2026 Nissan Navara on sale now, tuned for Aussie 4x4 tracks

The fifth-generation Nissan Navara is now on sale in Australia, priced from $53,348, with suspension and 4WD systems tuned for local roads, tracks and off-road conditions. 

Melbourne-based engineering partner Premcar oversaw development, testing every model across sealed highways, gravel roads, corrugated tracks, and rugged terrain. The result is a ute that remains composed and predictable whether unladen, carrying a full load or towing.

The Navara is offered in four Dual Cab 4×4 grades: SL, ST, ST-X, and PRO-4X. The SL and ST are built for trade and commercial use, with robust load-carrying and towing capability; the ST-X is a dual-purpose model balancing weekday commuting with recreational off-road use; and the PRO-4X is the lifestyle and off-road-focused flagship, with suspension and tyres optimised for rough terrain. All grades come with six-speed automatic transmissions, reflecting the preference of most Australian buyers.

All Navara grades are powered by a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 150kW and 470Nm of torque, up 10kW and 20Nm over the outgoing D23 model, and is slightly more fuel efficient, consuming 0.2 L/100km less.

The SL and ST feature an Easy 4WD system with a part-time dual-range system and an electronic rear differential lock. The ST-X and PRO-4X are equipped with the more advanced Super 4WD system which includes a Torsen limited-slip centre differential, multiple drive modes (2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc), and hill descent control.

The ST-X and PRO-4X also include a seven-mode Drive Selector – Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock – to optimise throttle mapping, transmission behaviour, traction control, and 4WD system performance.

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Suspension tuning

The Navara’s suspension is designed to handle the full range of conditions, from unladen kerb weight to full payload and 3500 kg braked towing. Nissan and Melbourne-based engineering partner Premcar developed three separate suspension calibrations for different grades to suit their intended use.

Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director, Nissan Oceania said: “We made a deliberate decision to develop three distinct suspension calibrations rather than a single compromise, because a tradesman loading a tonne of gear every morning has fundamentally different needs to a family towing a caravan or boat on the weekends.”

During development, Premcar engineers evaluated 137 damper codes and made over 550 internal shim changes. Final validation covered 18,500km of local testing on sealed roads, gravel, corrugations and off-road terrain. The aim was consistent across all variants: stable steering, linear handling, improved ride comfort and confident towing behaviour.

A key feature is the internal rebound spring in the front dampers, which allows damping force to be reduced while maintaining roll stiffness. Bernie Quinn, CEO and Engineering Director of Premcar said: “When you’ve got the internal rebound spring in there, you can actually take some damping force out and control roll with the spring instead. That means you get a better compromise between comfort and steering response – compared to a car that doesn’t have internal rebound springs.”

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Grade-specific tuning

• SL and ST: 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty four-leaf rear springs. Suspension was tuned with a loaded tray to replicate trade use, giving stable mid-corner control, reduced bump-stop contact, and consistent steering under load.
  
• ST-X: 18-inch wheels, three-leaf rear springs. Tuned for two occupants and validated for full payload and towing. Provides controlled body movement, improved compliance on rough and undulating surfaces, and predictable handling.
  
• PRO-4X: 17-inch wheels, three-leaf rear springs, all-terrain tyres. Calibrated for off-road articulation while maintaining on-road stability, flatter body roll, and consistent towing behaviour.

Quinn added: “These utes need to carry a lot, so Premcar tested every way you can think of. The aim is simple – to deliver a ute that feels good in every possible Australian scenario for every possible customer.”

Electronic Power Steering is also new for the Navara, adjusting effort automatically for city manoeuvring or highway stability. It works with the locally tuned suspension to provide linear roll-rate response and predictable steering under load.

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Off-road geometry and towing

The Navara’s off-road geometry has been improved where it counts: ground clearance 228 mm (+8 mm), approach angle 30.4, rampover angle 23.4, and departure angle 22.8 (+2.2). All models support 3500 kg braked towing. Revisions to suspension, internal rebound springs, and linear steering provide stable pitch control under load, giving confidence when towing caravans, boats or trailers.

Pricing