2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X review
The Navara might be starting to show a few greys, but can it still compete in a segment surrounded by newer machinery? Ben Zachariah climbs in to find out.
2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X
The fact the 2024 Nissan Navara is no spring chicken isn’t exactly top-secret information. Nissan has already announced an all-new Navara is just around the corner – this time sharing its architecture with the recently released Mitsubishi Triton – and the current model now pushing a decade on sale.
But while the Navara seems to be one of the last utes in the segment to receive a changeover to an all-new model, it has benefitted from years of continuous upgrades and tweaks by Nissan, making it a reliable and well-sorted vehicle. And, frankly, a good-looking one too.
It’s also one of the few dual-cab four-wheel-drive Japanese utes still available for less than $50,000 – albeit in fairly basic specification. But that’s not why we’re here today.
On this occasion, we’re driving the 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X – one of the top-spec variants in the line-up, and spiritually akin to a Ford Ranger Sport or Toyota HiLux Rogue. Not the very top, but a rung below, given buyers can opt for the Pro-4X Warrior with even more fruit and more aggressive looks.
What this means is with the Pro-4X you’re getting a well-sorted, well-appointed, capable, good-looking ute for a reasonable price. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see if the Navara Pro-4X is as good as it is on paper.
How much is a Nissan Navara?
The 2024 Nissan Navara ute range starts at $33,050 before on-road costs with a single-cab rear-wheel-drive model – which we affectionately call a ‘traffic management special’ – and tops out with the Navara Pro-4X Warrior for $70,765 before on-road costs.
This one is the Navara Pro-4X and is priced from $61,405 before on-road costs – however, Nissan is currently advertising the automatic ute for $63,490 drive-away on its website (based on a Melbourne buyer), and the price will change depending on your location.
For that money, you’re getting a dual-cab ute with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine with 140kW and 450Nm powering all four wheels, with a low-range transfer case for off-road driving and braked (simulated) limited-slip differential and electronic diff lock.
It also includes heated front seats, power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, 7.0-inch digital driver’s display with speedometer, leather steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, heated power mirrors, auto headlights and high-beams, auto wipers, remote keyless entry and start, and dual-zone climate control.
Like the Ranger Sport and HiLux Rogue, the Navara also gets an attractive exterior makeover with black highlights, LED lights, side steps, a sports bar in the tub, privacy tint, and colour-coded bumpers. I’ve certainly got no complaints about the way it looks, that’s for sure.
This makes the Navara Pro-4X approximately $5000 cheaper than the equivalent BT-50 SP from Mazda, and roughly $3000 cheaper than the Ford Ranger Sport.
However, while the current model is fairly competitive on pricing, it’s likely the all-new model will see a noticeable price jump. For example, the range-topping Mitsubishi Triton GSR went up by $6900 to $64,850 before on-road costs when it was released earlier this year, and it’s expected the Nissan will follow a similar trajectory.
| Key details | 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X |
| Price | $61,405 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Stealth Grey |
| Options | Premium paint – $650 |
| Drive-away price | $64,140 |
| Rivals | Ford Ranger Sport | Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | Mazda BT-50 SP |
How big is a Nissan Navara?
The 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X is the quintessential dual-cab ute – enough room for the front occupants, a little bit tight for the rear passengers, and decent space in the tub to make it useable for work or play.
In numbers, the Navara is 5311mm long, 1875mm wide, 1855mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 3150mm. This makes it slightly bigger than the dual-cab Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max, but smaller than a Ford Ranger.
That said, the Navara is still incredibly practical, and at no time were we wanting for more space or to be driving anything bigger than what we had.
However, while space wasn’t an issue, ergonomics were. The cabin, the seat, the wheel, overall placement of the driver in relation to the controls felt a bit off – as if the car had been designed in an era when smoking was endorsed by doctors.
Not exactly uncomfortable, but a bit awkward and perplexing. Every time I got in the ute I wished the steering wheel was in a different position, the seating position could be better changed, and all the adjustments just went a little bit farther.
Being that I’m hardly a normal shape myself, it could be more about me than the car, so getting behind the wheel of one is important if you’re in the market.
| 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X | |
| Seats | Five |
| Length | 5311mm |
| Width | 1875mm |
| Height | 1855mm |
| Wheelbase | 3150mm |
Does the Nissan Navara have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Navara comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – which is frankly starting to show its age at this point. The screen itself is on the small side, the lack of wireless connectivity is annoying, and it all just looks a bit old. As if it’s from the previous generation… because it is.
While the 360-degree camera is appreciated when trying to reverse the Navara – as it is on any ute – the quality of the image is shockingly poor. I own a car with a factory reverse camera from 2006 and it is still better quality than the camera on the 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X. Unfortunately, it really ages the vehicle.
