Nissan Navara 2020 Review

Nissan Navara 2020 - Slight Updates and Price Increase

The latest Navara features an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as noise suppression improvement across the range.

The mid-spec ST also has a new black styling package and increased tyre diameter. Meanwhile, a special edition N-TREK has been added to the lineup.

While the prices for its single cab and king cab variants remain unchanged, the dual cab models introduced a small increase in prices along with the improvements.

Available in dealerships since March this year, the Navara 2020 lineup commands an estimated price of $$28,690 to $64,490.

Nissan Navara 2020 Aggregated Reviews

WhichCar.com.au - 4/5
CarAdvice.com.au (ST) - 7.6/10
CarsGuide.comau (N-TREK) - 7.6/10
Practicalmotoring.com.au - 3.5/5

We Love

• Lighter maneuverability than most other utes
• Improved noise suspension on dual cabs
• Improved styling and refinement
• Upgraded infotainment system

Pain Points

• Has smaller cabin than competitors
• Low safety system
• Costlier service pricing than competitors

Exterior

The wheels get bigger and fancier with the price. The steel wheels of DX are 15-inch while the steel wheels of RX and SL increased an inch. On regular ST, the 16-inch wheels become aluminium alloy.

The focus of this year’s Navara upgrade is on the dual cab ST, which gets a Black Styling Package that includes:

• Black front grille
• Black alloy sports bar
• Black fog light clusters
• Black side mirrors
• Black-on-silver 18-inch (from 16-inch) alloy wheels

All these improvements are said to make the ST variants look more aesthetically appealing with a closer resemblance to the glitzier ST-X variant and less similarity to the industrial-looking SL.

Meanwhile, the top-spec N-TREK Warrior boasts a 32.2-inch all-terrain tyres on 17-inch rims, locally tuned suspension, and tougher exterior styling with its steel bullbar, integrated LED light bar, and stainless-steel front underbody protection plate.

Interior

The DX cab-chassis is the most “spartan'' version of the Navara and features vinyl floor covering,and basic door and exterior trims.

The RX’s rear and side windows are tinted, the mirrors and door handles look fancier, and there are additions of a rear-window demister, CD player, and an interior fuel-flap release.

Moving to the mid-spec SL and you’ll get the same vinyl floor covering yet an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch multi-function screen on the dashboard with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. The CD player is gone but there’s a reversing camera.

The more expensive ST, which is the focus of the 2020 improvements, features a more stylish interior cabin with carpeted floor and leather trimmed steering wheel, gear change lever, and handbrake lever. There are also satellite navigation, a trip computer, fog lights, side steps, and a chrome sports bar for the tub.

The higher-spec ST-X has partial-leather seats, heating for the front seats, and power adjustment for the driver’s seat. The power-folding door mirrors are also heated for demisting purposes. The four cameras create a virtual overhead view. Other features include the intelligent key that allows the unlocking of the car by touching a front door handle as long as the key is nearby, roof rails, and moveable tie-down points in the rear tub and a heavy-duty plastic liner. Power-operated sunroof and full leather seats come optional on ST-X Dual Cabs.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All Navara trims get seven airbags, stability control with brake limited-slip differential, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights (DRL) and, for pick-up versions, a reversing camera.

All trims except for the entry level RX come with Nissan’s latest 8.0-inch touch-screen media interface called 8.0-inch Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (AIVI) system that incorporates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

ST-X and higher spec models also have several driving assistance features, like Hill Start Control and Hill Descent Control, as well as an around-view camera system.

What's it like to drive a Nissan Navara 2020?

Both diesel engines offer competitive power and torque, as well as good response especially when paired with the seven-speed auto gearbox.

The ute’s smaller-than--most-competitors' dimension makes it more car-like to drive and handier to park.

The ST, N-TREK and the luxurious dual-cab ST-X with optional sunroof have a cabin that resembles more like a passenger car than a commercial vehicle.

The front seats are also comfortable although the steering wheel adjusts only for height and not for reach.

The noise and vibration improvement is noticeable, thanks to the addition of the acoustic windscreen and more sound-proof materials around the centre console, firewall and transmission tunnel.

Like most utes, the rear suspension jolts over bumps when the tub is empty or loaded with only a few cargo.

Who’s the Nissan Navara 2020 for?

The Navarra is for people who mainly transport and tow cargo all the time. It’s lesser cabin space and longer tray is ideal for these tasks than for transporting people.

The ute's smaller dimension that most of its competitors also make it an ideal vehicle for those who frequently drive along busy and narrow roads.

And with its affordable entry price and 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, it’s ideal for practical people who value functionality more that brand status.