Which 2021 Nissan Navara variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

Nissan Philippines has revealed the Nissan Navara 2021. And as we’ve seen so far, this mid-cycle facelift offers a lot to those looking for a comfortable, good-looking, but also a tough pickup truck. It’s still the same third-gen D23 model, but Nissan has given it a lot of technological updates. 

Like many entrants to the ever-competitive Philippine truck market, the Nissan Navara has a lot of variants, eight to be exact. So, which one is the right one for you? Just how different are they from each other? We’ll answer that for your benefit as a future pickup truck buyer.  

Note though that Nissan won’t be releasing the 2021 Navara’s official prices until the said models digital launch on March 21.

2021 Nissan Navara Variants: Exterior 

Size-wise, the Navara variants have some differences. In terms of length, it’s all uniform on all variants at 5,260 mm. When it comes to width however, the top-spec Pro-4X is the widest at 1,875 mm, while the rest of the variants have a 1,850 mm width.

There are also variations in height. The VL 4x4 is the tallest at 1,860 mm, followed by the Pro-4X at 1,855 mm, the VL 4x2 at 1,845 mm, and the VE 4x4 at 1,825 mm. The shortest in height is the entry-level VE variants with a height of 1,810 mm. 

The 2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X

Ground clearance is also different across the Navara’s variant lineup. The Pro-4X and the VL 4x4 have 220 mm, the VL 4x2 has 225 mm, the VE has 220 mm, and the EL has the most ground clearance at 245 mm.  

Moving on to wheels, the Pro-4X uses a 17-inch black-colored alloy set wrapped with all-terrain tires. The VL has all-season tires and 18-inch alloy wheels. The VE also uses all-season tires but uses 17-inch alloys instead. The EL in turn uses a 17-inch set of steel wheels.

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The 2021 Nissan Navara VE with accessories

Looks-wise, the Navara Pro-4X stands out with its black-themed trim pieces. It also comes with orange accents found on its over-fenders and on its lower bumper. The rest in turn features a combination of chrome trim pieces, and body color parts.  

When it comes to exterior equipment, it’s a bit more uniform. The Pro-4X, VL, and VE variants are all equipped with quad LED projector lamps, LED front foglamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights, and a side-step board. The Pro-4X and VL however, do come with rain-sensing wipers. The EL on the other hand is the simplest Navara variant. It uses halogen headlamps, and it lacks DRLs and fog lamps. Lastly, only the Pro-4X and the VL are equipped with roof rails. 

The 2021 Nissan Navara VL variant

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2021 Nissan Navara Variants: Interior 

Inside, the Pro-4X uses Zero Gravity Type seats with manual adjustment. It does have unique Pro-4X stitching and interior details. The VL however, also has the same type of leather seats without the accent stitching, but the one for the driver is electronically adjustable, and has a lumbar function. The rest of the variant lineup meanwhile, also gets Zero Gravity type seats with manual adjustment and are wrapped in fabric. 

For on-board entertainment, all variants except for the entry-level EL, are given an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is linked to six speakers, and it’s also capable of handling Bluetooth streaming and calling, and it can also connect via USB, and Aux. 

Inside the Nissan Navara Pro-4X

The EL, on the other hand, has a simpler 2-DIN head unit with four speakers but it does have Bluetooth. 

For comfort, all variants except the EL gets a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents. The EL in turn utilizes a manual air-conditioning system that also has rear vents.  

For driver amenities, cruise control and a push to start button is present on the Pro-4X, VL, and VE. Only the Pro-4X and VL however comes equipped with a keyless entry system.

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2021 Nissan Navara Variants: Engine and performance 

The 2021 Navara still uses the 2.5-liter YD25 inline-4 turbodiesel engine. On the Pro-4X, VL, and VE variants, the said engine can make up to 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. On the entry-level EL, the said engine makes less power at 163 horsepower and 403 Nm of torque.  

The 2021 Navara's 2.5-liter YD25 inline-4 turbodiesel engine

For transmission, the Navara gets a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode, or a six-speed manual transmission. The Pro-4X only gets the automatic gearbox, while the entry-level is only available with the aforementioned manual gearbox.

The VL on the other hand has both transmissions for both 4x4 and 4x2 versions, whereas the VL 4x2 only has the seven-speed automatic gearbox, and the VE 4x4 in turn is only available with the manual gearbox.

Moving on to drivetrains, the Pro-4X, the VL, and the VE can be had with a 4x4 drivetrain. These also come with multiple drive modes namely the standard 4x2 mode, a 4x4 low mode and a 4x4 high mode. The VL and VE are also available with a 4x2 drivetrain, but the entry-level EL is only available with a 4x2.

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2021 Nissan Navara Variants: Safety 

When it comes to safety, Nissan has found a way to provide more variants with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite. The Pro-4X and the VL variants are both equipped with the said system. For those unaware, this safety suite includes hill start assist and hill descent control, moving object detection, an around-view monitor, high beam assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot warning, driver attention alert, and the intelligent emergency braking system. Note though that the VL 4x2 variant lacks the off-road monitor function, and it also doesn’t have hill descent control. 

Standard on all 2021 Navara variants are dual front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Also equipped on the entire variant lineup are anti-lock braking with electronic brake assist, ISOFIX tethering points, and an anti-theft system. However, only the Pro-4X and VL come with parking sensors. 

2021 Nissan Navara Variants: Price

2021 Nissan Navara Variants: Conclusion 

With the 2021 update, we’re of the opinion that choosing a Navara variant is much easier. This is especially true if choosing one to function as a family car. Its passive safety has been updated significantly with more airbags, and is available as a standard on all variants. Even the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite is now standard on three variants. There are some slight variances, but these will definitely attract a lot of takers. 

The 2021 Nissan Navara from the side. Check out those wheels

More Navara trims also have better off-road capability, utility, and practicality. Even the touchscreen is now available on more variants.  

Speaking of off-roading though, the Pro-4X is definitely geared toward this out of the factory. Sure, there are other 4x4 trims, but the top-spec Pro-4X already comes ready with all-terrain tires plus the off-road monitor.  

The VL trims, on the other hand, range from off-road capable to luxurious and classy, while the VE is a more comfortable but utilitarian pickup truck. The entry-level EL is of course the most work-oriented variant of the Navara, but it does get some creature comforts that many would appreciate. 

For more updates on the Nissan Navara, stay posted here on Philkotse.com.