Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior review: Tough truck has a big flaw

Tough utes are all the rage and Nissan has enlisted the help of an Aussie company to make its new dual-cab king off the road.

The Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior is the latest in a growing number of tough-looking trucks aimed at well-heeled tradies.

Unlike some, though, it has the off-road cred to back up the hardcore image.

Aussi company Premcar has helped turn the Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior into an off-road beast.

VALUE

With the help of Aussie outfit Premcar, Nissan has beefed up the Warrior’s looks and ability.

Priced at $67,290 drive-away, the Warrior sounds expensive but compares well to rival machines such as the Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Ford Ranger Raptor.

The Navara’s plastic front bumper has been replaced with a body-coloured hoopless bullbar with an integrated LED light bar. There is also a stainless steel front underbody brush plate protecting the car’s belly.

Smaller 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in thick 32.2-inch Cooper all terrain tyres, and locally tuned suspension gives a 40mm lift compared to standard N-Trek models.

Side decals give a taste of the Warrior’s ability.

Designers have created plenty of street presence with lots of black and orange exterior highlights, rugged mountain side decals and a big black Navara tray decal.

A tow capacity of 3500kg is excellent, but a payload of just 724kg isn’t.

Nissan guarantees the Warrior for five years/unlimited km.

COMFORT

The Warrior comes with plenty of luxury touches befitting a ute priced close to $70,000.

Front leather seats with orange mesh and accent stitching are both heated and electronically adjustable, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast orange stitching and the chrome door handles give the cabin a lift.

The interior is more luxurious than you’d expect from a ute.

Connectivity is taken care of via an eight-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Dual-zone aircon is a welcome addition, as are rear seat air vents. A sliding rear window leading to the tray will be popular for those with pooches.

SAFETY

The Navara scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2015, but the lack of active safety equipment means it would fall far short of that mark if tested today.

A lack of driver aids lets the Warrior down.

There are seven airbags covering both rows and a 360-degree rear camera but the lack of auto braking, blind-spot warning or lane departure warning, which are standard in most sub-$30,000 small cars, is disappointing, especially for a vehicle most likely to be used as a family car on the weekends.

An updated Navara due to arrive in 2021 will fix these issues.

DRIVING

The Warrior is an imposing machine … and it drives like one.

It feels big on the road, even by dual-cab ute standards. Steering is heavy and slow, making three point turns a time-consuming chore.

The Warrior’s suspension is set up to handle off-road trekking.

The Warrior’s engine is the same 2.3-litre turbo diesel that powers the rest of the Navara range. It makes 140kW/450Nm, matched to a seven-speed auto.

While slightly underpowered compared to some range-topping rivals the Warrior has good acceleration and feels capable in all driving conditions.

Nissan has worked hard on getting the Warrior’s suspension right, but its off-road focus means that it doesn’t ride as well as the Ford Ranger and new Isuzu D-Max in traffic. It can also feel skittish over repeated small bumps.

Its off-road focus means the Warrior falls behind rivals on the road.

The lack of radar cruise control is a big fail.

Nissan claims the Navara drinks 7L/100km, which is impressive for a vehicle this size.

VERDICT 3/5

Tough looking ute that can back up its promise of off-road ability. But its lack of standard safety compared to rivals is unacceptable at this price.

ALTERNATIVES

Ford Ranger Wildtrak, from $67,000

Despite its age the Ranger is still considered the benchmark ute. Wildtrak can’t compete with the Warrior’s off-road prowess.

Toyota HiLux Rugged X, from $75,000 drive-away

Off-road muscle to bully the Warrior but a recent update came with a huge price rise.

Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, $58,990 drive-away (special offer)

Packed full of safety gear and a special drive-away deal knocks $10,000 off the sticker price. Not as off-road focused.

NISSAN NAVARA N-TREK WARRIOR

Price: $67,290 drive-away

Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel, 140kW/450Nm

Servicing/warranty: 5 yrs/unl’td km, $3679-$3807 for 6 yrs

Safety: Seven airbags, 360-degree camera

Thirst: 7L/100km

Payload: 724kg