Nissan Navara makes global debut in Aus

NISSAN has debuted its all-new Navara in Adelaide this week, almost 40 years to the day since the original went on sale in Australia.

Half-a-million units and four generations later, the latest Navara brings a new design Nissan says balances its rugged heritage with modern sophistication, the model adopting locally tuned suspension, and familiar Mitsubishi Triton underpinnings to offer comfort and confidence both on- and off-road.

Due to appear in local showrooms during the first quarter of 2026, the D27 series Navara promises greater power and torque, improved efficiency, a higher level of standard safety equipment, and a host of new in-cabin technologies Nissan Oceania managing director Andrew Humberstone says will offer local utility buyers exactly what they want.

“The new Navara represents what Australian drivers need from their pickup truck in this region,” he said.

“This isn’t just evolution – it’s built on four decades of Nissan experience, with deep Australian insights and a unique suspension calibration, tuned by Premcar specifically for our arduous conditions.

Offered in a “simplified” double-cab body style and with an automatic transmission as standard, the 2026 Nissan Navara benefits from a Premcar tuned suspension setup that centres on meeting unladen and laden ride confidence, and “steadfast handling” when towing.

The model’s braked towing capacity remains unchanged from the predecessor at 3500kg, while payload varies from 950-1047kg depending on variant.

“The local suspension development program represents one of the most comprehensive engineering projects undertaken by Nissan here in Australia,” added Mr Humberstone.

“Premcar invested countless man hours, driving the new Navara over eighteen thousand kilometres, testing across every conceivable surface and driving condition – from the outback’s corrugated roads to urban stop-start traffic with heavy loads.

The Navara runs the same 4N16-series twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel as the Mitsubishi Triton. Displacing 2.4 litres, the unit delivers a familiar 150kW at 3500rpm and 470Nm at 1500rpm to return a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 7.7 litres per 100km.

Paired exclusively with an Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission, the configuration is married to an ‘Easy 4WD’ system that automatically switches between two- and four-wheel drive as required and is paired as standard with an electronically activated locking rear differential.

Higher grade ST-X and PRO-4X grades receive a new ‘Super 4WD’ system that offers full-time high-range four-wheel drive with an open centre differential and Torsen limited slip rear differential Nissan says is tuned to deliver “optimised torque distribution” irrespective of terrain.

Seven pre-programmed selectable terrain modes are offered including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Sand, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

Finally, we noted a newly adopted Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in place of the former hydraulic unit that Nissan says benefits both the driving experience and fuel economy. The system is said to reduce the parasitic losses that affect fuel economy while at the same time “providing precise control across all driving conditions”.

On the styling front, Nissan says the all-new Navara “reimagines” the brand’s DNA into “new, more advanced territory”.

Drawing inspiration from the nameplate’s heritage, the Navara integrates signature elements that connect it with its past, while at the same time embracing more contemporary brand styling cues, such as the V-strut grille.

Members of Nissan’s global design team travelled to Australia to study ute culture and were inspired by the modified utility and four-wheel drive scene which led to a “bull bar inspired” take on the V-strut shield, establishing what Nissan says is a “commanding” frontal presence.

The three-slot design atop the grille pays tribute to the D21-series Navara, while the signature C-shaped headlights are said to “interlock seamlessly with the grille”, a recurring theme in modern Nissan utility models and SUVs.

“When working on the new Navara, we aimed to honour nearly 40 years of heritage while creating something fresh for today’s Australian buyers,” said Nissan Motor Corporation senior design director Ken Lee.

“This wasn’t about nostalgia – it was about understanding what makes a Navara instantly recognisable and then evolving that for modern life in Australia and New Zealand.

“We needed to deliver a pick-up that looks confident on a construction site but sophisticated enough for weekend family adventures. The design had to be both capable and aspirational, rugged yet refined.

Enhancing that theme further, the flagship PRO-4X grade showcases its own unique styling cues that cement its place at the top of the model walk.

On the outside, the Navara PRO-4X features a blackened finish across the majority of its exterior design elements and Lava Red accents that are said to “communicate it enhanced off-road abilities and premium positioning”.

A black sports bar, 17-inch alloys, all-terrain tyre, and standard towbar complete the look.

Within the interior, all grades of the new Navara are “spacious and thoughtfully appointed”, the cabin including a “comprehensive technology suite designed to enhance both work and lifestyle applications”.

A standard 9.0-inch central touchscreen infotainment array features DAB+ digital radio reception, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard fare, while ST-X and PRO-4X grades add wireless smartphone charging within the lower instrument panel.

Further, MyNissan connected car services include remote features such as HVAC control, emergency call functionality, stolen vehicle tracking, and more.

The instrument panel is all digital and measures 7.0-inches on the diagonal.

On the all-important safety front, we find the 2026 Nissan Navara range offering as standard eight airbags, emergency lane assist, all-LED lighting with auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection, autonomous emergency braking, front- and rear cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring functionality, available (read: grade dependent) adaptive cruise control, and more.

As is the case elsewhere in Nissan Australia’s portfolio, the new Navara will be backed by a 10-year/300,000km warranty when the vehicle is service through the Nissan dealer network. Flat price servicing is available for five years, while roadside assistance coverage matches the duration of the vehicle warranty.

“A 10-year Nissan More warranty isn’t just a marketing promise – it’s a statement about the engineering integrity of this vehicle,” concluded Mr Humberstone.

Mr Humberstone said the Navara will be supported by an extensive range of Nissan Genuine Accessories, “each designed and developed to ensure perfect integration and quality.”

The full list of available accessories, as well as the model grade strategy and localised pricing, will be announced closer to the Navara’s local arrival in the first quarter of 2026.

Visit GoAuto again for our International Preview Drive of the all-new Navara soon.