What’s new in the 2021 Nissan Navara?

The local pickup truck segment is heating up this March as Nissan Philippines finally launches the 2021 Navara. While the new Navara is only a facelifted model, the Japanese company has employed significant changes into the nameplate, along with the introduction of an all-new variant, the Navara PRO-4X.

What exactly are the changes in the new Nissan Navara? Here’s a rundown, inside and out. 

Redesigned exterior

The 2021 Navara sits on the same platform as the outgoing model, but its exterior design has been heavily revamped from before. The grille is bigger than ever, with the Navara name subtly debossed at the upper portion of the V-Motion grille. 

The PRO-4X variant gets a blacked-out grille upfront for a sporty look, as with the side mirror caps, window molding, roof rails, and door handles. The new top-spec variant is easily distinguishable with the black over fenders, as well as the orange accents on the front bumper and Nissan logo. The PRO-4X also gets 17-inch alloy wheels in gloss black, wrapped in all-terrain tires from the factory.

For distinction, the VL variants come with 18-inch alloys with all-season tires, while the VE has a set of 17s and the EL using a set of steelies of the same size.

Nissan has also given the headlamps a vast revamp, now bearing a quad-LED projector configuration across all variants except for the base EL 4×2. Those LEDs are partnered with sharp LED DRLs. The LED taillights, on the other hand, have been reconfigured to give tailing vehicles an imposing allure.

Improved interior

While the new Navara’s dashboard layout looks familiar, those privy to the outgoing model will notice the updated steering wheel, which is part of Nissan’s transition to a new design language. A new, high-resolution 7-inch TFT screen displays the instruments – a standard feature except in the EL.

The PRO-4X is equipped with leather seats decorated with orange stitching and intricate seat design, while the VL comes with white stitchings in a different pattern. Lower VE and EL variants do come with fabric seats.

At the rear, Nissan integrated the cupholders into the foldable center armrest, departing from the floor-mounted cupholders of its predecessor. There are rear A/C vents as well, while Nissan said that the rear bench backrests have been reconfigured to recline to a certain degree, increasing seat comfort.

Chock-full of tech & safety toys

Power windows, power door locks, keyless entry system, rain-sensing wipers, and engine push-start ignition are all standard for the top VL and PRO-4X variants, while the VE and EL make do with normal turn-key and remote lock/unlock system. 

Cruise control is also standard within the range (except EL), as are the dual-zone climate control, Nissan 8-inch advanced touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six speakers, and USB chargers (yes, with Type-C).

Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the automaker’s headliner for years, is naturally present in the 2021 Navara. Standard in the VL and PRO-4X variants are emergency braking, driver attention alert, blind-spot monitors, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and moving object detection. 

The around view monitor (360-degree cameras) is also standard in the top two variants but gets an added off-road monitor for the PRO-4X. Hill Start Assist is standard across the range, while only the 4×4 variants get the Hill Descent Control.

In terms of safety and security, I’m glad to report that Nissan equips the entire range with these features: 6 airbags (driver, front passenger, side, and side curtain), ABS with EBD, parking sensors (VL and PRO-4X), vehicle dynamic control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, speed-sensing door locks, a full set of seat belts, and anti-theft system (alarm and immobilizer).

Mechanical updates

The Navara doesn’t get an engine update for the 2021 model year, and that’s fine since the YD25 diesel engine has stayed tried and true ever since it was introduced here. The turbocharged 2.5-liter mill makes 190 metric horses and 450 Nm of torque for the PRO-4X, VL, VE 4×4, and VE 4×2 AT variants. On the other hand, the detuned version produces 163 hp and 403 Nm for the VE 4×2 MT and EL trims.

These engine options are mated to either a 7-speed torque converter automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, with the 4×4 variants equipped with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system and rear differential lock.

What Nissan improved on the 2021 Navara is the suspension setup. The truck retained its multi-link suspension for the revered ride comfort, but the automaker added a dual-rate coil spring at the rear to increase its payload capacity. Front brakes remain ventilated discs while rear makes do with drums.

Variants & Pricing

The newly introduced Navara PRO-4X variant is Nissan’s new poster boy, offering an aggressive-looking, sporty choice for discerning truck buyers. In contrast, the similarly equipped VL variants exude a classy appeal with their chrome trimmings.

The 2021 Nissan Navara is available in these paint colors: Galaxy Black; Fiery Red and Stealth Pearl Gray (PRO-4X only); Aspen Pearl White (PRO-4X and VL, additional P15,000); Forged Metallic Copper and Lunar Metallic Gray (VL and VE 4×2); and Brilliant Silver and Alpine White (VE and EL).

The refreshed Navara will be available in Nissan’s nationwide network of dealerships starting April 14, 2021 at these prices:

PRO-4X 2.5 4×4 AT – P1,849,000

VL 2.5 4×4 AT – P1,779,000

VL 2.5 4×4 MT – P1,699,000

VL Calibre 2.5 4×2 AT – P1,599,000

VE 2.5 4×4 MT – P1,499,000

VE Calibre 2.5 4×2 AT – P,1459,000

VE Calibre 2.5 4×2 MT – P1,369,000 

EL 2.5 4×2 MT – P1,149,000

As a bonus, Nissan Philippines is offering a five-year vehicle warranty exclusive only for the 2021 Navara. The five-year warranty applies to all new Navara variants, making it a unique offering for the pickup segment.

“This extended warranty lets our customers enjoy the new Navara even better throughout its product lifespan. It gives our customers even more confidence and pride in owning the company’s latest innovative product,” said Nissan Philippines President and Managing Director, Atsushi Najima.