But it’s not all bad, because the stereo absolutely pumps. Most car audio is of acceptable quality nowadays, but the Navara really surprised me with how good it was – which is to say, better than it should be for a ute. Any ute.
That very fact alone kind of endeared me to the Navara. Despite its flaws, I wasn’t that upset to get in it, crank some tunes, and hit the road. In fact, I found myself listening to music rather than podcasts more of the time, which is saying something.
Other features include a 7.0-inch digital display mounted between the two analogue gauges. While this should have also aged the Nissan – given most new cars come with fully-digital gauge clusters now – I actually appreciated the high-definition (albeit small) display, and the easy-to-read speedo and tacho.
The fonts are clear and legible, there are no whacky lines and graphics. Just instruments there, giving me the information I need in a smart and simple way. Big tick.
It’s a similar story with the switchgear. All the buttons and knobs are easy to locate, easy to read, and feel like they will last the distance. Actually, let’s back up a moment – this thing actually has buttons and knobs, which seem to be an endangered species these days.
The electric sliding rear window is also a really neat touch, while the USB ports – two up front, and two in the back – were also good to have.
Is the Nissan Navara a safe car?
The 2024 Nissan Navara is listed as ‘unrated’ by ANCAP – the Australasian New Car Assessment Program – due to the fact this model was built after January 2023. Does that mean the ute is unsafe and you should run for the hills? Not quite.
The Navara was last tested in late 2020, receiving a five-star score based on the test criteria at the time. But, as it should be, when it comes to new-car safety, the goal posts are always moving, and that rating no longer applies to the current set of standards.
What does that mean for you, then? Well, if you’re happy to drive around in a ute that was considered safe back in 2020, keep reading. But if you want the very latest and best in safety for your family – and you’re willing to pay a premium for it, in most cases – then there are a number of other utes on sale with current five-star ratings. That’s what it comes down to.
| 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X | |
| ANCAP rating | Unrated |
What safety technology does the Nissan Navara have?
While the Navara Pro-4X may not carry an ANCAP rating with it, the ute does come with a decent list of safety features.
These include a 360-degree camera with Moving Object Detection, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, brake assist, seven airbags (including driver’s knee), reverse parking sensors, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, driver alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, blind-spot intervention, and rear cross-traffic alert.
All five occupants get three-point seatbelts (with driver’s warning), and there’s also speed-activated central locking, hill descent control, and hill start assist.
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Standard AEB only |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | No | Standard cruise control only |
| Blind Spot Alert | Yes | Alert and assist functions |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Alert only |
| Lane Assistance | Yes | Lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist |
| Road Sign Recognition | No | |
| Driver Attention Warning | Yes | Includes fatigue monitor |
| Cameras & Sensors | Yes | Rear sensors, 360-degree camera |
How much does the Nissan Navara cost to run?
Nissan guarantees the Navara with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, and five years of complimentary roadside assist.
Service intervals are a generous 20,000km or 12 months – whichever comes first. Nissan does offer capped-price servicing, costing $2002 for the first three services, $2659 for four, and $3305 for the first five services.
However, if a pre-paid Maintenance Plan Package is purchased from Nissan with the car, those prices reduce to $1802, $2393, and $2975 respectively – saving the owner almost $1000 over the five years, including the second service.
Comprehensive insurance for the Nissan Navara Pro-4X was quoted at $2011 annually, which is a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited kilometres |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Servicing costs | $2002 (three years) $3305 (five years) |
Is the Nissan Navara fuel-efficient?
Nissan claims 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the Navara based on combined city and highway driving, which seems a little bit more optimistic compared with the 9.3L/100km I returned during my time with the car. Maybe if the stereo wasn’t so good, I would have been a bit lighter on the throttle.
It’s worth noting the Navara was used in a combination of city and suburbia, with some freeway driving in heavy traffic in between. For those living in the country, expect closer to the claimed 7.0L/100km, while those in the city can expect 10.1L/100km.
Thanks to an 80-litre tank, the Navara should be capable of up to 1143km of driving on the open road theoretically – though will likely reach just under 1000km based on the manufacturer’s claim of 8.1L/100km. Not bad.
Tailpipe emissions are claimed at 213g/km combined, with the engine built to Euro 5 standards.
| Fuel efficiency | 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 8.1L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 9.3L/100km |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel tank size | 80L |
What is the Nissan Navara like to drive?
The Navara is beginning to show its age, but it’s frankly still got a few tricks up its sleeves. I was really surprised at how neutral the handling is from the Nissan when it’s unladen. Sometimes when a ute is empty, it’s possible to get understeer snapping into oversteer, thanks to the extra weight over the front axle and lack of weight over the rear axle – particularly in the wet.
But the Navara feels well engineered and well tuned. Enough, at least, to be able to get itself around a corner with some degree of competence.
