2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X review (video)

It’s a good time for utes at the moment, with the ‘Pick Up/Cab Chassis 4×4’ segment growing larger ever year, with more and more options on the way. Its sales volume easily eclipses that of any passenger car segment in the monthly VFACTS report.

The good news is even better for the Nissan Navara. Despite being at, or near the end of its product cycle, the 4×4 models have recorded 17.8 per cent sales increase across the first 11 months of the year, with 8257 units finding homes, up from 7007 in 2023.

The Navara PRO-4X is aimed at those seeking more than just a workhorse. The exterior design is still very attractive, with a strong, purposeful look that isn’t too avantgarde as to scare the customer base, while still looking modern. This is augmented by the PRO-4X’s addition of black alloy wheels, black-painted door mirrors, and wheel arch flares.

Finished in NISMO-esque Stealth Grey (a $750 option), we tested the Navara PRO-4X in a variety of conditions to see if it deserves your hard-earned dollars.

2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Specifications

Engine: 2.3-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder
Output: 140kW@3750rpm / 450Nm@1500-2500rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD, dual-range
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.0, 255/65
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2087kg
Power-to-weight: 14.90:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.1L/100km
Our consumption: 8.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 80L/Diesel

Power efficiency: 17.28kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.67 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.54 seconds*
60-110km/h: 7.85 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.51 seconds at 128.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.628g*
100-0km/h braking: 42.99m in 3.52 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.138g*
Decibel at idle: 53*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 85*
Starting price: $61,905

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X: How much does it cost?

At $61,905 before on-road costs, the Nissan Navara PRO-4X positions itself as one of the more affordable top-spec models in its class, especially among the established veterans. It goes up against the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, both of which are at least $10,000 more expensive.

The Navara PRO-4X comes with a comprehensive list of features that justify its price tag to an extent. The inclusion of all-terrain tyres, a black stainless steel double-tube sports bar with a sail panel, and roof rails definitely add a sense of visual flair. Inside, the PRO-4X features leather-accented seats, which look good as well as being comfortable over long distances.

Fuel consumption is rated at 8.1L/100km on the ADR81/02 test cycle, which is relatively efficient for a 4×4 dual-cab ute – however, the new mild-hybrid Toyota HiLux Rogue pips it at 7.8L/100km . With an 80-litre fuel tank, a full fill-up would cost approximately $151.60 at the current median diesel price of $1.89/L. Additionally, Nissan offers a pre-paid service plan, with five years of coverage costing $2975. This is a competitive offering compared to rivals, whereby diesel servicing costs can get up there

2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Interior & packaging

This generation of Nissan Navara – the NP300 (or D23) – has been with us since 2015. The interior has aged reasonably well, with a functional and handsome design. The updated steering wheel of the facelifted model definitely freshens things up. Material quality is actually pretty good, with soft-touch areas where you would get scratchy hard plastic on rivals.

The cabin’s dimensions reveal a space that’s slightly narrower than some competitors, particularly in the rear. Rear legroom isn’t quite as generous as in the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux, but it’s still decent enough for most heights and shapes. The PRO-4X measures 5311mm in length, 1875mm in width, and 1855mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3150mm.

One area where the interior does fall short is the infotainment system. While it does feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 8.0-inch touch-screen is dated. The graphics and interface lack the modern polish seen in competitors, which could be a sticking point for tech-savvy buyers. However, the system is user-friendly and functional, making it a solid, if unspectacular, part of the overall package. The screen size is off the pace of many refreshed rivals, too. It’s worth mentioning we had some difficulty accessing Apple CarPlay.

How safe is the 2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X? While it is currently unrated by ANCAP, the NP300 Navara has previously been rated five stars. It comprises of a comprehensive safety suite including seven airbags, lane departure warning, blind-sport monitoring, forward collision warning, AEB, driver attention warning (and it stays off when turned off). It might lack things like adaptive cruise control, but the upshot of that is you avoid some of the niggles that can come with that tech (e.g. sudden phantom braking during a lane change).

2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Powertrain & handling

Press the start button, and, at the risk of sounding cliched, you wouldn’t know there’s a diesel under the bonnet. But what you’re firing up is a 2.3-litre, twin-turbo-diesel four-cylinder, punching out 140kW of power at 3750rpm, and 450Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500rpm.

This engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with a selectable 4×4 system and dual-range transfer case. The twin-turbo setup keeps the engine on the boil for smooth and responsive power delivery, with minimal turbo-lag. While there have been some concerns about the 2.3-litre donk’s reliability in the past, we’d like to point out there’s a five-year warranty and roadside assistance.

Onto the real highlight of this ute and what gives it a strong edge for this price point; on-road dynamics. Starting with the steering, it is direct but maybe a tad light – we’d appreciate more feel around bends. The five-link, coil-sprung rear end is so well sorted that it feels more like an SUV than anything else.

The fact it combines these road manners with genuine off-road ability and a 3500kg braked towing capacity is commendable. Though, the GCM of 5910kg, minus the 2146 kerb weight and minus 3500kg means you’re left with just 264kg for passengers and any gear.

With a 12.5-metre turning circle, it is reasonably easy to manoeuvre for its size, and the 220mm of ground clearance and rear diff lock, coupled with a 32-degree approach angle, 19.8-degree departure angle, and 22.9-degree break-over angle, make it a capable off-roader.

2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Ride comfort (compared with others): The five-link coil spring rear suspension offers a more comfortable and cohesive ride compared with leaf-sprung competitors.
• Decent powertrain despite its age: The 2.3-litre twin-turbo-diesel engine delivers smooth and responsive power, with decent acceleration for its output.
• Rugged and stylish design: Despite the NP300’s age, it is a handsome beast, without looking too hardcore or show-off.
• Price: The top-spec PRO-4X is priced attractively compared with most top-spec rivals, most of which are north of $70k, and rising.

2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Key considerations before you buy

• Dated infotainment system: Despite having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the interface looks and feels outdated and less intuitive than rivals.
• Limited rear seat room: The cabin feels slightly narrower than some competitors, particularly in the back seat, where footroom is more limited.
• Lacks advanced driver safety aids: The absence of adaptive cruise control and more advanced driver-assistance systems could be a drawback for tech-focused buyers.

2024 Nissan Navara PRO-4X: Video