Nissan has confirmed plans to introduce the new Navara before the end of 2026, likely as a 2027 model. The company also confirms the third-gen Leaf, borrowing many elements from the larger, Ariya crossover. Encouragingly, Nissan’s incoming CEO Ivan Espinosa has left the door open to a new Z, GTR and even a Silvia.
Despite its smaller form factor than the Ariya, the new Leaf will now also transition to a crossover style, replacing the hatchback format of the outgoing, second-generation model. It’ll utilise the CMF-EV platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, sharing much of the hardware with the Ariya, while boasting a wind cheating 0.25Cd drag coefficient.
Impressively, a 598km range is mooted for the new model, but a focus on overall time to charge has been key to the new model’s development. A new Google-based infotainment system and connected car services platform will be in use including over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Of more interest to Driving Enthusiast readers, Espinosa told Top Gear that there is scope for a new Z and GT-R, and potentially even a more affordable sports car such as a 200SX/Silvia. He is quoted as saying:
“I want to have four or five cars at the top of our portfolio that are really brand-oriented cars; cars that really represent what Nissan is about, that show what the heartbeat of Nissan is. These cars should go everywhere in the world.
“I have some options about the cars but you can imagine a future Z, if we ever do a more affordable car which is still in my dream as I’ve told you, maybe the future GT-R, a future Patrol. These are for me the cars that really describe what Nissan is about. With this, we keep the dream alive of what driving excitement is.”
For fans of Nissan’s modern sports classics, this could indicate a full range to battle Toyota’s incoming onslaught of sports cars, including a remake of the MR-2, Celica and 2027 Supra.
As for the 2027 Navara, a teaser image has been sent out to give us a preview of its fresh design. It’s set to borrow the same platform and probably running gear from the latest Mitsubishi Triton, however, Nissan is yet to officially confirm anything.
At the front, with the exposure levels turned up on the teaser image, we can see some intricate details in the split headlights and multi-tier front grille. The bonnet line appears to be similar to the current model, with wheel arch mouldings to enhance the stance.
Power is expected to come from the 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel from the Triton, producing 150kW and 470Nm. Nissan could introduce its own engine but we – and most of the speculation in the industry – points to the Triton unit being utilised to share costs.
More details are expected to roll out over the coming months, especially with the new CEO Ivan Espinosa, starting at the helm on April 1, looking to make significant changes. Nissan confirms the new Navara will debut in the 2026 financial year:
“In FY26, the Frontier/Navara midsize pick-up truck will arrive, bringing an evolved design, enhanced infotainment and impressive suite of advanced driver assist technologies.”
