The Nissan Navara is back with a bang, but this time it's a Mitsubishi Triton in disguise! Nissan's 2026 model is a retuned and restyled version of the Triton, and it's ready to hit the Australian market with a new look and some significant changes. But is it a worthy successor to the Navara name? Let's dive in and find out.
First, let's talk about the elephant in the room. The new Navara is essentially a rebadged Triton, and this might spark some controversy among loyal Nissan fans. But here's where it gets interesting: Nissan has partnered with Premcar to give the Navara a unique twist. Premcar, known for their Warrior versions of the previous Navara, have worked their magic on the suspension, ensuring it's not just a simple badge swap.
The lineup has been streamlined, with Nissan focusing on the most popular configurations. Say goodbye to single-cab, King Cab, cab/chassis, manual, and rear-wheel drive options. Instead, you'll find four trim levels, all offered as dual-cab pickups with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Nissan claims this setup accounted for over 90% of sales for the previous D23 Navara.
Under the hood, the Navara packs a punch. Its 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine delivers 10kW and 20Nm more power than the Triton's 2.3-litre engine. But there's a catch: the Navara now has a six-speed auto, down from the Triton's seven-speed. And this is the part most people miss—the new Navara starts at a higher price point than the Triton, with an average increase of $2943 over the old D23 Navara.
The pricing structure is as follows:
| Model | Price before on-road costs | Price increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Navara SL dual-cab pickup 4x4 auto | $53,348 | +$2620 |
| 2026 Nissan Navara ST dual-cab pickup 4x4 auto | $56,765 | +$932 |
| 2026 Nissan Navara ST-X dual-cab pickup 4x4 auto | $63,177 | +$2354 |
| 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X dual-cab pickup 4x4 auto | $68,418 | +$5865 |
Drivetrain and efficiency-wise, the Navara mirrors the Triton with its 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine. However, Nissan offers two four-wheel drive systems with dual-range transfer cases and locking rear differentials, while the Triton has no rear-wheel drive or manual transmission options. The Navara also ditches the coil springs for leaf springs, a change from its predecessor.
Safety is a top priority, with the Navara earning a five-star rating from ANCAP. This rating is based on tests conducted on the Triton in 2024, ensuring peace of mind for drivers. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more, making it a well-equipped choice.
Each trim level offers a range of standard equipment, with the SL featuring 17-inch steel wheels, automatic LED headlights, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The ST adds silver alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and side steps, while the ST-X introduces 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels and drive mode selection. The Pro-4X tops it off with matte black alloy wheels, a tow bar, and unique interior accents.
With a variety of colors to choose from, the Navara can be customized to suit your style. Standard finishes include Alpine White, Midnight Black, and Outback Red, while premium finishes like Blizzard White and Horizon Blue come at an extra cost.
As the Navara celebrates its 40th anniversary in Australia, Nissan is offering a vehicle that's both familiar and fresh. But will it live up to the Navara legacy? That's a question for the Australian market to answer. What do you think? Is the new Navara a worthy successor, or does its Mitsubishi roots cause concern?
