Nissan Navara (2016 – 2022) Review

Nissan Navara (2016 – 2022) At A Glance

5/5

+3.5 tonne towing capacity, SUV-like comfort and refinement, one-tonne payload.

-Rear legroom on king cab models is poor, some interior plastics feel cheap.

The refined and rugged Nissan Navara is the complete pick-up package. It’s smarty styled, practical and capable of hauling huge loads. The cabin might not be as plush as some of its rivals, but the Navara trumps the competition when it comes to comfort and ease of use. 

The key to the Navara's superiority is found in its mechanical set-up, with double cab models using a five-link set-up with coil springs instead of the leaf sprung cart suspension that is commonly used. This means the bounce and wallow ride has been replaced with a smooth and rewarding drive that feels more akin to a family SUV than a commercial vehicle.

Traditionalists can still get the Navara with leaf suspension on king cab models, but this was phased out on new models in late-2019. This means all versions of the Navara now get fit multi-link rear suspension as standard. 

The Navara can be specified with two-wheel or four-wheel drive and retains its workman like qualities by offering a one-tonne payload and using the same durable box chassis as before. All versions are powered by a 2.3-litre diesel engine, which is packed with torque and offered with either 160PS or 190PS, the latter with twin turbochargers. Updates to the Narava range in late-2019 saw the entry-level engine get a small increase in power (now 163PS) and more torque. 

All Navaras are strong towing vehicles - pulling up to 3.5 tonnes - and benefit from lots of low-torque for shifting heavy loads. There's more than enough performance for the Navara to fulfil its work and family duties with a hushed motorway manner and responsive steering.

The interior is large and comfortable, with a spacious interior and commanding driving position. Higher spec models get a seven-inch touchscreen and navigation, while air conditioning, rear ventilation and a full-size spare wheel are all fitted at no extra cost across the range. Nissan also provides a five years/100,000 mile warranty, which is fully transferable. 

Pick-up manufacturers are always keen to claim car-like qualities, but few manage to live up to the billing. However Nissan has set a new benchmark with the Navara by giving it similar handling and ride characteristics to a family SUV. As a result the Navara is easy to use, predictable to drive and comfortable for long trips. In our view it's the best pick-up on the market.

Read our off-road test - click here

Driven: Euro6 Nissan Navara

Now, with the Euro6 emission rules in force, Nissan has updated the Navara, with lower running costs, lower CO2 emissions and more equipment fitted as standard. 

Read our first drive here >>

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Ask Honest John

How can I upgrade a Nissan Navara to meet ULEZ?

"I’m going to buy a 2016 Nissan Navara. How much it would cost for me to upgrade it for the London ULEZ?"
The Euro6 Nissan Navara is exempt from ULEZ fees. It is not possible to upgrade a Euro5 Navara to Euro6. For our full review of the Euro6 Nissan Navara, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/nissan/navara-np300-2015/
Answered by Dan Powell

Any suggestions on a new pick-up truck?

"The lease on my daughter’s Peugeot Partner van ends in two months time. She is thinking of changing to a pick-up, probably with 4-wheel-drive and able to seat 3-4 adults. Mileage is 20k a year, no towing required and for business use only. Any suggestions, please?"
The best pick-ups on sale right now are: The Ford Ranger: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/ranger-2011 Nissan Navara: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/nissan/navara-np300-2015 Volkswagen Amarok: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/volkswagen/amarok-2011
Answered by Dan Powell

I want to change my SUV for a pick-up. Is that a good decision?

"My Qashqai is fine but I now need less internal passenger/boot space and more load/utility space as I move to/refurb a house in France. I don't want a bigger SUV so changing to a utility vehicle such as the Nissan Navara or Ford Ranger seems to be the way forward. Comfort on the 500km each way trip is important as are practicality, reliability and bit of refinement so a double cab version with an auto gearbox, sat nav etc is my target. Am I on the right lines here or do I have other utilty-type options, please?"
It's probably worth test driving a pick-up truck before you become too set on the idea - they're an acquired taste to drive and even a high-spec model wouldn't be that comfortable for a long journey to France. Even though you're reluctant, you might find a slightly bigger SUV like a Hyundai Santa Fe or Skoda Kodiaq is a better option.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What pick-up is best?

"What's the best all-round pick up?"
For value, the SsangYong Musso. The dealers have a good reputation for customer service and the vehicle is backed by a seven-year warranty as standard. For comfort, the Nissan Navara. It's more refined than its rivals on the road and much more comfortable on a long trip. For all-round ability, I'd recommend the Ford Ranger. It's a brilliant off-roader and will haul heavy-duty loads.
Answered by Georgia Petrie
More Questions

What does a Nissan Navara (2016 – 2022) cost?