After 40 years, Nissan is pinning their hopes, not on design or engineering, but partnership to keep their pickup truck legacy alive. Unveiled for the Australia and Oceania markets, the all-new Nissan Navara switches from being a ground-up re-design to what’s basically a Mitsubishi Triton with different clothes.
Launching down under by the first quarter of 2026, the all-new Navara will come with a simplified line-up. Citing customers which opted for a double cab with an automatic transmission, the Triton-based Navara will come with this sole body style from launch.
Sharing the very same Mitsubishi 4N16 2.4-liter turbo diesel and 6-speed automatic, the Navara produces 204 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque—the very same outputs as the Triton. Also making the transition is an electric power steering system which improves fuel economy and enhances driving dynamics.
While only one powerplant is available, the Navara, grade depending, can be had with one of two advanced four-wheel drive systems. The “Easy 4WD” system automatically switches between two-wheel drive for highway cruising and four-wheel drive when extra traction is needed. An electronic rear differential lock is included standard to provide additional traction in demanding off-road scenarios. The “Super 4WD,” meanwhile, offers full-time high-range mode with an open center differential. A Torsen Limited Slip Differential enhances cornering stability by optimizing torque distribution. The Super 4WD also unlocks seven terrain modes—Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.
But while the powertrain is lock, stock, and barrel straight from Mitsubishi’s parts bin, Nissan says that the Navara does offer its own unique suspension tuning engineered not by them, but by Australian specialist Premcar.
Premcar (not Nissan) drove the all-new Navara over 18,000 kilometers across every conceivable surface and driving condition. The result, Nissan says, delivers a compliant and comfortable ride, both unladen and fully loaded.
The basic body is also shared with the Triton, but Nissan is quick to say that the Navara still draws inspiration from their “rich pickup heritage.” This includes the V-motion grille-inspired V-strut shield, the three-slot design that sits atop the grille, and the C-shaped headlamps that interlock with the grille.
A flagship Pro-4X grade features black finishes on the exterior with “Lava Reds” accents. A black sports bar, black 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 all-terrain tires and standard towbar complete the look.
Inside, the Navara incorporates a 7-inch color TFT dash display, a 9-inch advanced infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in-car telematics. The Navara also comes with a comprehensive suite of ADAS.
While the all-new Navara is destined for several markets, ASEAN (including the Philippines) may not be one of them based on a puzzling statement from Nissan Philippines.
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