How did Nissan manage to increase the 2021 Navara's payload capacity? 

Updated Mar 22, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive FYIs

The Navara just got more versatile. 

The 2021 Nissan Navara is now available in the Philippines. It comes with a lot of improvements, the most obvious of which is the more aggressive front fascia. The Navara also gets a new steering wheel and the addition of numerous safety features. This facelifted model however, goes beyond those as Nissan has provided it a way to carry more weight.  

A picture of the 2021 Navara PRO-4X at Paoay Sand Dunes

The 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X variant

So how did the Japanese carmaker do that? Well, other than improving the chassis and its suspension mounting points, Nissan also gave the Navara’s rear suspension system a set of dual rate coil springs.  

For those unaware, dual rate coil springs are designed to provide riding comfort while providing the capability to carry heavier loads. To do this, it uses a primary spring with a softer initial rate, and a second stiffer spring. Whenever the truck is loaded to, or near its maximum capacity, the said springs hit a transition point where it shifts to use the secondary heavy-duty springs.  

At the most, the 2021 Navara can carry up to 1,043 kg (Navara VE AT). The top-of-the-line PRO-4X variant on the other hand can carry up to 1,017 kg, while the luxurious and classy-looking VL 4x4 AT can carry up to 1,016 kg. 

A picture of the Navara's bed with the tailgate open

Besides having more payload capacity, Nissan also added tie points to the bed of the 2021 Navara

With the addition of the dual rate coil springs, the default stance of the 2021 Navara has a raised rear end. Whenever one loads it up to capacity though, the rear portion of the truck lowers down to the level of the rest of the truck. To sum it up, the dual rate coil springs not only improves payload capacity, but also improves the look of the truck when viewed from the side, even when loaded. 

Furthermore, this presents a lot of advantages for a possible truck buyer. This is because the 2021 Navara in general already comes with a lot of comfort and safety features. Combined with the excellent payload capacity, this makes the Nissan-made truck one of the most versatile in its class in the market today.  

A picture of several Navara's parked on the side of a road

From any angle, the Navara PRO-4X looks great too

And of course, we cannot help but point out the fact that the PRO-4X, VE 4x4, and the VL 4x4 are also capable to go offroad. Combined with the Navara’s dual rate coil springs, this opens up a lot of possibilities. Take for example carrying or towing boats and other watercraft for beach launches, carrying lots of supplies and goods into hard-to-reach places, and even long-range adventures out in the provinces. As a whole, the 2021 Navara didn’t just get more macho, it’s definitely more versatile as well.  

If you’re interested in the 2021 Nissan Navara, do check out its car guide page for more details on pricing. For more automotive industry news, car reviews, and helpful car maintenance guides, keep it here on Philkotse.com. 

Know more about Nissan Navara 2024

Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara is a pickup truck that is available in the Philippines. Nissan Navara 2024 Philippines price starting from Php 1,115,000 to Php 1,915,000. This price range is covered within the truck's nine variants, with the PRO-4X as the most expensive Navara. Under the hood, the Japanese pickup is powered by a 2.5-liter YD25DDTi inline-4 DOHC turbodiesel engine. Depending on the variant, the horsepower ranges from 161 to 190, while the torque in newton meters varies from 403 to 450. Either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission is paired to the engine.

Dimensions-wise, the Navara spans 5,260 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,855 mm in height, with the wheelbase rated at 3,150 mm. In addition, the bed dimensions (L x W x H x H) are 1,470 mm long, 1,495 mm wide, and 470 mm and 520 mm in height. Locally, this pickup truck competes against the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Strada.

 

Nissan Navara Launch

The Nissan Navara got its name from a region in Northern Spain, the Navarre. Its first-generation model was released in 1997 and got a facelift in 2000, while the second generation was unveiled in 2004 featuring a redesigned compact body with the Nissan F-Alpha platform.

And now, Nissan Philippines introduced the facelifted model of the third-generation model of the midsize pickup truck this 2024. The Japanese carmaker adds the new top-of-the-line variant called PRO-4X which comes with exclusive exterior and interior details that can separate it from its competitors in terms of styling. Nissan's truck currently competes against the Toyota HiluxIsuzu D-MaxFord Ranger, among others.

