Nissan Navara 2026 review: SL 4x4

Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

7 / 10

The fifth generation Navara, which is available only in 4x4 dual-cab ute configuration, comes in four model grades comprising SL ($53,348 plus on-road costs), ST ($56,765), ST-X ($63,177) and Pro-4X ($68,418) designed to cater for commercial applications through to lifestyle/recreational use.

Our test vehicle is the entry-level SL with its list pricing in the same ballpark as workhorse equivalents from major players including the Ford Ranger XL 2.0L auto ($51,130), closely related Triton GLX 2.4L auto ($51,640), Isuzu D-Max SX 2.2L auto ($52,200) and Toyota HiLux Workmate 2.0L auto ($53,990).

Like its Navara siblings it's available only with a 2.4-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. 

The SL's work-focused standard features include 17-inch steel wheels with 265/65R17 all-terrain tyres and a full-size spare wheel, LED headlights/daytime running lights/tail-lights, tailgate assist, 360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors to name a few.

The interior is also designed with hard work in mind with its wipe-clean vinyl floor and black fabric trim but there’s also creature comforts like remote keyless entry, single-zone climate control, second-row air vents, power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, multi-function steering wheel controls and more.

There’s also multiple USB ports and 12v sockets, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster display and a 9.0-inch touchscreen to control the four-speaker multimedia system which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and DAB+ digital radio.

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Is there anything interesting about its design?

6 / 10

It looks like a base model Triton GLX given the Navara SL’s modest front and rear styling tweaks, which are not as substantial nor convincing as platform-sharing rivals like Mazda’s BT-50 or Volkswagen’s Amarok in creating a clear visual distinction from its donor.

Nissan has been equally economical with interior changes. Even so, the work-focused cabin is functional and reasonably spacious for a dual cab, with splashes of satin chrome combined with white upholstery stitching and fake carbon-fibre surfaces providing a touch of style to predominantly grey tones.

How practical is its space and tech inside?

7 / 10

With its 2126kg kerb weight and 3190kg GVM our test vehicle has a useful 1064kg payload rating, so it’s a genuine one tonner.

It’s also rated to tow up to the class-benchmark 3500kg of braked trailer but with its 6250kg GCM rating (or how much it can legally carry and tow at the same time) it would require a sizeable 440kg reduction in vehicle payload to tow its maximum trailer weight.

Not that many (if any) owners of utes this size would need to tow 3500kg but it’s important to be aware of these numbers when towing heavy trailers to avoid dangerous and illegal overloading.

The Navara’s load tub is almost square with its 1555mm length and 1545mm width. It’s also 525mm deep and with 1135mm between the rear wheel housings it can’t fit a standard Aussie pallet but will carry a Euro.

Our test vehicle does not come standard with a tub-liner so its painted surfaces are prone to scratches and dents. There’s four anchorage points for securing loads and the tailgate assist feature allows easier lowering and raising.

The driver and front passenger share good space and comfort, with storage that includes a bottle holder and bin in each door plus a large open shelf above the single glovebox and an overhead glasses holder. The centre console offers flat storage with two USB ports and a 12v socket up front, along with two cupholders in the centre and a lidded box at the back.

Rear seating is also comfortable and surprisingly spacious for tall people, given I’m 186cm and when seated behind the driver’s seat when set in my position I have ample knee and headroom. However, shoulder room is tight for three adults, which is tolerable for short trips but a maximum of two would be preferable for longer drives.

Rear passenger storage includes a bottle holder and bin in each door plus pockets on each front seat backrest. There’s another 12v socket in the rear of the centre console and the centre seat’s backrest folds forward to serve as an armrest with dual cupholders.

The bench seat’s base cushion is fixed, so unlike numerous rivals it can’t swing up and be stored vertically if more internal carrying space is required.

What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

7 / 10

The Navara’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder ‘bi-turbo’ diesel engine is equipped with two turbochargers which work in sequence to boost efficiency, with the smaller one providing fast response at low rpm and the larger one optimising response at higher rpm.

It produces 150kW of power at 3500rpm and its sizeable 470Nm of torque is served at full strength between 1500-2750rpm. It’s also Euro 6B emissions compliant using AdBlue.

