Nissan is known for producing some of the best SUVs in the world, and the Nissan Navara has been a fixture in its range for many years now. This compact pickup truck is suitable for a variety of different drivers thanks to its numerous configurations and adaptable nature. With four cab types, three-bed lengths, two fuel types, and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the features of this brilliant little workhorse…
What’s new?
There are no major changes to the 2019 Nissan Navara compared to the previous model year. This pickup truck has been in production for a long time now, and although Nissan has made a few minor adjustments along the way, there’s been no major overhaul since the 2011 model year. This truck is set to remain in the Nissan lineup for a few more years yet, but it won’t be around forever.
When the time comes for a new model, hopefully, Nissan will have something truly innovative up its sleeves.
Engine & Transmission
The engine powering the Nissan Navara has been in use for many years now, and although it’s proven to be reliable, it’s perhaps not the most exciting option on the market. This diesel motor produces a respectable 159 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque, and it’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
There was a time when a manual was the only option, but now Nissan has added an automatic as a new engine option. This has three fewer gears than the manual, so it’s not ideal for off-roading, but it’s a great option for daily driving.
Interior and Exterior
The interior of the Nissan Navara is simple and functional, but there’s nothing wrong with that. The dashboard is well-stitched, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. While the Navara is not the best truck in the world for long road trips, it’s ideal for daily commuting thanks to its relatively low running costs and excellent fuel economy.
The Navara has a relatively small bed, but if you opt for the crew cab version, there’s more than enough space for most jobs. The exterior of the Navara is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s certainly eye-catching, but some might find it a bit gaudy. It certainly stands out from the crowd, and if you like the design, you’ll love the Navara’s bright orange LED lights.
Features & Options
The Navara comes in six different trims that come with a myriad of different features. The base model is the S, which comes with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, a six-speaker sound system, a rear-view camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, and keyless entry and start. Moving up to the SV adds fog lights, push-button start, NissanConnect infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
At the top of the range is the PRO-4X, which comes with a host of off-road features, including an electronic locking rear differential, an electronic traction control system, a raised suspension, and extra ground clearance. The Navara has a well-priced options list, so you can pretty much get the exact model you want for your budget.
Pros and Cons
There are a lot of great things about the Nissan Navara, but it’s not perfect. For starters, it’s not the best off-roader on the market. If you’re planning on taking it off-road on a regular basis, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s not that it can’t handle some mild off-roading; it’s just not designed for it. If you use your truck for work, it’s hard to beat the Navara’s fuel economy, low running costs, and simple maintenance schedule.
It’s also great value for money, so it’s a good option if you want to keep your costs down. There are just a couple of minor issues that prevent the Navara from being a truly great truck.
Conclusion
The Nissan Navara has been a popular choice for many years now, and it’s easy to see why. This pickup truck is reliable, comfortable, and great value for money. If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful work truck, you can’t go wrong with the Navara. It’s not the best in any department, but you wouldn’t expect it to be at this price point.
This is the kind of truck that you buy and forget about for years, only having to replace the occasional tire or replace the oil and filters every so often. If you want a truck that will last, the Navara is a great choice.