Nissan Navara N-Trek Review

Aussies love their utes so much we’re really seeing the emergence of a pissing contest. There are halo models costing over $80,000 but many brands are adding special edition ‘packs’ to their top of the range models. In Nissan’s case we’ve seen the Navara cop a ‘Black pack’, ‘Silverline Pack’, ‘N-Sport’ model and now the N-Trek. Because who wants a no-frills ute right?

What is it?

This is now the 4^th series of the current generation Nissan Navara, if you get my drift. It is based on the Dual Cab 4X4 ST-X and not surprisingly scores a lot of back gear. 

Before I go on, I will say the Navara is a much better drive these days. After four attempts that included suspension work and changes to the engine to meet strict European compliance standards, it’s just a much more polished performer. 

But as you can see by the pictures, the N-Trek receives a cosmetic dose of the smelling salts.

Every piece of prominent exterior trim cops a bit of black such as the fender flares, sportsbar, LED headlamp bezels, side mirror caps, rear bumper, front grille, fog light surrounds, roof rails, door handles and the rear N-Trek badge.

There’s also an interesting splash of orange here and there, which I actually like. The interior scores most of it via orange fabric on the leather accented seats, stitching, centre console, armrests and centre console. Rad hey.

Vital Stats

Output’s from the 140kW/450Nm 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel remain the same, with the N-Trek available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. The Navara N-Trek can tow 3.5-tonne braked. Customers also score heated front seats although only the driver’s seat is power adjustable.

Safety is well catered for, by 2015 standards when it launched with the Navara still carrying a five-star ANCAP rating, but there remains no Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), a sin these days.

Technology

The Series 4 Navara sees the arrival of a new Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (AIVI) infotainment system. If you have driven a Renault or Mitsubishi recently, you’ll spot the familiarities. Which is great, because until now Nissan offered a system that would rival a Commodore 64. 

The big plus is also the arrival of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a larger 8.0-inch screen that was previously only 5-inch. A 360-degree reversing camera is standard, although the resolution is a tad behind the times. This is the first Nissan, aside from the electric Leaf, to offer this must have software in Australia. 

Price

The manual starts at $56,450 while the auto jumps to $58,950. Fuel economy is rated at 7.4L/100km, I managed 8.1L/100km. The Nissan Navara N-Trek, is backed by a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Why would you buy one?

Because the bloke next door has a Ford Wildtrak, old mate across the road has a Holden Colorado Z71 and some random around the corner just got a Toyota HiLux Rugged.

EFTM Scoreboard

Nissan has actually put some serious effort into what is basically a hyped-up black pack. It looks great, especially with those bolted on fender flares, orange stripes and decals. It’s a 7.5 out of 10 from me.