The PRO-4X Warrior is Nissan’s most capable Navara yet, but how does it stack up over the long-term?
- How good is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior off-road?
- What are the best aspects of the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior off-road?
- How much does the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior cost?
- What equipment comes with the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
- How safe is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
- What technology does the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior feature?
- What powers the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
- How fuel efficient is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
- What is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior like to drive?
- What is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior like inside?
- Should I buy a Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
There’s no bigger segment in Australia than utes, and there’s a huge amount of attention back on the best 4×4 dual-cab models with the arrival of the new-generation Ford Ranger and updates to key rivals. It’s fair to say that the ageing Nissan Navara is struggling for sales traction amid the hubbub, but at the top end of the range the Japanese brand’s own Aussie-honed flagship ute – the PRO-4X Warrior – remains an appealing proposition. We’ve now had the chance to live with the 2022 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior, slotting it into various roles including suburban runabout, country workhorse, occasional farmhand and weekend off-roader. How does it stack up? Pretty darn well, actually…
How good is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior off-road?
“When we talk about the Warrior brand, we’ve got a bunch of inviolables, which means we’re non-negotiable on things like increasing the bandwidth of capability instead of shifting it. So we have to carry over the on-road attributes of the PRO-4X but then increase its off-road capability, not shift everything one way.”
These are the words of Premcar engineering director Bernie Quinn, words we must now put to the test with the 2023 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior.
According to Quinn, the Navara Warrior suffers no compromise on the road yet has expanded off-road ability, so it’s time to head off the beaten track and discover the truth.
Quinn’s words aren’t just an idle boast, as Premcar has done a lot of work on the Navara platform in an effort to improve its go-anywhere capability.
The biggest change regards the suspension, which has had a significant overhaul.
The same could be said of the previous Nissan Navara N-TREK Warrior, but some under-the-radar improvements to the Navara platform – specifically, a stronger body and suspension componentry – necessitated a new development program.
Without going into the specifics, in general there are slightly softer springs and thicker dampers with a large increase in high-speed rebound.
Long story short, the goal is greater comfort and better wheel control.
An added benefit is a 40mm ride height increase, though 25mm of that comes courtesy of the new tyre, a Cooper Adventurer that increases tread depth by 33 per cent over the tyres on the standard PRO-4X.
The new steel bull bar is winch-compatible, incorporates an LED light bar and helps improve the approach angle from 32 to 36 degrees, though departure angle actually decreases by 0.8 of a degree to 19 degrees, primarily due to the larger full-size spare wheel under the tray.
The Warrior’s red bib is a bash plate, with another 3mm steel plate extending back under the vehicle to protect the engine and transmission from knocks.
It all adds up to a dual-cab that will go pretty much anywhere most owners could wish to venture.
Hard-core off-roaders will find it lacking, but you’d have to assume they’d be upgrading the suspension, tyres and diffs anyhow.
What are the best aspects of the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior off-road?
In standard guise, the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior’s biggest upgrade in the rough stuff is arguably those Cooper all-terrain tyres.
All the serious hardware in the world is no good if your tyres can’t get traction, and while the 275/70 Adventurers aren’t as serious as, say, the BF Goodrich All-Terrains fitted to the Ford Ranger Raptor, they do a good job and are much better on sealed surfaces.
Probably the Warrior’s biggest weakness off-road comes when attempting to climb slippery, rutted slopes, where it can scrabble itself to a standstill in 4H.
While this happened on a number of occasions, attempting the same climbs in 4L (low-range) and with the rear diff locked resulted in no problems at all, so it’s just a matter of being prepared.
Hill descent control works well in arresting the vehicle on steep declines, though another slight bugbear is if you are in low range, the gearbox won’t allow a manual downshift until you’re basically at a standstill.
In summary, if you’re the sort of person that likes to get out and explore but without the desire to sink yourself up to the door handles in mud, chances are the Navara Warrior will be able to satisfy your needs.
– Scott Newman
How much does the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior cost?
The 2023 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior is currently priced from $67,515 plus on-road costs for the manual version, or $70,015 plus ORCs for the automatic.
Pricing has jumped around a little since the second iteration of the Warrior was released late last year under the PRO-4X (replacing N-TREK) model grade, now currently described as ‘22.6MY’.
It has also been joined by a more affordable SL Warrior (from $58,000) that lacks a variety of features – including some key safety systems – but none of the now-trademark off-road capability at the core of the changes wrought by Australian design and engineering firm Premcar.