This is paired with a six-speed torque converter automatic, offering the choice of sequential manual shifting which can be preferable when hauling and/or towing heavy loads particularly in hilly terrain.

The 4x4 system is dual-range, part-time offering 2H (2WD High Range), 4H (4WD High Range) and 4L (4WD Low Range) selected by a dial on the centre console, where you’ll also find a button to engage the locking rear diff.

The most significant differences between the Triton and Navara are in suspension design and tuning, with the D27 Navara replacing the previous D23 generation’s coil-spring rear end with the Triton’s more traditional leaf-spring arrangement.

Nissan has also collaborated with Melbourne-based engineering partner Premcar in developing three unique suspension tuning packages focused on damper (aka shock absorber) refinement, aimed at enhanced steering response, handling stability and ride comfort.

The premium Pro-4X and mid-grade ST-X each have unique settings while the work-focused SL and ST share the same calibration designed for hauling loads, including heavy-duty four-leaf rear suspension. All model grades also feature electric power steering.

What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

8 / 10

Nissan claims combined average consumption of 7.7L/100km but the dash display was showing 9.4 at the completion of our 496km test, which included our usual mix of suburban, city and highway driving of which about one third was hauling a near maximum payload.

Our own consumption figure, based on fuel bowser and tripmeter readings, came in slightly lower at 9.1L/100km which is comfortably within the usual 2-3L/100km discrepancy between manufacturer claims and real-world consumption and excellent economy from mostly metro driving.

So, based on our test results, we estimate the Navara SL has a real-world driving range of more than 800km from its 75-litre tank.

What’s it like to drive?

7 / 10

Large handles on the A pillars assist climbing aboard into a comfortable and spacious driving position, enhanced by steering wheel and seat adjustments (including power lumbar support) plus a left footrest, which ideally could be a tad wider.

The claimed ride and handling changes resulting from Premcar’s suspension tuning are so seamless they would be hard for most Navara drivers to define. All that matters is how it feels behind the wheel.

And I must say it’s a nice thing to drive, which is consistent with all the Premcar-enhanced D23 Navaras we've tested before it, combining excellent steering feel with supple yet responsive ride and handling whether unladen or loaded.

The switch to electric power steering also provides a noticeably light turning effort when parking which becomes increasingly firm with a stronger self-centering effect at highway speeds, like all variable-ratio systems should.

The six-speed auto’s gearing optimises performance in urban use by keeping the engine operating within its peak torque band most of the time, which ensures a consistently energetic response. It’s also a relaxed highway cruiser, requiring less than 2000rpm to maintain 110km/h where low noise levels allow conversations without raised voices.

To test its GVM rating we forklifted 650kg into the load tub, which combined with our crew of two equalled a total payload of 830kg that was still more than 200kg below its legal limit. The heavy-duty rear springs only compressed about 30mm under this loading, which ensured ample bump-stop clearance and no bottoming out on our test route.

Its handling remained surefooted and predictable when hauling this payload, which, combined with the Navara’s hearty 470Nm, ensured it made light work of our 13 per cent gradient, 2.0km long set climb. It also provided strong engine braking on the way down, so overall it proved to be a competent load hauler.

The only negative from a driver’s perspective is the Navara’s inheritance of the Triton’s annoying driver distraction monitor, which even beeped and prompted me to ‘please look forward’ when I dared to look at the central and passenger door mirrors when overtaking another vehicle. Seriously? It’s ironic that a driver distraction monitor can be distracting, but it is.

What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating?

8 / 10

The Navara has a five-star ANCAP rating (tested 2024), and comes with eight airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection and junction assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree/reversing cameras, trailer stability assist and lots more.

The rear seat has ISOFIX child-seat anchorages on the two outer seating positions and three top-tethers.

What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

7 / 10

The Nissan Navara comes standard with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty but up to 10 years/300,000km with matching roadside assist is available if the car is serviced at Nissan dealers.

Scheduled servicing is every 12 months/15,000km with capped pricing applicable for the first five scheduled services totalling $2495, or an average of $499 which is competitive with numerous well established rivals.

Nissan Australia has a large network of around 180-200 dealers which includes every state and territory.

Verdict