Review of Nissan Navara Pro-4X proves it can back up the tough off-road looks
With trips to Bali and Fiji put on hold many Aussies have spent big bucks on ute upgrades and extra kit … this Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior is designed to save them the trouble.
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Covid caused havoc with a range of industries and tourism was among the hardest hit.
Many of those lucky enough to get through the pandemic with steady employment shelved travel plans and opted to holiday at home.
Caravans, RVs, boats and towing vehicles have been in demand.
Dual-cabs remain hot property Down Under, have been for years, with the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger leading our sales charts. But buyers often aren’t happy with the off-the-shelf product. They’re spending big money to undertake extensive upgrades.
Nissan has released special edition versions of its Navara in recent years to meet the market, but this offering, which first became available late last year, takes things to the next level.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: Yes, this is how I want our ute to look when we finally get a dual-cab of our own.
GRANT: Nissan’s Pro-4X Warrior version of the Navara is hardly hiding in the shadows. Bulging with muscle courtesy of some of the toughest off-road gear available, it’s ready for the toughest of terrain straight from the showroom.
KEL: I love how it’s a combination of athleticism and workhorse. Plus, it’s not too big and cumbersome.
GRANT: A lot of Australians agree and that’s why Nissan partnered with Premcar for the overhaul – a Victorian-based company previously responsible for upping the performance of V8 Falcons.
KEL: With those additions does that add up to a hefty asking price?
GRANT: Drive-away with an automatic transmission you’re looking at about $77,400, slightly cheaper for the manual. Although I have seen them advertised for closer to $80k or above.
KEL: While expensive, that’s not as nasty as I was predicting.
GRANT: Ford’s fire-breathing Ranger Raptor is about to replaced, but those are still getting similar money. The Toyota HiLux Rugged X fetches more than $75,000 and the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon pushes into the $80,000 realm.
LIVING SPACE
KEL: Looking distinctly Navara, the changes aren’t monumental inside.
GRANT: Pivotal upgrades are under the skin. You’re reminded of its enhanced capability via the “Warrior” nameplate embroidered on the headrests.
KEL: The leather trimmed seats are nice, and the cabin functionality is fine with the double cupholders design in the console, front door bottle holders, push-button start and easy access to control the dual-zone aircon.
GRANT: An eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is low resolution and is undersized compared to some more modern offerings, while the Warrior also goes without heated seats and the steering wheel only has tilt adjustment.
KEL: I never had any issues though getting a good position behind the wheel.
GRANT: It’s a functional environment with easy access to the USB points front and back. Some additional storage spots would be useful around the shifter for phones.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: Sitting high on the road, the Warrior remained comfortable and relatively easy to drive.
GRANT: Hairy-chested off-road tyres contribute to a greater ride height. Utes typically deliver a bouncy ride when the tray is unladen, but the Navara runs a different suspension setup at the rear and it feels smoother than many of its rivals.
KEL: Acceleration was fine, but nothing too brutal.
GRANT: Under the bonnet is the same 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with no modifications. It’s an honest performer and there is no danger of whiplash.
KEL: There was no radar cruise control. I like to use that function in traffic.
GRANT: It’s handy on the highway too, looking after the accelerating and braking, but it’s not on the Navara due to powertrain impediments.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Luckily it has the bird’s eye view camera set-up, that makes carparking so much easier. You can see if you’re equally positioned between the lines.
GRANT: Tight car parks can be tough in utes and it’s wider than your standard Navara. The Warrior also comes with rear cross traffic alert which is great peace of mind when reversing to avoid any fast-approaching vehicles.
KEL: It’s always the same battle with groceries in utes, getting the bags into the tub can be a workout.
GRANT: Plus, it’s also worthwhile having partitions or containers to store the bags. Otherwise you have to load the back seat to avoid fruit salad in the tray.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Getting off the bitumen would be the best option.
GRANT: That’s the only way to really explore it’s true ability. Compared to the standard Pro-4X it’s longer, wider and higher which is all designed for greater off-road ability. The steering can be vague around town, yet on the rough stuff and it’s confident and dynamic.
KEL: What’s the purpose of all the red features?
GRANT: Not much with the suspension springs which are simply painted for effect, but the bash plate upfront provides extra protection and the bullbar is also winch-compatible. This model also has improved payload as well as one of the best tie-down setups in the tub – you can slide the attachment points along a rail system.
KEL: Our off-road stint went without issue and we never looked like getting stuck even in some wet conditions.
GRANT: Another advantage of the Warrior is all equipment is covered under the Nissan warranty which covers five years.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Utes are so handy, it’s great to be able to throw our bikes in the back or boards for weekend activities.
GRANT: Dump runs are also a cinch. Rear seat space is also reasonable, and those in the back also get air vents.
KEL: It’s great that the warranty covers all the additional gear, how are the other running costs?
GRANT: With diesel pushing well beyond $2 that’s a bitter pill to swallow at the moment. Our average was 9.5L per 100km, which was higher than the standard Navara during our tests. Capped price servicing is reasonable at an average annual cost of about $570.
THE VERDICT
KEL: Having seen a few Warriors on the road since our drive, it’s definitely something I would like to see in our driveway.
GRANT: The Warrior comes with much of the equipment people traditionally add – the fact that it all remains under factory warranty offers strong appeal. Some luxuries and safety gear are missing, although those omissions are overshadowed by tough looks and strong off-road ability.
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