Nissan has big plans for the next Navara

An impressive new ute that should shake up the four-wheel-drive game will reach Australian showrooms soon.

Nissan will launch a next-generation Navara in 2026, promising to shake up the dual-cab ute class with “game-changing” hybrid and electric technology.

Set to share its bones with the latest Mitsubishi Triton, thanks to a technical alliance between the Japanese giants, the car will feature green power that is not currently available in the class.

A replacement for the Nissan Navara is just around the corner.

Speaking with media at the debut of the new Nissan Patrol, Nissan chair for Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania Guillaume Cartier says the brand will roll out plug-in hybrid and electric power options for the next-gen Navara.

“I think it will be a two-step approach, first with a PHEV solution, then later on with EV,” he said.

“That will be the two-step approach. “That’s what we’re looking at, but first it will be with a diesel approach. “On the first one [PHEV] we are with Mitsubishi, but the next one [EV] we are looking at. Because there is also on technology we have in-house, which is solid state battery, but that will take time.”

Tech from the Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid could flow to the Navara and Triton.

Plug-in hybrid versions of the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton will go on sale alongside upcoming hybrid rivals such as the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger PHEV.

But the full electric version of the Navara could be in a class of its own.

Cartier says the superior energy density of solid state batteries, which pack more energy into a smaller and lighter package, will be a “game changer” for the brand.

There are no cars in production with solid state batteries today, but that will change soon.

“We are piloting at the end of 2024, but that is really the game-changer,” he said.

“If this technology is as successful as we’re believe, we can electrify cars that are today unable to be electrified.”

The technology looks set to bring EV power beyond the Nissan Leaf hatchback and Nissan Ariya SUV to utes such as the Navara, and supercars such as the next-generation Nissan GT-R.

Could the Nissan Patrol donate its twin-turbo V6 to the next Navara? Photo: Supplied

Cartier said electric and hybrid Navara models faced a few hurdles before coming to Australia, including local design rules and shifting regulations brought on by the New Vehicle Emissions Scheme intended to reduce the fuel consumption of new cars.

“We are dealing with the regulatory aspect to understand … how pick-ups will qualify within that.

“We need to answer the regulation, but we need also to answer the customer.

“The way the pick-up is used in Australia is totally different than elsewhere, because some are using it for work and some for leisure.”

Originally published as Nissan has big plans for the next Navara