Accelerating to awesome
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The Nissan Navara feels like it’s been around forever. While that would sometimes be a sign that a vehicle was quite outdated, the Navara somewhat justified its long run - it finally went off sale in the UK in 2021 - by being rugged, dependable, and practical, everything you need from a pickup truck.
Like others in this class it also got far better over time at the other aspect of pickup life: serving as something buyers could drive every day, as well as just for work. So higher-spec models come with plenty of equipment, and later Navaras in particular have the kind of kit you’d normally find in cars, such as touchscreen infotainment systems, parking sensors and dual-zone air conditioning. Their popularity means that while the Navara is no longer on sale, there’s a wide choice of used models available.
A generous payload is one of the Navara’s greatest strengths, as every model is rated for at least 1100kg. It’s pretty good at towing too, with a 3500kg braked trailer rating, while four-wheel drive, torquey diesel engines, and plenty of ground clearance all make this a truck to consider if not all your driving will be on paved roads.
At the same time, Nissan knew that buyers would use their trucks on the road too, and independent rear suspension means it’s actually a little smoother than some rivals, while the 2.3-litre diesel engines provide enough punch to get down the road at a decent rate. If you’re coming from an SUV then it’ll still seem a little unsophisticated, noisy and imprecise, but it’s really not bad by truck standards.
The same can be said of the interior. It’s a little dated, and not up to the standard of SUVs of equivalent price, while ultimately having a load bed rather than a boot results in some compromises. But it’s actually quite spacious and comfortable, and later models get car-like levels of equipment - provided you go for higher trim levels, as lower-spec Navaras are very much designed as working vehicles, and their specifications are more van-like.
The Navara had plenty of competition when it was around, and all those trucks are still available on the used market: think models like the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok, and SsangYong Musso. The VW feels a little more sophisticated and the Musso may cost you less, but the Nissan does strike a good balance of abilities in this class.
If you’re buying a Navara as a family car as much as a working vehicle, then you’ll probably want to look at N-Connecta trim and up, which has more car-like features such as a rear-view camera, keyless entry, a smattering of chrome trim, and a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Models below this will feel a little low-rent, but these more basic ones are much likely to make you wince as you bounce them over muddy building sites. Both diesel engines do the job, though an automatic gearbox is only available on the more powerful 190PS version.
Like many pickups, the range here is split between models primarily aimed at back-to-basics working use, and those which are effectively dual-purpose, used as work vehicles during the week but also potentially doing family duties the rest of the time. More expensive models look a lot smarter as a result, and pack much more equipment.
The Nissan Navara’s exterior dimensions are:
The Nissan Navara’s maximum payload is:
The Nissan Navara’s load bed dimensions are:
While the specification list for some Navaras might be designed to rival conventional SUVs, it’s still classed as a commercial vehicle by the government, and that currently means a VED bill of £335 per year, as of 2024/2025.
Also in common with other pickups, insurance can seem a little expensive when compared to regular SUVs - even the most basic models start at group 36, which is steep for something with the equipment list of an entry-level supermini. Most of the range sits in groups 37-38, while the N-Guard is rated at group 41.
£19,794
inc. VAT
£18,490
£18,999
What is the most popular colour for Nissan Navara ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Nissan Navara ?
What is the most popular fuel type for Nissan Navara ?
What is the most popular engine for Nissan Navara ?
What is the average mileage for Nissan Navara ?
53500
How many Nissan Navara cars are available for sale?
16