Nissan has just introduced a mid-cycle refresh of its Navara nameplate. While it’s not the all-new model that many have been thinking of, it does bring a host of improvements, chief of which is a new range-topping trim called the Pro-4X.
Old vs new (front): Nissan Navara
It’s been six years since the current generation broke cover after all, and the last major update was in 2018 that saw the addition of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite. Placing the new Navara pickup side by side with the old, let’s see how it stacks up against the outgoing model.
2021 Nissan Navara Old vs New: Exterior
Compared with the old versions, the Nissan Navara 2016 for sale, for example, the new Navara’s fascia is graced by a bigger and redesigned grate, flanked on either side by 3D trim pieces in an altered version of the trademark V-motion grille.
The leading edge of the muscular hood brings a prominent chrome trim stamped with the Navara branding, completing a look that resembles the U.S.-market Titan truck.
Old vs new (exterior): Nissan Navara
Sharper LED daytime running lights surround the revamped headlamps, which now sport a quadrant pattern. The fog lamps have been moved higher along the front bumper on vertical housings, and the black contrast skid plate with trim pieces gives off a more offroad-oriented appearance.
Revised headlamps and DRLs light the way for the new Navara
Along the sides, the 2021 Nissan Navara retains the profile of the old, including the beltline that rises just before the C-pillar. At the rear, there’s a new sculpted tailgate paired with revised LED taillamp clusters on top of a redesigned bumper. The Pro-4X adds visual muscle with extra body cladding on the wheel arches.
Six-spoke two-tone alloy wheels are a new option on the regular variants, which are completely blacked out on the Pro-4X with all-terrain tires. Curiously, the refreshed pickup doesn’t carry Nissan’s new corporate logo yet.
A redesigned rear bumper makes it easier to load cargo
2021 Nissan Navara Old vs New: Interior
Inside, fans and owners of the current Nissan Navara can easily find their way around, since the new model largely retains the previous layout. There’s a sportier feel with the addition of a three-spoke steering wheel normally found on Nissan’s passenger cars.
Room for up to five passengers remains the same, with the Pro-4X carrying textured leather seats featuring orange contrast stitching.
Old vs new (interior): Nissan Navara
2021 Nissan Navara Old vs New: Tech & Safety
Drivers take command of a bigger 7-inch multi-information display on the instrument cluster, with an upgraded menu of onboard settings. Increased soundproofing complements the laminated front windows and windshield, the better for occupants to appreciate the sounds coming from the 8-inch infotainment system.
The new Navara still comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility, now with additional features such as Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Emergency Braking.
The standard Intelligent Around View Monitor now has an off-road monitor, that scans the surroundings for obstacles when the vehicle is crawling in four-wheel-drive mode.
Old vs new (gauge cluster): Nissan Navara
>>> Related: 2021 Nissan Navara: Expectations and what we know so far
2021 Nissan Navara Old vs New: Powertrain
The current Navara uses a 2.5L turbodiesel engine with two states of tune: 161 hp and 403 Nm of torque on the base and mid-range variants, while the top-spec trim benefits from 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
The new Navara retains this setup, while select markets get a smaller 2.3L twin-turbo diesel that produces the higher output. A 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic are standard.
The new Navara still offers the same 2.5L turbodiesel as the outgoing model
>>> Related: 2020 SsangYong Musso Grand vs Nissan Navara Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle
Under the sheet metal, Nissan claims to have reinforced the rear axle on the new Navara for increased payload capacity, coupled with added cargo bed volume. Low-speed maneuverability has also been bumped up, thanks to a revised steering rack.
The refreshed Nissan Navara goes on sale in the Thai market by December 2020 following its upcoming debut, with other markets to follow next year. Here’s hoping that the Philippines brings in the new Navara sooner rather than later.
Pick up more details on the most popular trucks in the market at Philkotse.com.