NISSAN NAVARA
THE current Nissan Navara, or D23, was another 2015 release and is distinguished in the broader ute market as having coil springs at the rear and not traditional leaf springs. It’s fair to say that this generation Navara has been a disappointment for Nissan sales wise, failing to gain the market penetration of its predecessor, the D40. Despite claiming a 3500kg tow rating to match the bigger utes in the class such as Ranger and Colorado, the Navara proved none too good at either towing or carrying heavy loads, although this was improved for the 2017 model and again in 2018.
You can get traditional leaf springs at the rear of a Navara D23, but only with the less powerful single-turbo engine and not with the more powerful bi-turbo engine that is the default motor across the broader range.
The Navara’s relatively poor ground clearance and limited wheel travel also means it’s a bottom-tier off-road performer, despite coming with a rear locker as standard.
If you want a more general-duties ute and not a heavyduty workhorse or off-road weapon, the Navara still offers decent performance and good levels of equipment, so can be good value. And if you want a dual-cab 4x4 with a factory sunroof, or an opening back window, then it’s the only choice!