The new Nissan Navara will break from tradition and be based on a Mitsubishi engineering.
Nissan Australia has officially unveiled the all-new Navara, scheduled to go on sale in Australia and New Zealand at the end of the first quarter of 2026.
This new generation aims to build on the Navara’s legacy as a trusted partner for work and travel, a heritage that has seen cumulative sales of approximately 500,000 units since the first generation’s launch in 1986.
However, the 2026 Navara (D27) arrives as a result of the Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s strategic “leader-follower” model.
Under this strategy, Mitsubishi would take the lead on product development in South East Asia while Nissan would concentrate on other regions like the USA.
This cost-saving strategy means the new Navara is essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton, built on the same common platform and sharing core mechanical components. Leveraging an existing, modern platform allows Nissan to quickly bring the new model to market, maintaining pace in the highly competitive pickup segment.
Differentiated Design and Local Tuning
Despite the shared foundation, Nissan has executed significant differentiation. The Navara features unique styling cues inspired by Nissan’s pickup truck lineage, designed to give the pick-up a tough yet sophisticated and advanced appearance. The exterior highlights include a signature V-motion grille and C-shaped headlamps, with three-part intake openings outlined in orange that pay homage to the first-generation model.
Crucially, Nissan has focused on local tuning to differentiate the driving experience, optimizing the suspension specifically for driving conditions in Oceania. The previous generation (D23) Navara faced notable criticism regarding its rear coil suspension setup under heavy loads, which caused sagging issues.
Addressing this directly, the new model adopts the Triton’s more robust leaf-spring rear suspension across all versions. This architecture, coupled with Nissan’s specific local tuning, is engineered to deliver a comfortable ride and excellent handling across all road surfaces, meeting the high demands of the Australian market.
Powertrain and Advanced Capability
The new Navara is powered by a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine shared with the Triton, producing a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and a peak torque of 470 Nm. This engine is paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers a competitive fuel efficiency of 7.7 L/100 km (WLTC mode).
The truck features an advanced four-wheel-drive system combined with an electronically controlled differential lock—standard on all models. The system automatically shifts between two-wheel drive (for highway driving) and four-wheel drive (for towing or heavy-duty tasks). Furthermore, a newly adopted electric power steering (EPS) system enhances maneuverability and handling performance.
Inside, the cabin features a modern layout, although the design remains very similar to the Triton’s. Interior technology includes a 7-inch color TFT meter for the instrument cluster and a high-function 9-inch infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard.
For safety, the new Navara supports the driver with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), an emergency lane-keeping system, and the Intelligent Speed Limiter, which recognizes speed-limit signs and alerts the driver.