Nissan Navara Exterior

The biggest visual change on the 2024 Navara is found on the front end. It gains a larger grille, a more angular front bumper, and a new pair of quad LED headlights. Looking at the new front end, especially on the top-spec Pro-4X, reminds us of the Nissan Titan for the American market. Other front fascia changes include the new headlamps are the new, daytime running lamps, which assume a futuristic, angular design

Nissan Navara front view

2024 Nissan Navara facelift

Moving on towards the rear, the midsize pickup truck gains a more modern-looking tailgate. The taillights feature a revamped design that features a C-shaped LED lighting element. In terms of style, the Pro-4X is clearly the most imposing with its black-colored grille and trim pieces. For an additional splash of color, this trim also receives orange accents found on the over-fenders, as well as the faux-recovery hooks on the plastic skid plate.

Nissan Navara Interior

When the facelift model was introduced in the Philippines, much of the interior remained the same as compared to the outgoing model. The door cards are a combination of soft and hard surfaces, but the dashboard is still mostly made out of textured, sturdy plastic. Zero gravity-type seats are installed in the cabin with the VL and PRO-4X variants utilizing leather, while the lower-trim VE and EL variants come with fabric.

Nissan Navara interior view

Interior view of the Nissan Navara

Standard features in the 2024 Nissan Navara include two cupholders and bottle holders each in the front and the rear, four USB ports for charging, high type meter with a 7-inch color TFT display (except for the base EL variant only), an armrest for the rear passengers, and door pockets in the front and rear.

Technology & Safety Features

All variants except the entry-level EL come with a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents. The Pro-4X, VL, and VE also get an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Aux-in, and USB connectivity. For the aforementioned variants, the infotainment system is linked to six speakers for entertainment while cruising down Philippines roads. Meanwhile, the EL variant gets the 2-DIN with four speakers.

Nissan Navara infotainment screen

The 8-inch infotainment screen

Standard on all trim levels of the Nissan Navara is six airbags. This includes dual front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Also standard across all trims are vehicle dynamic control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child seat tethers, speed-sensing door locks, a car alarm, and an engine immobilizer.  

Platform & Chassis

The Nissan Navara is manufactured using a rigid body-on-frame structure and the Nissan F-Alpha Platform (D23). A 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrain version is available locally. For suspension, it is built with an independent Double Wishbone paired with a coil spring and stabilizer bar at the front, and a five-link coil spring with a stabilizer at the back. Braking is assisted by ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear.

Nissan Navara rear view

It is built for the off-road

We happen to put the Japanese car brand's pickup truck to the test by driving it on the famous Paoay Sand Dunes in the Philippines. The truck's stability and control are outstanding, especially with the use of its 4x4 system complemented with a differential lock for seamlessly riding through steep and uneven roads.

Engine & Drivetrain

Making its return for the Nissan Navara Philippines’s midcycle refresh is the 2.5-liter YD25 inline-4 turbodiesel engine. Of note, there are two tunes for this engine. For all the variants except the EL, the said engine can make up to 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, while the EL’s 2.5-liter mill makes a bit less at 163 horsepower and 403 Nm of torque. It can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic (with a manual mode) transmission.

Nissan Navara engine view

Ready to take on road challenges

Available colors for the Nissan Navara are Galaxy Black, Fiery Red, Stealth Pearl Gray, Aspen Pearl White, Forged Metallic Copper, Lunar Metallic Gray, Brilliant Silver, and Alpine White.

One can say that the Nissan Navara leads the segment in terms of suspension against the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux thanks to its coil spring setup.

Nissan Navara Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Tough powertrain

  • Uses coil springs for the front and rear

  • Nissan Intelligent Mobility

 
  • No available cab & chassis configuration

  • Mid-spec VL wheels look odd

  • Bedliner is not standard even in PRO-4X

Nissan Navara FAQs

1. What are the overall dimensions of the Nissan Navara?

Its length comes standard as 5,255mm long across the range. However, its width and height vary depending on the variant.

2. Does the Nissan Navara offer a spacious interior?

Yes, a roomy interior is a plus point of the Navara. The pickup offers a wide head and legroom for 5 fully-grown people.

3. Is the Nissan Navara a reliable pickup truck?

Yes, the Navara has spanned through over 20 years of production. It comes equipped with a very reliable engine, as well as a very robust chassis.

4. How much does the Nissan Navara 2024 cost?

The Nissan Navara costs approximately Php 1,115,000 to Php 1,915,000 depending on the variants.

5. In terms of safety features, how many airbags do all the variants of the Nissan Navara 2023 have?

All the variants of the Nissan Navara are equipped with 6 airbags.

 

₱ 1,071,000 - ₱ 1,811,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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