Australians now expect their utes to be more than just workhorses, and the latest machine to arrive goes further than most.
Utes are no longer just for the worksite, the latest round of top-flight dual-cabs are designed for work, rest and play.
Here is everything you need to know about the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior.
VALUE
Australians love the promise of adventure offered by high-end utes and are happy to pay handsomely for it.
Priced from $69,990 plus on-road costs (about $78,000 drive-away) in automatic trim, Nissan’s Navara Pro-4X Warrior is not a cheap car by any stretch. But it is significantly cheaper than Ford’s Ranger Raptor.
The new Pro-4X Warrior is geared up for weekend adventures.
A follow-up act to the limited edition Navara N-Trek Warrior, the new model is based on the updated “Pro-4X” model with a better interior and improved safety gear. Warrior fans considering an upgrade will be drawn to the new version’s winch-compatible front bar and upgraded payload.
High-riding suspension, tough looks and all-terrain tyres make an imposing first impression. The cabin’s 8-inch touchscreen has a 360-degree camera and smartphone mirroring, but its low-resolution displays feel dated alongside segment leaders.
COMFORT
The need to balance ride comfort and roadholding with the ability to tow heavy loads and carry the best part of a tonne in the tray makes fine-tuning the suspension in dual-cab utes a nightmare.
Aussie outfit Premcar did the engineering work on the upgraded Warrior.
Nissan Australia turned to Australian outfit Premcar to do the work, tapping into local engineering know-how from experienced folks who understand what customers want from their ute. The result is a machine that’s not only more capable off-road than the regular Navara, but more comfortable on the road.
That said, there is still room for improvement. The Navara’s seats aren’t particularly supportive, there is no reach adjustment (or shift paddles) on the steering wheel and all-terrain Cooper tyres are noisier than regular rubber on the highway.
SAFETY
Recent changes to the Navara included the addition of auto emergency braking, which was sorely absent from the range until 2020. It also has seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, but not active cruise control or centre airbags. Powerful LED headlights help make a case for the Navara after dark.
The cabin isn’t the most modern.
Folks who aren’t going to take the car off-road should think carefully about whether the Warrior is what they need, as its Cooper all-terrain tyres are quite slippery on wet tarmac – a regular ute or SUV would be more appropriate for urban use.
DRIVING
Our time with the Navara fell during a period of heavy rain that didn’t flatter the car on tar, and made serious off-roading a muddy gamble. Previous experience from the vehicle’s launch suggests the Warrior is quite capable on dirt, helped by enormous ground clearance and chunky tyres. Around town, the new suspension offers impressive control at highway speed, though the ride can be a touch firm at lower pace. The Navara’s 2.3-litre, 140kW/450Nm engine is adequate if not outstanding, helped by an impressive seven-speed automatic transmission.
VERDICT 3.5/5
Tough looks and the promise of adventure make a strong case for the Warrior but we’d still lean towards the benchmark Ranger.
ALTERNATIVES
New Ford Ranger Wildtrak, about $75,000 drive-away
Set to arrive mid-year, the new Ranger (and Raptor) promises to be a winner.
Toyota HiLux Rugged X, about $76,000 drive-away
Genuine accessories increase the appeal of Australia’s favourite car.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, about $83,000 drive-away
American ute offers a unique approach to go-anywhere motoring
NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X WARRIOR VITALS
Price: From about $78,000 drive-away
Warranty/servicing: 5 yrs/unlimited km, $2847 for 5 yrs/100,000km
Safety: Seven airbags, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert
Engine: 2.3-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder, 140kW/450Nm
Thirst: 8.1L/100km
Spare: Full size
Towing: 3500kg (auto)
Keyword: 2022 Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior review