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Judging by the latest VFacts new vehicle registration data, most Aussie 4x4 ute buyers continue to overlook the D23 Nissan Navara.
With only a 4.5 per cent share of this booming market segment, its sales numbers are perhaps a symptom of its age (launched locally in 2015), lapsed ANCAP rating and some early design glitches, which although sorted long ago may still taint buying decisions.
We recently tested the D23 in base-model SL grade, to assess its workhorse appeal for tradies and farmers alike.
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Nissan Navara 2024: SL (4X4)
| Engine Type | Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.3L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.9L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $50,350 |
| Safety Rating |
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Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10?
Our 'Solid White' SL dual cab 4x4 test vehicle comes standard with the same 2.3-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel shared by all Navaras but ours has the optional seven-speed automatic, with a list price of $50,350.
This pricing and healthy 140kW/450Nm outputs make it more than competitive with base-grade 4x4 dual cab ute rivals including the Ford Ranger XL 2.0L auto ($50,880), Toyota HiLux Workmate 2.4L auto ($50,420) and Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9L auto ($50,700).
Our example is also fitted with a couple of items from Nissan’s genuine accessory range, including a load tub-liner and flush-fitting tonneau cover available at extra cost.
Being the base-model workhorse of the Navara’s 4x4 range, the SL’s no-frills standard equipment list is designed with hard work in mind, as evidenced by its 17-inch steel wheels and 255/65 tyres with a matching spare.
There are also halogen auto-headlights and DRLs, tailgate assist (makes lowering and raising easier), a reversing camera and rear diff-lock.
Inside is more useful kit including two 12-volt sockets, three USB ports, centre console cooling/heating vents for rear seat passengers and a driver’s 7.0-inch analogue instrument display enhanced with a digital speedo.
The six-speaker multimedia system has a relatively small (by today’s standards) 8.0-inch colour touchscreen, with multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10?
The cabin’s fabric-covered seats, wipe-clean vinyl floor and urethane-rimmed steering wheel/shifter are consistent with the SL’s work focus.
Reminders of its 2015 origins are numerous mechanical switches and dials on the dash (which we prefer to touchscreen versions), a steering wheel with only height adjustment, a mechanical rather than electronic handbrake, rear drum brakes instead of discs and analogue speedo/tacho.
Even so, its interior design still looks a cut above a base-grade ute, with a visually-pleasing and practical blend of chrome, satin chrome and piano black combined with two-tone upholstery.
The well-bolstered front seats are comfortable and supportive, but a larger and more defined left footrest would enhance driver comfort.
Rear passenger knee room is adequate for the two outer seating positions, thanks largely to the concave shape of the front seat backrests.
However, shoulder room is tight for three adults and headroom is marginal, particularly for tall people in the higher centre position who also must contend with a headrest that has insufficient height adjustment.
Like most dual cab utes, short of full-size US pick-ups, the Navara works best as a four-seater with the fifth seat limited to short trips.
Off-road credentials include a 12.5-metre turning circle, 220mm of ground clearance, a 600mm wading depth and 32 degrees approach, 22.9 degrees ramp break-over and 26 degrees departure angles.
Nissan Navara 2021 review: Pro-4X off-road test
Nissan Navara 2021 review: Pro-4X snapshot
Nissan Navara 2021 review: SL GVM test
Nissan Navara 2021 review: SL snapshot
Nissan Navara 2021 review: ST off-road test
Nissan Navara 2021 review: ST snapshot
Nissan Navara 2021 review: ST-X off-road test
Nissan Navara 2021 review: ST-X snapshot
Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X GVM test
Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X Warrior
Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X Warrior - GVM test
Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X Warrior - off-road test
Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X family review
Nissan Navara 2022 review: ST-X
Nissan Navara 2023 review: SL Warrior - GVM test
Nissan Navara 2023 review: SL Warrior - off-road test
Nissan Navara 2024 review: Pro-4X Warrior - off-road test
Nissan Navara 2025 review: SL - GVM test
How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10?
With its relatively light 2033kg kerb weight and 3150kg GVM, our test vehicle has a one-tonne-plus payload rating of 1117kg.
It’s also rated to tow up to 3500kg of braked trailer. However, to tow that weight would require a substantial 740kg reduction in vehicle payload to avoid exceeding its 5910kg GCM (or how much it can legally carry and tow at the same time). Even so, few (if any) Navara owners would need to tow 3500kg.
