There’s an argument that a four-wheel-drive pick-up truck is the ultimate do-anything vehicle – and the Nissan Navara is one of the best. It’s extremely capable at carrying loads and tackling tough terrain, yet the higher-spec models are as comfortable and well-equipped as many upmarket cars.
There are no shortage of pick-up rivals on the market including the ever popular Toyota Hilux, the strong and good value Isuzu D-Max and the Ford Ranger, but the Nissan Navara makes a case for itself as the best of the bunch.
If the Nissan Navara pick-up sounds like the kind of vehicle you need in your life, you’re in the right place to find out everything you need to know. You can’t actually buy or lease a new Nissan Navara anymore, as it hasn’t been sold in the UK since 2021. However, it sold pretty well while it was available, so there are plenty of used examples to choose from.
If you need to carry lots of stuff, the Nissan Navara should be right near the top of your shopping list. Every model has a payload of at least 1,100kg and can tow 3,500kg (albeit not at the same time). It’s not afraid of hard work and is a very capable off-roader, too. There are few places that a Nissan Navara can’t reach.
That capability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, though. Car-like independent rear suspension gives a much smoother ride than many other pick-ups, and the Nissan Navara feels similar to an SUV to drive. Double Cab models offer reasonably generous space for five adults on comfy seats, while the top-of-the-range trim levels (by far the most popular) are very well-equipped.
The engines also provide quite sprightly acceleration and very good fuel economy by pick-up standards. All of this generation of Nissan Navaras (known as the NP300) use a 2.3-litre diesel engine, but you have a choice of power outputs, along with manual or automatic gearboxes. There’s a broad selection of trim levels, ranging from quite basic to positively lavish. As mentioned, the higher-spec models were the most popular.
Whether you need a hard-wearing work truck or a go-anywhere, do-anything family vehicle, the Nissan Navara is ready for anything. Its high payload and relative fuel-efficiency may seal the deal for business owners. For families, it’s the comfort and generous standard features that count most.
To buy, the Nissan Navara costs about the same as most other double cab pick-ups. It’s decent value considering its capability and specification. It won’t cost much to run, and is very robust and reliable. Retained values are strong – there are fewer new pick-ups available these days, and demand for used examples is very high.
Other pick-ups you could consider include the Volkswagen Amarok, the durable Mitsubishi L200 and even the good value SsangYong Musso. They all have points in their favour, but the Nissan Navara is a really strong all-rounder. We’d suggest booking a few test-drives before you buy.
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Standard kit on the Nissan Navara is good enough that you won’t feel too hard done by on any of the models, but if you want it to fulfil more than one role in its working life then it’s worth going up to N-Connecta. This mid-range trim brings kit like a rear-view camera, keyless entry and start, chrome details and a touchscreen.
This comes with navigation too, but you also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can use your phone as an alternative nav too.
Tekna, the top-level trim, only really adds cosmetic features so whether you go for this one is more a matter of personal preference than practicality.
Nissan Navara 2.3 dCi 163 diesel – This version of the Navara's 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine develops 163PS, which is enough to accelerate the truck from 0-62mph in 12.5 seconds. It’s only available with a six-speed manual gearbox and official CO2 emissions are 184g/km.
Nissan Navara 2.3 dCi 190 diesel – The more powerful 190PS version of the 2.3-litre engine gets the Nissan Navara from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds – pretty swift for a big truck. Choose between six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes. CO2 emissions are 184g/km with the manual or 194g/km with the auto.
The trim levels at the lower end of the Navara range are intended as purely working vehicles. The higher trim levels are aimed at private buyers looking for a practical ‘lifestyle’ vehicle – and are by far the most popular on the used market.
Nissan Navara Visia: In Visia guise, the Nissan Navara is very much a working truck, with simple styling and a hard-wearing interior. It still has the features you really need, though, including air conditioning, Bluetooth and cruise control.
Nissan Navara Acenta: Chrome exterior trim makes the Acenta look a bit smarter. It has extra safety features and there are movable tie-down points in the load bed.
Nissan Navara Acenta+: Available early in the Navara's life, the Acenta+ added extra features over the Acenta of the time, including 18-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera and automatic air conditioning
Nissan Navara N-Connecta: Now we’re getting into the trim levels that will appeal to private buyers as much as businesses. N-Connecta looks and feels much more car-like, with standard features including sat-nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone air-con and a rear-view camera.
Nissan Navara Tekna: Tekna adds a touch of luxury, with leather upholstery and heated front seats. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable, too, and rear parking sensors are fitted.
Nissan Navara N-Guard: The limited-run Nissan Navara N-Guard has a package of unique styling details, all finished in black. Standard features match Tekna, but with an added sunroof.
The Nissan Navara’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 5,280-5,330mm (depending on model)
Width: 1,850mm
Height: 1,824-1,855mm (depending on model)
Ground clearance: 219-223mm (depending on model)
The Nissan Navara’s maximum payload is 1115-1180kg, also depending on the model chosen. The Nissan Navara’s load bed dimensions are:
Length: 1,585mm
Width: 1,560mm (1,130mm between the rear wheelarches)
Depth: 498mm
The Nissan Navara is classed as a commerical vehicle, rather than a car. This means it pays tax differently, and attracts a flat rate of £320/year.
The Nissan Navara is potentially quite expensive to insure. Entry-level models start at insurance group ratings 36 (out of 50), while most models sit in groups 37 and 38. The top-spec N-Guard model is in group 41.