2021 Nissan Navara Officially Launched In PH, Starts At P1.149M

The new, much-anticipated 2021 Nissan Navara has finally arrived in the Philippines. Ever since declaring the pickup wars when it was released in 2015, the Nissan Navara has carefully evolved to being a pickup that’s both tough and smart. For 2021, the refreshed Navara brings with it smarter technologies, tougher looks and improved on- and off-road manners.

There will be six generously-equipped variants to choose from, though there a number of changes that are common to all of these variants. Upfront, there’s a larger grille, new headlamp designs, and a taller hood that gives the Navara a more imposing look. All but the base EL variant get quad-LED headlamps with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and new alloy wheel designs. Stepping up to the VL adds silver roof rails, rain-sensing wipers and new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

The main highlight for 2021 is the addition of a new top-of-the-line PRO-4X variant, which gets a black grille, black wheel arch extensions, black mirrors, black roof rails, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black badges and orange exterior highlights. This new variant will mainly serve as a competitor to an ever-growing list of lifestyle pickups such as the Toyota Hilux Conquest, Isuzu D-Max LS-E, Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Mitsubishi Strada Athlete.

Interior changes for the 2021 Nissan Navara are quite minor relative to the exterior, but that’s because most of the improvements happen skin deep. For improved quietness and refinement, the Nissan Navara is now fitted with more sound deadening material and even a first-in-class dual-layer acoustic glass in order to significantly cut vibrations, road noise and wind noise.

As for equipment, this is where Nissan is making the Navara a formidable competitor in the ever-tougher pickup segment. All variants get a multifunction steering wheel, Nissan’s Zero Gravity Seats and Bluetooth connectivity. The highly-popular VE variant, which replaces the EL Calibre, gets a significant upgrade in terms of features such as the new 8-inch Nissan Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch color multi-information display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-speaker audio system and a reverse camera. Stepping up to the VL variant adds 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 360-degree Around View Monitor cameras and smart entry with push-button start. Lastly, the new range-topping PRO-4X gets exclusive PRO-4X logos on the seats and floor mats.

Powering the new Nissan Navara is the same 2.5-liter inline-4 turbocharged diesel engine as before in two states of tune: 163 HP and 403 Nm and 190 HP and 450 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic, depending on the variant. Additionally, 4×4 variants with an automatic transmission now come with a rear differential lock, further increasing the pickup’s off-roading capability.

Nissan also spent time reengineering the chassis of the refreshed Navara. More than just adding new features and improving its looks, the new model also features a strengthened rear axle and a new integrated step in the rear bumper for easier access to the truck bed. As a result of these structural changes, payload capacity has been increased. In addition, a new steering rack has been adopted to enhance maneuverability at low speeds and steering response across the speed range.

Safety is also paramount to Nissan’s vehicles, and as a result, the brand’s suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features is now available in the Navara. As a matter of fact, all but the base EL variant now get automatic emergency braking (marketed as Intelligent Emergency Braking) and driver attention alert while VL variants and above get blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and high beam assist. These safety systems come on top of six airbags, electronic stability control and hill start assist, which is equipped on all variants.

While most brands offer their advanced driver-assist features on their top-trim variants only, Nissan chose to offer these in a wider range of variants. As a result, the new Navara is the most generously-equipped pickup currently on sale in the Philippines in terms of safety features.

The new 2021 Nissan Navara will go on sale this April 14 at all Nissan dealers nationwide with the following prices, which already includes the DTI safeguard duties:

• 2.5 PRO-4X AT 4×4: P1,849,000
• 2.5 VL AT 4×4: P1,779,000
• 2.5 VL MT 4×4: P1,699,000
• 2.5 VE MT 4×4: P1,499,000
• 2.5 VL Calibre AT 4×2: P1,599,000
• 2.5 VE Calibre AT 4×2: P1,459,000
• 2.5 VE Calibre MT 4×2: P1,369,000
• 2.5 EL MT 4×2: P1,149,000