Which is why I was so surprised to find the steering as heavy as it was. Why is it so heavy? I haven’t the faintest idea. But while I think most new cars have steering that is far too light, this ute is the opposite. I don’t understand what the point of it is, and it took me by surprise every time I jumped behind the wheel.
Then there’s the ride – and it’s actually pretty good, which was a surprise given the Navara is now 10 years old. Unlike many ladder-frame utes, there’s next to no bucking from the chassis. It feels like it’s been set up by engineers who knew what they were doing. This could be due to the Navara boasting coil springs at the rear end, rather than agricultural leaf springsmore commonly found in dual-cab utes.
There are no grumbles or ‘echoes’ through the frame when hitting bumps or potholes, delivering a mature and confidence-inspiring drive. Despite its age, some newer utes on the market could learn a thing or two from the Navara.
On the road, the cabin is relatively quiet – despite the all-terrain tyres.
The 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder also works a treat, building a healthy wave of linear torque from low in the rev range, and getting the dual-cab to speed as it rolls quickly through the automatic transmission’s seven gears – making the most of the engine’s peak performance.
While the Nissan pipped its main rival on performance for many years – the previous-generation Mitsubishi Triton – the Navara’s 140kW and 450Nm are now looking a little outclassed by many of its competitors, with the exception of the SsangYong Musso and the Isuzu D-Max/Mazda BT-50 twins.
However, the Navara pushes out those power figures without breaking a sweat. The engine feels understressed. Nissan hasn’t been tempted to dial up the fuel taps just for the sake of winning a numbers game on paper.
Sure, it starts to lag behind others in the segment when there’s some serious towing involved, but I suspect the Navara could be one of the last utes on the market that will just keep going – the type of car you’ll find on a Queensland station in 20 years with half a million kays on the clock. Time will tell.
| Key details | 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X |
| Engine | 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel |
| Power | 140kW @ 3750rpm |
| Torque | 450Nm @ 1500–2500rpm |
| Drive type | Part-time four-wheel drive, Low-range transfer case |
| Transmission | 7-speed torque converter automatic |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 65.2kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 2146kg |
| Spare tyre type | Full-size |
| Payload | 1004kg |
| Tow rating | 3500kg braked 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 12.5m |
How much weight can a Nissan Navara tow?
The Nissan Navara Pro-4X can tow up to 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked, with a maximum towball download of 350kg and a gross combination mass of 5910kg. All respectable figures in this segment.
As touched on, the engine can start to feel overwhelmed when it’s pulling some serious weight, but the transmission does a commendable job of keeping the engine on boost and pushing out enough horsepower to get the job done.
Helping to make sure you get to your destination, the Pro-4X comes standard with trailer sway control.
Are there other dual-cab utes that are more suited to towing? Yeah, absolutely. But there’s an argument that most of them rely on rear leaf springs, and compromise ride and handling around town – the majority of where a ute spends its time nowadays – in the pursuit of boasting about towing ability. So ask yourself, how often do you tow each year?
Should I buy a Nissan Navara?
Nissan has already begun teasing out information on its next-generation Navara, a twin-under-the-skin to the recently launched Mitsubishi Triton. Which is no bad thing, given how impressed we’ve been with the Triton.
So why are we testing this Navara just before it’s replaced? Firstly, it’s good to benchmark the outgoing model. But it’s also a good reminder that – despite starting to show a few greys – this current Navara is a solid contender in the dual-cab segment, even now, and has more than its fair share of positives.
The other thing to note is that, throughout the decades, some people complain about new-generation models and how there’s too much technology in them, too many nanny aids, how they’re not built for longevity – I’m sure you’ve heard the arguments. Maybe you’ve made them yourself.
If that’s the case, and you’re in the market for a new ute, then perhaps you shouldn’t wait for the next model to arrive. Maybe you want the machine that’s been battle-proven for a decade? Or, you just might want to save yourself some money before the inevitable price rise accompanies the new model.
Regardless, the 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X is worth your time to consider. It’s not the best ute on the market, but it’s an impressive all-rounder and offers a tub-load of value for the money – especially when compared to the segment leaders.
How do I buy a Nissan Navara? The next steps.
There are no shortage of variants within the Navara range, so your best bet is to first visit Nissan’s website and check to see which model might best suit your needs and budget. But for value, the Pro-4X is hard to look past.
As always, we strongly recommend checking the cars out in person and taking them for a test drive at a dealership before committing. You can find your closest dealership by clicking here, or you can search for both new and used Nissan Navara utes right here at Drive.com.au/marketplace.
Supply of the Navara is generally good, with plenty of cars in stock and ready for delivery. Though if you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’d suggest not sitting on your hands – with a new model just around the corner, the option to order one from the factory could close at any time.
If you want to stay updated with everything that’s happened to this car since our review, you’ll find all the latest Nissan Navara news here.
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