On the outside it’s dark, some might say foreboding, but this masks the true nature of the
new Nissan pickup, for the Navara PRO-4X Warrior, to give it its full title, is engineered for
tough going off road and comfort while cruising the bitumen.
This is all down to the continued input of Aussie automotive product development and
engineering consultancy Premcar, in which the pickup’s off-road improvements were
tested on regular road surfaces to ensure the everyday ride and handling were not
compromised.
Enhancements in wheel, tyre and suspension come up with better ground clearance and
improved ride and handling, while wider stance, redesigned front end, plus new Cooper
all-terrain rubber, complete a range of rugged visual cues.
In practical terms, the PRO-4X Warrior has been given a gross vehicle mass boost of 100
kilograms to 3250 kg, plus a payload of 961 kg for manual vehicles and 952 kg for the
automatics.
With wider track – 1600 mm from 1570 mm – ground clearance has been lifted from 220
mm to 260 mm, while approach angle goes from 32 degrees to 36 degrees and departure
angle trimmed from 19.8 degrees to 19 degrees due to the fitment of a full-size spare tyre
with alloy wheel.
The Aussie developed Warrior has taken on the standard equipment of the PRO-4X,
including a new 7-inch driver assistance instrument cluster, a high resolution 8-inch
touchscreen display incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and
leather-accented interior.
Competitively priced at $69,990, plus on-road costs, the Navara PRO-4X Warrior
automatic on test comes up against some mighty opposition in the Mazda BT-50 Thunder
($68,990 drive-away), Toyota HiLux Rugged X ($69,990) and Ford Ranger Raptor
($77,690).
STYLING
In typical Navara ‘ready for anything’ style, up front the PRO-4X Warrior carries a new
Nissan winch, compatible Safari-style bull bar with integrated LED light strip and new
‘Navara’ branded red skid plate, plus a 3 mm steel secondary under-body protection plate.
The robust black test vehicle, with a new decal pack announcing the Warrior’s presence
from all angles, sported model-specific fender flares adding bulk to the body width, while a
new towbar set-up out back was on hand for any serious towing.
The pickup rolls on Cooper Discoverer All Terrain AT3 275 / 70 / R17 tyres with increased
tread depth and specific pattern.
INTERIOR
Unlike others of the big pickup ilk, the PRO-4X Warrior eschews sombre cabin decor,
relying on grey headlining to give the space a light and airy ambience.
Occupants will never be left wondering what they are riding in, the word ‘Warrior’ is
plastered all over the place, from the embroidered front headrests to the orange accented
floor mats.
INFOTAINMENT
Occupants have the benefit of a smart key, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto. The screen helps the driver slot the big truck (nearly five-and-half metres
long) into car park spots with 360-degree cameras.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
In a move to keep costs down, engineers left the engine alone. It’s the regular Navara 2.3-
litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 140 kW and 450 Nm, putting power to
ground through a seven-speed automatic transmission in our test vehicle.
SAFETY
With seven airbags, the PRO-4X Warrior features intelligent forward collision warning and
intelligent emergency braking, as well as vehicle dynamic control, brake limited slip
differential, anti-skid brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and brake
assist.
DRIVING
The high revving engine produces enough power to handle various loads, while the bulky
body and wide tyres add wind and road noise to the hum. A turning circle of 12.7 metres
puts parking moves at a premium.
Nissan claims fuel consumption at 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban /
highway cycle. The test car turned in 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres over a week of town
and country driving.
A revised suspension with new spring rates provides more front-end support, hence less
body roll. Reworked front and rear damping provide greater control of wheels, improved
isolation of the cabin from impacts and reduced float when towing or with loads.
Head, leg and shoulder room all-round the cabin is above average and air-con outlets are
extended to the rear seating, which on a long run can be unforgiving in its firmness.
Adjustable tie-down anchors run the length of the lined tub, while a hatch-style electric
sliding rear window in the dual cabin gives a chance to carry extra-long items or give extra
cab ventilation.
SUMMING UP
With Aussie engineering input, Nissan has come up with a Warrior that could rattle a few
of the enemy on home soil and beyond.
RATINGS
Looks: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 5/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior manual $67,490
Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior automatic $69,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan N-Trek Warrior 2.3-litre intercooled twin-turbo diesel, common-
rail direct injection, seven-speed automatic, four-door dual cab)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.298 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders
Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 3750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.1 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 186 g/km
DRIVELINE: Seven-speed automatic, dual range 4×4 with electronic 4WD selection
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5385 mm
Wheelbase: 3150 mm
Width: 1920 mm
Height: 1895 mm
Turning Circle: 12.7 metres
Kerb Mass: 2186 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Drum
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
