Here’s Everything You Need to Know About The 2021 Nissan Navara (w/ spec sheet)

This month of March 2021 seems to be truck month in the Philippines as here we are seeing the introduction of another pick-up truck in the market just a little over a week after the much anticipated launch of the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX and less than a week after the 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max’s introduction.

Say hello to the 2021 Nissan Navara, Nissan Philippines is soon gonna be launching the long overdue updated version of its entry into the popular and crowded mid-size pick-up truck segment. 

The updated 2021 Nissan Navara had its world debut back in November last year and while its overall shape and underpinnings remain the same from 2014, it receives a major upgrade in terms of looks and features that should keep it up to date. 

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First, the 2021 Navara lineup now features similar naming as with its Terra SUV sibling with the addition of the mid-grade VE 4×2 M/T, VE 4×2 A/T and VE 4×4 M/T, replacing the old EL Calibre variants. The other variants still follow the same naming scheme starting from the base EL 4×2 M/T; and the VL 4×2 A/T, VL 4×4 M/T, and VL 4×4 A/T. In addition, there is a new top-of-the-line variant, the PRO-4X 4×4 A/T.

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For the exterior, it gets a new and larger V-Motion front grille flanked by newly designed headlight clusters. With the EL 4×2 M/T being the utilitarian Navara, it gets halogen headlights, 17-inch steel wheels, and the same bulb-type taillights from the outgoing model. Upgrading to the VE 4×2 M/T adds new quad LED projector headlights with a new signature daytime running light, as well as LED fog lights. Also added are 17-inch alloy wheels. Moving up to the VL 4×2 gives you 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels. The PRO-4X then gets the same 17-inch wheel design from the VE but painted in black and wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires.

At the back, all Navaras except again the base EL 4×2 M/T get newly redesigned taillight clusters with LED bulbs giving a sportier appearance. The EL retains the outgoing model’s incandescent design. The tailgate had also been redesigned with Navara lettering and a torsion bar making it easier to lift and open the tailgate.

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Inside, the 2021 Navara remains largely the same as the pre-update version but still does get some changes. The most obvious is the steering wheel which gets a new and sportier three-spoke design, looking more similar to Nissan’s smaller passenger vehicles.

Improvements done to the interior are re-shaped rear seats which should offer more comfort and support. A foldable center armrest with cupholders is also now standard, replacing the floor-mounted cup holders on the outgoing version. The 2021 Navara is also now equipped with more insulation and noise-proofing materials to absorb noise and improve cabin quietness. In addition, acoustic laminated glass is now used for the front windshield and front windows. 

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Standard interior features are rear A/C vents, and 4 USB ports (including 1 Type-C). Over the base EL, VE variants add several features such as a 7-inch driver’s multi-information display, 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control. VL 4×2 variant also adds 8-way power-adjust front seats and black leather material. The PRO-4X also only gets manual adjust front seats but adds PRO-4X embroidered logo, and red and white stitching.

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Under the hood, the 2021 Nissan Navara still gets the same 2.5-liter Inline-4 YD25 powertrain with VGS Turbo that produces 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque for VE 4×2 A/T and above variants. EL 4×2 M/T and VE 4×2 M/T variants also get the same size engine but producing a lower 163 hp and 403 Nm of torque instead. These can be paired to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission depending on the variant. This also means that Nissan now offers the most powerful 4×2 pick-up trucks in the market, matching the recently launched Isuzu D-MAX.

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In terms of safety, the 2021 Navara is equipped with the following safety features as standard on all variants: dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, 4-Wheel Active Brake Limited Assist and Trailer Stability Assist, and ISOFIX Childseat Anchors.

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In addition, VL and PRO-4X variants also come equipped with an Intelligent Around-View Monitor (with Off-Road Mode on VL 4×4 and PRO-4X variants). Off-Road Mode automatically switches on the AVM Monitor when the 4WD system is switched to 4Lo up to 10 kph. This allows the driver to have an easier time off-roading.

To recap, the 2021 Nissan Navara lineup is composed of 8 variants which are the following: 

• Navara 2.5 EL 4×2 M/T
• Navara 2.5 VE 4×2 M/T
• Navara 2.5 VE 4×2 A/T
• Navara 2.5 VE 4×4 M/T
• Navara 2.5 VL 4×2 A/T
• Navara 2.5 VL 4×4 M/T
• Navara 2.5 VL 4×4 A/T
• Navara 2.5 PRO-4X 4×4 A/T

As of this posting, Nissan Philippines has not yet announced pricing for the 2021 Navara. We can however expect this to be announced once the vehicle is officially launched on March 21, 2021. Pricing by then should also include the DTI’s Safeguard Tariff. 

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