Nissan Navara vs Ford Ranger: High tech vs more tech, which one is better?

The Philippine pick-up truck for sale market segment is very competitive; as such, we see more and more trucks become increasingly advanced in terms of on-board tech while gaining more power.

Recently, we’ve compared Japanese pickup trucks against each other. This time, let’s shake it up a bit and pit one from an American brand that we know and love against one of the Japanese-branded ones.

So ladies and gents, here’s our spec-sheet comparison of the Nissan Navara vs Ford Ranger (VL N-Warrior and Bi-Turbo Wildtrak). Let’s get it on with Philkotse.com!

Japanese or American? Let's see which has the better specs

In terms of exterior features, the Ford Ranger is obviously more offroad ready than the Navara because of the former's locking rear differential. Also, the Ranger uses a leaf spring suspension system at the rear, which makes the vehicle more capable of carrying loads.

Note that leaf springs tend to be rigid, so prepare for a whole lot of shaking when crawling over rumble strips. The more advanced multi-link rear suspension on the Navara lets it glide through bumps a bit better, although the tradeoff comes when it engages rougher terrain.

The Ranger Wildtrak has a leaf spring rear suspension. Simple, but known to be very tough

The Nissan Navara has a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for a comfortable ride

As for their dimensions, the Wildtrak stands a bit wider, though the Navara though has a longer wheelbase, a longer body, and higher ground clearance.

As in most of our car comparo articles, we say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's up to you to decide which is more visually striking. 

Style-wise, which do you prefer? The American or the Japanese? It's all up to you

>>> Check other pick-up comparisons for further reference:

• Isuzu D Max vs Hilux
• Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux
• Isuzu D-Max vs Mazda BT-50

In terms of space, both trucks can comfortably seat five people. Electronically adjustable driver seats are standard, and both have very ergonomic and good-looking front cabins in general. The Ranger offers its passengers more toys though, with a larger touchscreen and dual-zone automatic climate controls over the manual aircon switches found on the Nissan Navara.

The only thing that mars on the otherwise great interior on the Wildtrak is its Ford SYNC 3 interface, especially when it comes to pairing using Apple CarPlay. Android Auto works decently enough.

On the other hand, the Navara offers no-fuss connectivity, whether you're using an iPhone or an Android. The touchscreen unit, however, isn’t navigation-ready and the front passenger seat doesn't feature a four-way electronically adjustable seat the way the Wildtrak does. 

Aesthetically speaking, we like the Ranger's cabin, but the Navara's cockpit isn't that bad at all

>>> Expert review of these two trucks can be found at:

• Ford Ranger Philippines Review
• Nissan Navara Philippines Review

In terms of horsepower and torque, it’s plain to see that Ford's twin-turbo diesel is superior. Both the Ford Ranger 2019 and the dune-jumping Raptor run on this powerhouse, making 213 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, unleashed as low as 1750-2000 RPM. And the 10-speed A/T enables the Wildtrak to stretch its legs on highway cruises.

Ford Ranger's engine

While still powerful, the Nissan Navara 2019 makes 23 less HP and 50 Nm less torque compared to the Ford car. While it’s still more powerful than many other pick-up trucks in the Philippines today, the Navara is simply outgunned by the Ranger in terms of raw power. That's not to say, however, that the Navara can't leave most vehicles behind in the dust.

Nissan Navara 's engine

As we said a while back, the Ranger’s rear suspension is more robust, but it tends to be on the stiffer side. The Navara’s rear suspension, on the other hand, is a bit more versatile, and can actually prove to be comfortable even on less optimal road surfaces.

Do note, however, that leaf spring suspensions like the Wildtrak's are also mechanically simpler with less moving parts, and will prove to be more durable in the long run. Leaf springs are the suspension of choice by people who actually subject their trucks to heavy-duty use, such as hauling livestock or construction materials.  

>>> Related: Navara 2021 price Philippines

Apart from the convenience features, engine and performance, the Wildtrak also comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. These include forward-collision warning, traction control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection system, ideal for easily-distracted drivers.

It also comes with an auto emergency braking system, which alerts the driver about an imminent crash and then applies the truck's full braking capability.

Nissan Navara Safety Area

While the Navara VL N-Warrior has less active safety tech on board, it does have the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite. The package is comprised of a 360-degree camera that offers a simulated view around the vehicle, hill start assists and hill descent control. Not only is it useful when parking, but some resourceful individuals have taken to using the surround camera off-road, in order to avoid obstacles such as boulders.

In terms of passive safety features though, the Ranger also one-ups the VL N-Warrior with numerous airbags.

>>> Related: 

• 2021 Nissan Navara: Expectations and what we know so far
• 2021 Ford Ranger: Expectations and what we know so far

>>> Refer to our Nissan Navara Philippines price list with estimated monthly payments

2019 Nissan Navara N-Warrior - Feature (Philippines)

Both the base variant (Navara 4x2 MT) and top-spec trims (Navara 4x4 VL AT N-Warrior) are more affordable on the Nissan. Be that as it may, the Ranger has a more even distribution of safety and convenience features throughout the range.

It's looking like the Ford offers more value, despite its more expensive price tag. The Ford Ranger XLS Sport trim is probably one of the best buy trucks you can get these days for the price.

While the Nissan Navara is indeed an excellent vehicle in terms of looks, mechanical innards and safety features, the onboard tech on the Ranger lineup puts it in a league of its own. The only downside to the Ford is its SYNC 3 interface; we’re still baffled as to why Ford refuses to give their vehicles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which could be more cost-efficient for them and less stressful to the end-user.

If you prefer a truck that can rough it while looking out for you on the road with its driver-assist features, the Ranger is right up your alley. On the other hand, if you want a more straightforward, comfortable drive, and you happen to prefer a Japanese truck, then choose the Nissan Navara.

So which one do you prefer, the glorious Japanese truck...

or the rough-and-tumble American rig?

For more models from other brands, please check out our Car for sale section.