2022 Nissan Navara Pro-4X review

The Nissan Navara stands out from a crowded field of dual-cab utes by offering a coil spring rear suspension set-up that promises to provide Navara owners with a better on-road driving experience.

But is it enough to make the Navara a compelling option for those wanting a daily driveable ute and can this Pro-4X variant do enough to stand out when compared to its Premcar-tweaked Warrior flagship sibling?

JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it, and what do you get?
• How do rivals compare on value?
• Interior comfort, space and storage
• What’s the payload and is the tray practical?
• What is it like to drive?
• How is it on fuel?
• What are the ownership costs?
• VERDICT
• Specifications

How much is it, and what do you get?

Nissan launched this generation of Navara back in 2015 but towards the end of 2021, it was refreshed with a bold new look and some useful active safety gear.

That update also saw the Pro-4X replace the N-Trek at the top of the regular model range and it’s that variant we have on test here, priced at $58,730 before on-road costs (or $65,680 drive-away).

Its 2.3-litre turbo diesel matches the likes of the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 for both power and torque with 140kW/450Nm.

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How do rivals compare on value?

Sitting atop the non-Premcar Navara totem pole, the Pro-4X is a natural rival for many of the more expensive dual-cab ute variants currently available. However, it undercuts core models like the Ford Ranger Sport and XLT Bi-Turbo ($66,690 and $61,190 respectively before on-road costs) on price.

Its closest price rival is the Isuzu D-Max LS-U which wears a sticker price of $59,000 before on-road costs for the manual and offers a similarly utilitarian (if well-equipped) style of ute.

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Interior comfort, space and storage

Nissan’s offering is arguably one of the most visually impressive exteriors on the market and the same can very much be said for the interior. Sports seats with leather trim look both rugged and attractive, especially with their neat Pro-4X embroidered branding.

The small sporty steering wheel continues the theme with a pleasant leather-like covering and a single USB-C socket indicating that its interior is one of the most contemporary, along with two USB-A ports and a 12-volt socket. We also particularly like the single central electric rear window that would allow dog owners to chat with a four-legged friend in the tray.

An 8.0-inch display looks a little dated, takes nine seconds to boot up and the graphics aren’t the freshest, but once up and running it is one of the fastest-responding systems.

While this Navara initially appears highly specced, many switch blanks around the cabin suggest a few options are missing, seats are manually adjusted and there’s no suitable spot for a smartphone (there is a cute side pocket for the front passenger).

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Speaking of seating, we were unable to find a comfortable position in Navara, with the seat being too high and the wheel both too low and lacking reach adjustment. We also found it to have one of the nosier interiors of the current dual-cab field in terms of road and wind noise, something exacerbated by the Yokohama Geolandar A/T 255/65 R17 110H tyres.

It’s also worth noting that the Navara is one of only three models that doesn’t offer an off-road-focused grab handle on the driver’s side. Redeeming functional features include 100mm of headroom in the front row and generous door pocket storage.

Rear-seat accommodation is equally middle of the road. With 30mm of knee room and just 10mm of headroom, it’s a little on the tight side, with poor under-thigh support and no pockets in the front seatbacks. There are, however, a pair of 82mm cup holders in the fold-down armrest, little intrusion from the transmission tunnel and tinted rear windows.

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What’s the payload and is the tray practical?

The Navara uses a five-channel Utili-Track system in the tray, which is a clever addition that enables you to manually reposition tie-down points within the tub so that all shapes and sizes of stuff can be strapped down. It's an intuitive system that is simple in its operation.

Another tick for the Navara is that it will take a payload of more than a tonne (1004kg). Plus, the Nissan can fit 1134mm between the rear wheelarches.

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What is it like to drive?

While the coil-sprung rear suspension of the Navara means it offers one of the better ride qualities of the dual-cab segment, we found its steering wasn’t quite up to scratch. It is heavy and sluggish at low speeds, while simultaneously being vague and light at freeway speeds.

However, the Navara is redeemed by a strong engine that will spin all the way to 5500rpm without any noticeable tapering of power at the top end. This imbues the dual-cab with a muscular feel and nature that is matched by the Nissan's roadholding capabilities on loose surfaces.

We drove on unsealed dirt roads and found the Navara to be one of the most confidence-inspiring in tricky conditions.

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How is it on fuel?

During testing, the Navara Pro-4X used 9.83L/100km.

That sits it near the more efficient end of the consumption spectrum, within the same ballpark as the likes of the Mazda BT-50 (9.3L/100km), Toyota HiLux SR5 (9.5L/100km), and Isuzu D-Max LS-U (9.65L/100km).

It is more efficient than both the four-cylinder Ranger XLT (11.28L/100km) and V6 Sport variant (11.75L/100km).

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What are the ownership costs?

Nissan offers six years of capped-price servicing for its Navara, with intervals listed at 12 months or 20,000km.

Prices for automatic variants start at a fraction over $500 for the first service and max out at $782 on the sixth. Servicing costs for manual models are marginally higher.

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VERDICT

Nissan’s Navara Pro-4X offers good value for money in the dual-cab segment with a cleverly designed tray and tough-feeling engine.

However, the non-Premcar flagship is chiefly let down by boomy interior refinement and a lacklustre steering calibration that manages to be too heavy and sluggish at slower speeds and too vague and light at highway speeds.

We would recommend the Navara for buyers that want a high payload, practical tray, and frequently drive on unsealed roads.

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Nissan Navara Pro-4X specifications

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