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New Navara a twin to the T
Richard Bosselman
November 20, 2025
Having gone its own way for generations, Nissan’s new ute bends the knee.
CONJECTURE the new Navara coming here in 2026 would turn out to be a very light refresh of a ute that’s been on sale here for almost two years has proven correct, and then some.
Unveiling of the Nissan shows it has absolutely no technical departures from the Mitsubishi Triton beyond a retune of the common (leaf-sprung rear) suspension, which Nissan believes will make a big difference.
Differentiation in styling is also minimal, with just altered lights front and rear and a replacement grille, but everything designed to fit into the Mitsubishi metalwork without alteration. Navara has it own wheel designs, but wheel sizes don’t of course alter.
Inside, the cabin is pure Triton, just with the requisite changes in badging; plus Nissan has its own colours and trims. But all controls, buttons … even the steering wheel …. are from the donor.
Under the bonnet? You know the answer: A 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel, from Mitsubishi, in their tune - so 150kW and 470Nm - and married to the six-speed automatic with manual shift option.
Nissan has yet to share its pricing plan or how this D27 generation of its one-tonner will specify.
But arguably, with the mainstream models at least, if buyers determine their decisions are down to which of the two is better, to simply those matters - plus who has the better warranty - will become crucial points.
While current Navara has been subject to aggressive discounting to clear stock, Triton positions as the Japanese ute that comes closest on RRP; from day one, it has steadfastly placed as the cheapest of the major one-tonners. And it has always outsold Navara when both were at regular pricing.
Navara’s course into becoming a ‘Nis-subishi’ was determined years ago, one of those deals reached in the alliance they both have with Renault.
That the development from the donor would become a direct doppelgänger only began to become evident with ‘sneak peek’ images Nissan shared leading up to yesterday’s full reveal.
Though these were carefully doctored, it was clear they had the same silhouettes, cabs and even door shapes.
But now, with everything out in the open, the complete abdication to the Mitsubishi way might become a big pill to swallow for Nissan fans who might have hoped for a bit more individualism.
That could yet occur, as Nissan has a flagship Warrior on the way that seems set to be equipping to a level Mitsubishi has not explored with Triton.
However in respect to the everyman stuff, the occasion in Adelaide fully shows that Nissan, which until now has always developed its ute in-house, has been the subservient partner in this project.
That is to point the Navara will drop off the Kingcab and single cab styles it has previously come in, and simply deliver in dual cab (as Triton does) from now on. Plus, there’s no more manual option; everything has a six-speed auto.
In fact, nothing from the current D23 model that dates back to 2014 transfers.
That course very much reflects that the programme has very different ambition.
Past Navara has been an important vehicle in many markets (as Triton is, throughout the Pacific and Asia), but this one is - for the time being - just a New Zealand and Australia proposition.
That proposal could be why the localisation development it underwent was wholly conducted in Australia. And why Nissan says the ute has been configured for Kiwi and Aussie considerations.
Putting aside the same-same stuff, the new Navara at least delivers more room, more equipment and more safety features. ANCAP confirmed today it will get Triton’s five star, regardless protocols have toughened since that accreditation for the Mitsubishi was determined.
It will tow 3500kg and payload is 950-1047kg, a slight decrease on the current type. Ground clearance is up 8mm to 228mm, as are departure angles, but approach angles are slightly pulled back.