate child restraints.

Except for the base model RX single-cab, all other body styles get three power outlets (four in the tray of dual-cab pickups) and all but the smallest body style may make use of all 4 cupholders & bottle storage space in the doors.

Is the present generation Navara appealing to your eyes? Then we have some excellent news for you: things are exactly the same as they were last time.

Silver roof rails with side steps give the dual-cab ST-X a more premium look and feel, and may explain why it is the most popular trim level. The exterior design remains rugged and powerful (the latter forms a kind of 3D kit). Additionally, all of the dual-cab models come standard with a chrome back step bumper.

Not the most cutting-edge cabin design-wise, but the proportions are fine, it's tidy and useful, and the available leather seats do a lot to improve the atmosphere. Although the cheaper models prioritise use above aesthetics, the more costly models are the better choice if you do not really plan on making frequent visits to construction sites due to the large and straightforward display (5.0 or 7.0 inches in size) located in the middle of the dashboard.

You can choose from a wide variety of soft and hard tray coverings, but there doesn't appear to be any further underbody protection available.

When it comes to utes, Australia is an expert. There's a good reason they're our best-selling automobiles, and no other place on Earth gives load-luggers the kind of adulation they receive in Australia.

Except, maybe, the United States. Let's just disregard those folks for the time being because their country is odd and mostly deep-fried and oozing with Trumps, semi-automatic weaponry, and aluminium foil caps.

Nissan realized it had to act when the Navara dual-cab was criticised for having poor coil spring suspension with steering worse than a growing stalactite. After the revised "Series II" model released in March of last year still had some problems, the company realised it needed to try something fresh.

So, this is Nissan's big, burly Goldilocks, the one they're crossing their fingers is just perfect.

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Final Score: Nissan Navara vs. Ford Ranger

The Navara is a fantastic vehicle in regards to design, engineering, and safety measures, but the Ranger series' standard equipment puts it into a class of its own. The SYNC 3 interface is the car's one real flaw, and we're still confused as to how Ford doesn't equip its vehicles with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which would be more user-friendly and less of a drain on the company's resources.

The Ford Ranger is ideal for those who want a pickup that can handle the great outdoors while also protecting them from potential dangers on the road. But if you're looking for something simpler and more comfortable to drive and you have a thing for Japanese pickups, the Nissan Navara is the way to go.

When these considerations are weighed against one another, it's evident that the Navara is the best bakkie to purchase. For the money, it easily outperforms the competition, especially the Ford, thanks to its strong motor and superior light beams.

Conclusion

Both Nissan and Toyota offer their versions of the Navara currently. A bi-turbo V6 similar to that of the Raptor is standard equipment on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak. The all-new Colorado from Chevrolet has arrived. With a price tag of under $45,000, the VL 4x4 AT is a considerable bargain when compared to the Wildtrak's $68k sticker price. For the 2019 model year, Ford has introduced a new Wildtrak trim level above the base model.

There are a few upgrades available for a slightly higher cost on the Ranger Wildtrak X. It's powerful and loaded with features, albeit at a hefty price. Wildtrak X can't fit a regular Australian pallet since it's too narrow (1165mm minimum). The Wildtrak variants lose around a third of their tub depth (511mm) due to the roller covering housing located at the tub's far end. Without applying the brakes, the Wildtrak X can tow a trailer with a 750-kilogram gross trailer weight rating.

Price-wise, the Nissan Navara sits between the Hilux and the Ranger. It is superior to its two main rivals in almost every respect, but it does have its weaknesses. When compared to the Ford and Toyota, the Navara's twin-turbo diesel engine provides more power and torque. With coverage for 6 years or 150,000 miles, it has the best warranty in its category. The Navara VL N Warrior has fewer active safety systems than the other trim levels, but the Intelligent Mobility package is still standard.

Regardless of the engine, the Navara's 80-liter fuel tank ensures a long range with roughly identical mileage. Diesel fuel economy claims for such a dual turbo configuration range from 6.5 to 7.0 litres per hundred kilometres. The 2WD models have a payload of 1356 kg, while the 4WD king cabs can carry 1193 kg. The cabin is neat and functional, if not the most cutting-edge in terms of design. The atmosphere is significantly enhanced by the leather seats that are available.

More expensive versions emphasise functionality over form. The Ford Ranger is the perfect pickup for folks who regularly spend time in the great outdoors and value their safety on the road.

Content Summary

• It has a variety of options similar to the Nissan Navara.
• Updated models of the Navara & Hilux are now available from both Nissan and Toyota.
• Ford has released a new trim level above the base Wildtrak for the 2019 model year.
• The Ranger Wildtrak X has a few extra features for a somewhat higher price, hence the 'X.'The Wildtrak X was put through its paces in both everyday driving and heavy workloads, and we will shortly get into the specifics.
• There is a lot of room and storage up front, and the entertainment system is user-friendly.
• A number of amenities contribute to the Ford Ranger's air of quality and refinement, including projector headlights with day running LEDs, a cutting-edge touch screen info-tainment system, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a partially digital instrument cluster.
• The Navara's twin-turbo diesel engine outperforms the Ford and Toyota in terms of power and torque, respectively, for this price range.
• Navara has the most power, with 140 kW & 450 Nm.
• However, the Ranger provides its passengers with more amenities than the Nissan Navara does, with a larger display and dual-zone automated climate controls.
• In comparison to the Ford vehicle, the 2019 Nissan Navara produces 23 fewer horsepower and 50 fewer Newton-meters of torque.
• Even though the Navara VL N Warrior is equipped with fewer active safety features, vehicle still comes standard with Nissan's Intelligent Mobility package.
• The Navara's 80-liter fuel tank guarantees a long-range regardless of the engine, with nearly comparable mileage.
• The length of the single- or king-cab Navara is 5120mm, while the length of the dual-cab Navara is 5255mm.
• With the standard roof rails on the dual-cab ST-X, you can attach a roof rack to the top of your vehicle to increase storage capacity.
• But perhaps the most significant convenience improvement is that the Navara dual-cab now has two ISOFIX connection points (one for each seat in the 2nd row), allowing it to be utilised as a proper family car with adequate child restraints.
• Nissan realized it had to act when the Navara dual-cab was criticised for having poor coil spring suspension with steering worse than a growing stalactite.
• The Navara is a fantastic vehicle in regards to design, engineering, and safety measures, but the Ranger series' standard equipment puts it into a class of its own.