Review of the Nissan Navara Pro-4X showcases it’s all-round ability

The pandemic has curtailed overseas plans for many but opened the door to seeing our own territory, and this ute is a great pick for the family.

The Nissan Navara Pro-4X.

Look no further than the nation’s biggest airports to see why the sales of caravans and tow vehicles have skyrocketed.

Road trip planning has become the new norm, while the click-and-fly market plummeted with the pandemic.

The Nissan Navara has evolved over the past six years with several model updates.

After listening to the market, the most recent changes have led to a tough new look.

Among the new additions in the latest Navara offering is the Pro-4X, which has some hardcore bells and whistles.

Nissan's Navara Pro-4X sits atop of the range with features including bulging black wheel arches with red highlights house robust all-terrain tyres, while behind the cabin there's a black sports bar with side sail planes.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Big knobbly tyres, flared wheel arches and an aggressive sports bar across the tray – this looks equipped for serious action.

GRANT: Welcome to the new automotive fashion where all the features are black and bold. Dual-cab utes have become more than work devices, and are popular across just about all age groups.

KEL: Some families we know have shifted to these utes for their primary car. I understand the appeal, they’re so handy for getting sporting equipment around, carrying furniture, towing and going off-road.

GRANT: The Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger have been the nation’s top two selling cars for years. Take a trip anywhere and you’ll see old and new utes, many with a range of modifications and accessories. This Pro-4X aims to deliver something which is ready to go, without much work, straight from the showroom.

KEL: While it looks a little more aggressive than other models, what’s the real difference?

GRANT: Sharing much of its underpinnings and features with the ST-X, the drive-away price is $6000 more at $62,290. That includes the Yokohama all-terrain tyres, a range of black external features and special leather-accented seats.

Special seats with Pro-4X embroidery raise the cabin appeal.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: Those seats with Pro-4X embroidery certainly makes things look sportier within a cabin which is predominantly black and functional, yet basic.

GRANT: Hard plastics are used across the dash, and surprisingly there are quite a few unfilled buttons. That’s a little hard to swallow for a range-topping variant.

KEL: I’ve really liked the Navaras we’ve driven previously, but there are no heated seats?

GRANT: Not in this model. Heated seats are only available in the ST-X and as part of a $1500 option pack.

KEL: And only manual adjustment of the front seats?

GRANT: Unfortunately it’s the same deal there. It does have dual-zone aircon, push-button start, along with an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring applications.

KEL: Everything else is easy operationally. The Nissan infotainment system is intuitive yet simplistic – I primarily use Apple CarPlay anyway, and I like cup-holders in the console as well as bottle holders in the doors.

GRANT: Those in the back also have a fold-down armrest with cup-holders, along with air vents and a USB port.

Under the bonnet of Nissan's Navara Pro-4X is a four-cylinder turbo diesel which is used across the range.

THE COMMUTE

KEL: Surprisingly easy to drive in traffic, I like that it feels quick off the line.

GRANT: Without a load, the four-cylinder turbo diesel engine gets the Navara moving swiftly.

KEL: This model felt harder to steer compared to others we’ve driven, especially in carparks.

GRANT: All the specifications report the same 12.5m turning circle as the previous model, but that could have been to do with the all-terrain tyres. I didn’t have any issues and I often find the best option is reversing into parks.

Tackling the tough stuff is within the Nissan Navara Pro-4X’s remit.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: Front-in parking is my preferred option and I love the fact it has the rear traffic alert to warn of oncoming vehicles when reversing.

GRANT: It’s quickly become a must-have feature. Concrete pillars can be a nightmare in tight carparks.

KEL: That all-round camera view is also brilliant and perfect to ensure you’re in the middle of the lines. I do miss front parking sensors.

GRANT: Only rear sensors are standard. The primary bugbear for grocery shopping is where to put the bags if you have rear seat passengers.

KEL: Lifting into the tray can be a challenge, but I’d want some buckets or dividers in the back to stop the bags tipping when driving.

GRANT: There is also a soft tonneau cover option that is $716 fitted.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

SUNDAY RUN

KEL: Hitting the open road is comfortable and I didn’t find the road noise intrusive.

GRANT: It’s a comfortable family option. Towing capacity is 3.5 tonnes (the bull bar is standard) and the payload is one tonne. It’s always best to analyse the numbers though and those looking to tow should ensure the gross vehicle mass isn’t exceeded.

KEL: The ute option is always handy for weekend duties and it’s easy to throw the bikes over the tailgate to hit the trails.

GRANT: Absolutely, and the Pro-4X not only comes with a lined tub but also one of the best tie-down configurations around. There are four fixed rings at the front and back of the tray, but also two rails on either side with sliding tie-down points. It’s more than capable off-road as well, with those Yokohamas offering extra grip on gravel and challenging trails.

Adjustable tie-down points are among the best in the business and standard on the Nissan Navara Pro-4X.

THE FAMILY

KEL: Our boys really liked the tough appearance and had ample room in the back.

GRANT: The Navara is a solid all-rounder. While boasting a five-star safety rating, there are a few items missing. Radar cruise control is absent and really should be a standard feature at this end of the ute spectrum. It’s a surprising omission given it already has emergency braking that can autonomously apply the brakes if an impending frontal collision is detected.

KEL: I really like that radar cruise functionality when on the highway or in traffic.

GRANT: Peace of mind comes from a five-year warranty with roadside assist for the same period. There is also a prepaid service option which works out to be about $570 each service for the first five if you return to a Nissan dealer.

KEL: That sounds reasonable. What’s it like on fuel?

GRANT: Our average over a week was 9.0L/100km, which is slightly higher than what we’ve done in past Navaras with a similar mix of driving conditions.

The road less travelled is where the Nissan Navara Pro-4X does its best work.

VERDICT

KEL: Nothing much has changed in my view. I still really like the Navara for its comfort and ease of use, but I’d probably take the model below which would allow me to get the heated seats even if it sacrifices the flashy sports bar and wheels.

GRANT: Those wanting a seriously hardcore Navara can check out the new Warrior which ups the off-road ante but also boosts the price to more than $70,000. This Pro-4X is a great-looking dual-cab but there are a few safety items and luxuries missing.

Originally published as Review of the Nissan Navara Pro-4X showcases it’s all-round ability