New vs used Nissan Navara: what are the top 4 differences?
Released on local soil in 2017, the second-generation Nissan Navara didn’t really make the impression on rampant Hilux- and Ranger sales for which Nissan would have hoped. Perhaps it took too long to get to our shores, or maybe it was the limited model range that sold it short. Either way, Nissan has now unveiled an extensively-revised Navara for South Africa, so we took a closer look at the differences between new and old.
Make no mistake, the outgoing (imported) Navara had numerous virtues, and deserved better sales numbers than it achieved. It offered solid value for money, a modern (and very accomplished) diesel engine, a spec sheet as long as your arm, and arguably the best ride quality of any double cab on our roads.
To remedy this sales predicament, Nissan South Africa now offers a new Navara, built right here, and adapted to local demands. It’s still derived from the imported model’s “D23” chassis (platform), but the re-engineering exercise turned it into a rather different bakkie from the old one.
Related: Shop for new and used Nissan Navara bakkies for sale here.
1. Single- and double-cab body styles
The outgoing Navara was unashamedly aimed at the leisure/family market, as was its predecessor (codenamed the “D40”). This was largely because the D40’s predecessor continued in local production as the NP300 Hardbody, to cater for the workhorse segment, leaving breathing room for the Navara as the more-premium option.
In contrast, the latest Navara shifts its focus towards utility-minded buyers, with a choice of three engines, two body styles, and the first-time availability of low-spec, entry-level single-cab variants. The NP300 is still available at the time of writing, but we expect Nissan SA to gradually replace it with more Navara-based derivatives, which will eventually allow the ancient Hardbody to retire.
2. New (old) engine range
The European-spec Navara that’s been on sale since 2017 offered a very agreeable and modern 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine. In contrast, the locally-built Navara takes a step back in time, and returns to the 2.5-litre turbodiesels that were employed in the D40 (and, in lower output form, in the NP300).
This was presumably done due to cost constraints, because the older-generation engines are bound to be less expensive than the more-modern 2.3-litre, while still offering competitive outputs and consumption. This diesel will be available in two output levels, with 120 kW/403 Nm on tap in the lower-powered one, and 140 kW/450 Nm in high-output form.
Even more significant is the introduction of a petrol engine – the first in a Navara since the 4.0-litre V6 in the old D40. However, the new 4-cylinder, 2.5-litre petrol slots into the bottom end of the Navara range this time around, and can only be had with the single-cab body, a manual gearbox, and the lowest trim level in the new range (named “XE”). It makes sense to confine the petrol mill (with 118 kW and 233 Nm) to the low-spec Navara, because local leisure bakkie buyers increasingly prefer diesel power to go with their extra trimmings.
3. Updated driver aids and in-cabin tech
Its diesel engine may be from the recent past, but the new Navara’s in-car technology and safety aids take their cues from the future. While the outgoing model did have the obligatory colour touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a rear-view camera, the new one’s screen is larger at 8-inches, offers up to 4 USB ports (including 2 charge-only ports) and smartphone mirroring, and can connect up to 2 devices via Bluetooth.
This is obviously dependent on the trim level, though, with XE variants opting for a pared-down spec sheet in the interest of affordability instead. Other available items (again, depending on the trim level) include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, high-beam assistance for the LED headlights, a surround-view camera system, and rear cross-traffic assist.
4. Increased loading- and towing capacity
The latest Navara improves on its predecessor’s payload capacity by 100 kg, and its load bin can hold a larger volume, thanks to deeper side panels. To handle this extra weight capability, the chassis frame and rear axle were reinforced, and upgraded with new springs and shock absorbers.
Depending on the variant and engine choice, the new Navara can now carry up to 1 144 kg, and tow up to 3.5 tons (braked). That’s more than class-competitive, and the 5-link, coil-sprung rear end should still deliver class-leading ride comfort at the same time.
