WEEKEND WARRIOR

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. Folks who aren’t going to take the car offroad should think carefully about whether the Warrior is what they need, as its Cooper allterrain tyres are quite slippery on wet tarmac – a regular ute or SUV would be more appropriate for urban use. But if you’re heading bush on a regular basis, few vehicles will cope better with rough terrain.

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 somewhat of 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.

ALTERNATIVES

NEW FORD RANGER WILDTRAK, ABOUT $75,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The new Ranger 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

A unique approach to go-anywhere motoring.

VERDICT

Tough looks and the promise of adventure make a strong case for the Warrior but we’d still lean towards the benchmark Ranger.