2021 Nissan Navara packs twin-turbo diesel in Thailand

Updated Dec 02, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Some markets just have all the luck.

In the Southeast Asian region, Thailand is known as the home of the pickup truck. The country accounts for more than 70 percent of production and 30 percent of global sales, second only to the United States.

Built for both private and business use, there’s no vehicle more versatile for Thais than the pickup, and they have no shortage of choices to choose from.

2021 Nissan Navara front profile shot

The 2021 Nissan Navara is now for sale in Thailand

>>> Related: 2021 Nissan Navara: Expectations and what we know so far

It comes as no surprise then that Thai customers always get the most complete and drool-worthy feature set on their rigs. For the 2021 Nissan Navara, this means that the most powerful engine in the lineup gets to roar on Thai roads.

We’re talking about a 2.3L twin-turbo diesel mill that yields 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque, working with a 7-speed automatic gearbox. There’s a good chance that this engine will be under the hood of the Philippine-spec version.

In this scenario, the Nissan Navara could be the third pickup in our market to offer two scrolls on its oil burner, after the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor.  

Navara engine

A 2.5L single-turbo diesel is still among the engine choices for the new pickup

If that much power sounds a little excessive for you, the 2021 Navara also comes with slightly tamer 2.3L and 2.5L single turbo diesel engines, each making 163 hp and 403 Nm of torque. These are mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. 

Apart from the revised exterior as well as interior and tech upgrades, the 2021 Nissan Navara also comes with PRO-2X and PRO-4X variants, a first for the nameplate.

These are exterior upgrade packages for the 4x2 and 4x4 variants respectively, featuring black grilles and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, as well as suspension upgrades. A black interior is also standard, embellished with the PRO-4X emblem on the leather seats.

>>> Related: 2021 Nissan Navara Old vs New: Spot the differences

Navara standard

The new model hits overseas markets by 2021

Once the 2021 Navara hits overseas markets next year, we hope that Nissan places the Philippines high on its list, given our proximity to Thailand. After all, that would be the neighborly thing to do.

Pick up more relevant updates on most-anticipated models at 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 2025 Philippines price starting from Php 1,115,000 to Php 1,865,000. 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 2025. 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 Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, among others.

Nissan Navara Exterior

The biggest visual change on the 2025 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

2025 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 2025 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 2025 Price List

 Variants Price
Nissan Navara 2.5 EL MT 4x2 ₱1,115,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VE Calibre MT 4x2 ₱1,320,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VE Calibre AT 4x2 ₱1,410,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VE MT 4x4 ₱1,460,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Calibre AT 4x2 ₱1,560,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Calibre AT 4x2 (Aspen Pearl White) ₱1,575,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 Calibre-X AT 4x2 ₱1,630,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 Calibre-X AT 4x2 (Aspen Pearl) ₱1,645,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VL MT 4x4 (Aspen Pearl White) ₱1,660,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VL AT 4x4 ₱1,740,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 VL AT 4x4 (Aspen Pearl White) ₱1,755,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 PRO-4X AT 4x4 ₱1,850,000
Nissan Navara 2.5 PRO-4X AT 4x4 (Aspen Pearl White) ₱1,865,000

Nissan Navara Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Tough powertrain

  • Uses coil springs for the front and rear

  • Nissan Intelligent Mobility

Cons

  • 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 2025 cost?

The Nissan Navara costs approximately Php 1,115,000 to Php 1,865,000 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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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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