The Navara PRO-4X on which the top-shelf Warrior is based opens at $58,155 plus ORCs, so the Premcar additions add a $9360 premium.
What equipment comes with the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
With the PRO-4X tag comes the highest level of standard specification available on the 2023 Nissan Navara dual-cab 4×4 ute.
Creature comforts you won’t find in an SL-grade Navara Warrior but which come standard in the PRO-4X include dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, an ‘Intelligent Key’ with push-button start, front and rear floor carpet (the SL uses vinyl), leather-accented upholstery, illuminated vanity mirrors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and more.
See our launch review of the standard PRO-4X, which goes into much more detail, while our launch pricing and specs story for the PRO-4X Warrior dives headlong into the local changes that make this a standout model.
Suffice to say, the Premcar handiwork is carefully targeted, homing in on upgrades that are effective while at the same time not blowing out the budget – for either Nissan or its customers.
Headline items include a winch-compatible safari-style bull bar, integrated bull-bar-mounted LED light bar, Navara-branded red front bash plate, 3mm-thick steel second-stage under-body protection plate, Warrior-specific tow bar and fender flares, Warrior decals, and unique 17-inch cast alloy wheels with Cooper Discoverer AT3 tyres (275/70R17).
There’s a variety of mechanical upgrades that we’ll outline below too.
We have a few issues with the standard spec, some of which we suspect won’t be remedied until a new generation comes along, but for now let’s just say that the absence of electric seat adjustment and a load cover of any description don’t do this premium model any favours.
How safe is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
The 2023 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior is fitted standard with seven airbags and an array of handy driver assist safety systems, most of them making life easier on the road and in parking situations when visibility and manoeuvrability are compromised in such a large vehicle.
We give thanks for the inclusion of a 360-degree surround-view monitor with moving object detection, a reversing camera, reverse parking sensors and, seeing it was a recurring issue over our long-term test, a tyre pressure monitoring system.
There’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, a driver fatigue monitor and electronic stability, traction and trailer sway control, while the PRO-4X model grade (compared to SL Warrior) stands alone with lane departure and blind spot warnings and rear cross traffic alert.
The front brakes are ventilated discs but the rears are drum only. Supporting systems include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.
All Navara models are covered by a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, although the testing dates back to 2015 when less-stringent protocols were in place compared to today’s tougher standards.
What technology does the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior feature?
It’s fair to say the 2023 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior isn’t at the cutting edge of technology but has enough to keep it relevant against new-generation rivals.
Standard-issue infotainment features include an 8.0-inch colour touch-screen with (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and a six-speaker stereo.
Auxiliary and USB jacks are provided, the latter comprising three USB-A and one USB-C port around the console area, while two 12-volt outlets are also fitted.
There’s no wireless phone charging, and instrument binnacle has traditional gauges with a decent-sized 7.0-inch display in between that includes trip computer details and a digital speedo.
What powers the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
Here’s where there’s nothing really Warrior-like with Nissan’s flagship ute, the new Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior using the same powertrain and driveline found on all 4×4 models in the range.
Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 140kW of power at 3750rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1500-2500rpm.
The Renault-sourced common-rail oil-burning engine is available with either a six-speed manual or, as tested here, a seven-speed automatic, driving through a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential.
How fuel efficient is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
Official stats suggest the Navara PRO-4X Warrior will consume 7.5L/100km with the manual gearbox on the combined (city/highway) cycle, or 8.1L/100km with the auto.
But you’ll be hard pressed to achieve these lab-derived figures out in the real world, as we found across our long-term test.
In mostly country driving and without threatening its maximum payload (952kg auto), we averaged a nonetheless respectable 9.3L/100km, only pushing up into double figures during off-road stints and when called upon for hay carting.
That’s a good result considering the 2.3-tonne (2298kg) kerb weight of the Warrior, which is up 100kg on the donor PRO-4X.
What is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior like to drive?
We’ll provide updates on our driving experiences with the 2023 Nissan Navara PRO-4X, but our impressions in reviews to date have been largely positive.
The bottom line is that the Warrior improves on the standard Navara in both on-road and off-road conditions.
Key changes that bring the ute up to Warrior spec include revisions to the double-wishbone front and five-link coil-sprung rear suspension – Monroe springs and dampers, and taller jounce bumpers among them – that raise ground clearance to 260mm (+40mm over standard PRO-4X, unladen) and widen the track to 1600mm front/rear (+30mm).
