2021 Nissan Navara debuts: Complete details, specs, photos, & pricing

Nissan Philippines has officially launched the 2021 Navara. It is a mid-cycle refresh but it is apparent that the Japanese carmaker has provided a lot of updates for the said truck. Apart from the new front fascia, Nissan also streamlined the Navara’s variant lineup.

The variants of the 2021 Nissan Navara get more in the way of on-board equipment, as well as updated safety features. The local pickup truck market is of course as competitive as it ever was, so the Navara’s new looks and updates might help it claim a stake in the market.

The 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X

Of note, the 2021 Nissan Navara will be competing against its usual rivals. This includes the Toyota Hilux that was introduced last year, the refreshed Ford Ranger that was launched in 2021, and the third-generation Isuzu D-Max which was launched earlier this month. 

>>> Related: 2021 Nissan Navara Quick Drive Review: Utility and comfort

Exterior 

The biggest visual change on the 2021 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. The new front end, especially on the top-spec PRO-4X, reminds us of the Nissan Titan for the American market.  

The Navara’s hood also gets a redesign. The said part still has deep lines, but the sloped sides are now flattened for more visibility. Integrated into the new headlamps are the new, daytime running lamps, which assume a futuristic, angular design. 

The 2021 Navara PRO-4X dominating the stage

Moving on towards the rear, the Navara gains a more modern-looking tailgate. The taillights feature a revamped design that features a C-shaped LED lighting element. Almost all the variants except the entry-level EL also comes equipped with a beefy side step board. On the other hand, the top-spec PRO-4X and the VL trims come with roof rails.  

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. The faux-recovery hooks on the plastic skid plate are also orange in color.  

The bed of the 2021 Navara also receives four adjustable on-rails tie down clamps. It also gets a 17- or 18-inch set of wheels depending on the variant. The EL in turn is the simplest looking with its 17-inch steel wheels and halogen headlamps. For some reason though, the EL has the most ground clearance at 245 mm. The VE and PRO-4X in turn have 220 mm, and the VL has 225 mm. 

The 2021 Nissan Navara VL variant

Interior 

As a facelift model, much of the interior remains the same. The door cards are a combination of soft and hard surfaces, but the dashboard is still mostly made out of textured, sturdy plastic. The 2021 Navara also gets Zero Gravity seats, which are covered in leather or fabric depending on the grade. The VL’s driver’s seat however, gets power adjustment. 

Standard on all variants except the entry-level EL is 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. The 2-DIN on the EL on the other hand gets four speakers.

Inside the 2021 Navara. Note the new steering wheel

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

The major change inside the 2021 Navara is the steering wheel. It assumes a sleeker, sportier design, which is also elegant at the same time. The buttons on the wheel were also rearranged and now have a better layout.  

On the PRO-4X, the Nissan lettering on the steering-wheel is colored red, and the seats have red-colored stitching.  

Engine and Performance

Making its return for the Navara’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. The EL’s 2.5-liter mill makes a bit less at 163 horsepower and 403 Nm of torque. 

It's still the same 2.5-liter YD25 inline-4 turbodiesel mill

Available transmissions include a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and a six-speed manual transmission. Depending on the variant, the 2021 Navara either gets a 4x4 drivetrain or a 4x2 drivetrain. Of note, all 4x4 variants come with a differential lock. 

Of course, the 2021 Navara is still the only pickup truck in the local market that uses a multi-link coilover rear suspension system. Despite that, Nissan has updated the truck’s chassis for more strength. Most Navara variants can now carry over a ton of cargo, with the most being the Navara VE 4x2 AT with its 1,043 kg maximum payload capacity.

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

Safety

Besides the new look, the 2021 Navara’s safety kit has been improved. Standard on all trim levels is six-airbags. This includes dual front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. This of course boosts the truck’s ability to protect its occupants in the event of a crash.

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.

The 2021 Navara's rear seats

In addition, more variants of the Navara now have the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Suite. Apart from the top-spec PRO-4X, this suite is now available on the Navara VL 4x4 and VL 4x2 variants. This includes advanced driver-assist features like intelligent emergency braking, blind-spot warning, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, hill start assist, and hill descent assist. That system is topped off by the 360-degree around-view monitor, which on the PRO-4X and VL 4x4 can also function as an off-road monitor. 

Pricing 

If you want to learn more about the 2021 Nissan Navara, you can visit our car guide section as well as our quick drive review for the said model. For the latest automotive news, keep it here on Philkotse.com.