New Nissan Navara Double Cab Review: 2.3D 4x2 LE Manual - Navara Nirvana

I've been a fan of Nissan's larger double-cab since the previous generation model. It was big and intimidating at a time when everything else was battling the smaller Hardbody and so was immediately recognized as a more premium product.

But today the game has caught up, with the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max all offering similar levels of stature and refinement. Yet, the Nissan has experience playing here, and hell it was a good enough starting point for Mercedes-Benz when they were in the market to well, join the market. And what a market it is. We now live in a world with VW Amaroks, Fiat Athletes, Mahindra Pikups, GWM Steeds and soon Renault Alaskans plus a few possible entrants from South Korea.

Sweet spot found

The Navara is an accomplished gravel traveller, I speak from experience having crushed 490km of dirt in the 4x4 just last year in absolute comfort – helped in part by its independent 5-link rear suspension.

The similarly blessed 4x2? Well, it does just fine on moderate loose surfaces but the best way to define it in relation to the four-wheeler is that it delivers that same upmarket offering but at a fair discount. A full-fat Navara then that sacrifices some off-road ability for affordability. Here's why that makes sense.

A quick comparison

On last year’s dirty dalliance with the gravel highways of the West Coast and Tankwa National Parks via the Karoo – the route represented pretty much the most rigorous of excursions I'd ever personally embark on.

In the interest of science, I dilly-dallied (marginally) less on a second and more purposeful mission in this two-wheel-drive Navara and the results were pretty much the same on this relatively unchallenging but super-entertaining Cederberg route. Performance was predictably identical since both models enjoy the same 2.3-litre 4x2 LE specification and drivetrain – good for 140kW and 450Nm - and drive on the same 18-inch alloy wheels, meaning any differences in handling are imperceptible.

These are large vehicles with great vantage points but that comes with predictably heavier gaits and road demeanour after all. And you're not penalised in the aesthetics department for choosing a 'lower' model either – a Navara in this LE configuration continues to look ‘the business’.

Okay, let’s wrap this up

Don’t get me wrong, if you have fantasize about riding dunes or scrabbling up rocky terrain, this is not the Navara for you. Generally, 4x2s will not fit into that fantasy so do not attempt to apply it here either.

But if you're aware of all the perks of owning a relatively efficient truck, capacious and torquey with loads of curbside appeal matched with great cabin furnishings including the perennial connectivity requirements then little can match the Navara. A great car, a better bakkie.

Nissan Navara Double Cab 2.3D 4x2 LE Manual Specs:

Includes 6-year/150 000 km warranty as well as a 3-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are scheduled for every 15 000 km (or 12 months).