There’s a longer front and rear overhang (+34/15mm respectively) on the Warrior – the ute stretches 5350mm from nose to tail – but the approach angle improves to 36.0 degrees (+4 degrees) and the breakover angle is 26.2 degrees (+3.3). Departure angle remains at 19.0 degrees.
Premcar has also engineered a 100kg GVM upgrade to 3250kg, while the payload at 961kg for the manual and 952kg for the auto is down 52kg compared to the PRO-4X, but is still a good capacity.
The braked towing limit is 3500kg, and as we’ve found in a recent tow test of the PRO-4X Warrior, this is the definitely the Navara of choice when it comes to hitching up a van.
What is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior like inside?
As the most expensive example of a standard showroom-spec 2023 Nissan Navara, there are plenty of attractions inside the PRO-4X Warrior.
But please don’t be under any illusions that this is somehow not a commercial vehicle first and foremost, and that these origins are never far from the surface – or, indeed, are on the surface itself, with the firm plastic upper and lower door and dash trim, for example.
There’s softer trim on resting points for elbows, but for the outlay required we’d have thought electric front seat adjustment, lumbar support and seat heating and ventilation would be provided. Three blank switch points on the centre console also lower the tone a bit in the cabin.
Seat comfort and support over long distances proved sufficient for yours truly, although colleagues have found the driver’s seat a tad small and the positioning too high, even with height adjustment set at the lowest point.
The steering wheel also only adjusts for height, not reach, so take some time behind the wheel before committing to the purchase decision, not least because driver comfort is paramount in vehicles that are typically driven on long journeys and for long stints off-road. Actually, it’s paramount in all vehicles…
Auto down/up is only provided on the driver’s window, while advanced functionality like active cruise control isn’t available.
The rear compartment has two small air vents, a USB-C port accessible and handy grab-handles on the centre pillar (and in the roof lining) that assists with entry/egress and during off-road rocking and rolling.
The high-mounted seats help ensure there’s good visibility from the back stalls, but creates a compromise in that the headroom – and overall space in any direction, really – isn’t abundant. Against the relatively short seatbacks, taller and long-legged passengers are left sitting bolt upright and wishing for more room.
The rear seat base flips up to help with rear storage, but the seat back doesn’t fold down.
The tonneau-less tub has a hard-wearing plastic liner with four tie-down points and a track system across the walls for four more adjustable lashing points. The tub is deep (520mm) but shorter than you might expect at 1450mm in length, with 1510mm width – or 1060mm between the wheel-arches.
We’ll go into more detail in future updates, putting the Warrior into further context as it slots into daily routines and extra-curricular activities where it can really shine.
Should I buy a Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior?
It’d be easy to dismiss the 2023 Nissan Navara as being out of touch given it’s now more than eight years since the D23/NP300 generation was released in June 2015.
But you’ve got to hand it to the Japanese brand for never standing still for too long and being prepared to make important changes to its all-important ute – its top-selling model – to keep the candle burning as brightly as possible.
Up to a point, that’s true not only for things like creature comforts, safety and technology, but mechanical changes that have addressed shortcoming of the D23 Navara that, when you boil it down, stemmed from the fact that this generation was developed as a global ute and specific needs of the Australian market in areas such as suspension tuning weren’t implemented.
The company started listening at the highest levels some years back and, importantly, supported the subsequent partnership that Nissan Australia forged with Premcar to produce a high-end version of the D23 that has culminated in the second Warrior iteration you see here.
What started out as a limited-edition has now become a permanent member of the range and, with the improvements Nissan has made with the most recent Navara update, combined with the latest work on Warrior from Premcar, it’s the finest example of the breed.
So, you see, experience counts in the car business. You learn from earlier mistakes, you listen to your critics, study your rivals, make improvements along the way and by the end of the lifecycle the model in question (and, sure, in my case at least, the owner/driver in question) is the best it can possibly be given all the inherent flaws that came with it from the outset.
The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior is a fine vehicle in isolation and arguably the best off-the-shelf off-road package in the mid-size ute class.
But let’s see how we feel after living with it for a longer period of time
— Terry Martin
2023 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior at a glance:
Price: $70,015 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 213g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)
Keyword: Nissan Navara Warrior 2023 Long-Term Review