The load tub is almost square with its 1509mm floor length and 1560mm width. And with 1134mm between the rear wheel housings, it won’t fit a standard Aussie pallet but will take a Euro, held in place by a choice of four load-anchorage points.
In terms of cabin storage, the centre console offers open storage up front, two small-bottle/cupholders in the centre and a small lidded box at the back. There’s also a large-bottle holder and storage bin in each front door, plus a glove box and overhead glasses holder.
Rear passengers get a large-bottle holder and smaller storage bin in each door plus a fold-down centre armrest with two small-bottle/cupholders. The rear bench seat’s base cushion can also swing up and be stored vertically for more internal cargo space, or to access two small underfloor storage compartments.
What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 8/10?
The Navara’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 140kW at 3750rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1500-2500rpm. Its two-stage inline turbochargers (a small one for low rpm, a large one for high rpm) operate in sequence to provide vigorous response at all engine speeds with excellent economy.
A refined seven-speed torque converter automatic offers near-seamless shifting and the overdriven sixth and seventh gears enhance fuel economy at highway speeds.
Drivers also have the option of sequential manual-shifting to provide more direct engine control when off-roading or carrying/towing heavy loads. Its 4x4 transmission is dual-range, part-time and is equipped with an electronic rear diff lock.
What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 9/10?
Nissan claims an official combined average of 7.9L/100km and the dash readout was showing 7.7 when we stopped to refuel after clocking up just under 600km on the first tank, which included a 400km-plus day trip from Melbourne to regional Victoria.
Our own figure, calculated from fuel bowser and tripmeter readings, came in at a slightly higher but still frugal 8.4L/100km which proves the fuel-sipping efficiency of diesels when highway cruising.
We covered another 168km in city and suburban use, with the dash claiming 8.6 compared to our own figure of 9.5, which is still thrifty single-digit economy for a two-tonne ute.
Therefore, based on our own ‘real world’ figures, you could expect a driving range of about 840km around town and up to 950km on a trip from its 80-litre tank.
What’s it like to drive? 8/10?
The driving position is comfortable for most shapes and sizes, even though the steering wheel does not have reach adjustment and the seat lacks adjustable base cushion rake or lumbar support.
The ride is firm when unladen but its four-coil suspension is absorbent enough to soak up the worst of the bumps. The steering feel is responsive and nicely weighted, combined with competent handling and braking that contribute to a positive driving experience.
It’s also impressively quiet at highway speeds, with low tyre and wind noise and an engine that requires less than 2000rpm to maintain 110km/h with minimal effort.
To test its payload rating we forklifted 830kg into the load tub, which combined with our crew of two was a one-tonne-plus payload of 1010kg. That was about 100kg less than its payload limit.
The supple coil-spring rear suspension compressed 80mm under this loading, yet its high ride height ensured there was still about 40mm of bump-stop clearance remaining, which proved ample in avoiding any bottoming-out on our test route. However, that’s not to say it wouldn’t with an extra 100kg on board.
It also excelled on our 13 per cent gradient, 2.0km-long set climb at 60km/h, with the seven-speed auto self-shifting down to fourth gear and just under 2000rpm (right in the middle of its peak torque band) to easily haul this load to the top.
Engine-braking on the way down, in a manually-selected second gear, was also impressive for a 2.3-litre engine restraining more than one tonne of payload. Overall, the Navara proved to be a competent heavy-load hauler.
Warranty & Safety Rating
What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating? 7/10?
The D23 Navara earned a maximum five-star ANCAP rating when launched in 2015, but that rating has since lapsed with all Navaras built from January 2023 unrated.
Even so, it’s armed with seven airbags plus AEB, forward collision warning, trailer-sway control, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, hill descent control and more.
The rear seat has three top-tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchorage points.
What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 8/10?
There’s a five year/unlimited km warranty, plus five years of 24-hour roadside assist. Scheduled servicing is every 12 months/20,000km whichever occurs first.
Total capped-price of $3305 covers the first five scheduled services within five years, or an average of $661 per year.
Verdict
Although the D23 Navara is approaching a decade in local showrooms and due for replacement in 2025, the base-model SL still represents a fuel-efficient and competent workhorse with ample back-to-basics practicality.
Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| PRO-4X (4X4) | 2.3L, Diesel, 6 SPEED MANUAL | $59,405 |
| PRO-4X Warrior (4X4) | 2.3L, Diesel, 6 SPEED MANUAL | $68,765 |
| SL (4X2) | 2.3L, Diesel, 6 SPEED MANUAL | $40,850 |
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