Which Nissan Navara is better: diesel or petrol?
Nissan recently unveiled the latest iteration of the Navara model and out of the 17 derivatives available, at the time of writing this article, only one petrol model features. We compare the petrol-powered single-cab variant with a similar specified diesel model to find out which is better.
Early in 2021, the new Nissan Navara was introduced locally. Offered in varying derivatives the Navara not only comes as a double-cab ultra specified unit like the Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi PRO-4X 4x4 but also in six single-cab configurations. The six single-cab derivatives are offered in three trim levels namely XE, SE and LE.
While you can have your midrange SE and top of the range LE variants with either two-wheel-drive or 4X4 drivetrain configurations, the entry-level SE models only offer customers a choice between a petrol engine and diesel engine. The petrol derivative is the entry point to the Navara range and is the only petrol offering throughout.
Powertrain
For a more fair comparison, we will be pitting the two XE trim models against each other as both occupy the entry point and can be had for under R400 000 at the time of writing this article.
| Nissan Navara 2.5 XE | Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi XE | |
| Engine | 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol | 2.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder, diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Power | 118 kW | 120 kW |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Payload | 1 065 kg | 1 144 kg |
| Towing capacity - unbraked | 750 kg | 750 kg |
| Towing capacity - braked | 1 588 kg | 3 500 kg |
| Fuel consumption | Not confirmed | 7.2 L / 100 km |
*The information used to populate this table was obtained from www.duoporta.co.za
Warranty and maintenance
Included in the price of the petrol and diesel derivatives in this comparison is identical standard maintenance and service plan. The Nissan Navara is covered by the manufacturer car warranty for either 6-years or 150 000 km, whichever occurs first. To ensure you know what exactly is covered under the warranty of your Nissan Navara, consult your owner's manual.
The service plan included in the price of the Nissan Navara models will cover the first 6-years or 90 000 km of the vehicle's life. For both the service plan and warranty agreements to remain intact, it is important for the owner to adhere to the service schedule which takes place every 15 000 km.
Verdict
At the time of writing this article, you can purchase the Nissan Navara 2.5 XE for a total price of R 311 000, which is R39 000 less than its diesel-powered sibling. However, with the Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi XE you get more torque which not only allows for more weight to be added to the load bay but also more weight to be added to any trailers that you have attached.
Although there is no official combined fuel consumption figure available for the petrol derivative, it is safe to assume that it won't be as frugal as the diesel variant. This means that although the diesel has a higher initial price, it will make up value over the ownership lifecycle as it uses less fuel to perform.
Because of the increased torque figures and the respectable combined fuel consumption figure of the Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi XE, we have to choose it as our winner in this comparison as it will be a good workhorse for your business or personal daily uses.
