2018 Nissan Navara E 2.5L (M) Review

In Malaysia's pickup truck market, consumers' demands for practicality, off-road capability, and basic configurations have always been core considerations. The 2018 Nissan Navara E 2.5L (M), as a 4x4 diesel manual model, precisely targets this group of users who place emphasis on balanced performance. Its core selling points are clear: the low-end torque advantage of diesel power, the riding comfort brought by independent rear suspension, and relatively complete basic configurations at the same price point. This test drive aims to verify its actual performance in daily commuting, cargo transportation, and light off-road scenarios to see whether it truly meets the core needs of most pickup truck users.

In terms of appearance, the design of this Navara E takes a practical route without excessive decorative elements. The front has retained Nissan's family-style V-motion grille, paired with halogen headlights and front fog lamps, offering decent recognizability. Although it does not feature the brightness of LED light sources, halogen lamps are actually more practical in terms of penetration in rainy and foggy weather. The side profile of the body features straight lines, with dimensions of 5255mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1800mm in height, while the wheelbase reaches 3150mm. These dimensions ensure the basic functional needs of the cargo bed and passenger space. The 16-inch steel wheels paired with 205R16C tires are more focused on durability than visual effect, aligning with the utility vehicle positioning. The rear design is relatively simple, with vertically arranged taillights. The lower rear bumper lacks extensive decoration, matching the vehicle's practical style.

Sitting inside the car, the interior layout emphasizes functionality without a luxury feel. However, the layout of the buttons and knobs is very intuitive. The center console uses hard plastic materials, and while the touch may not be premium, its resistance to dirt and scratches is actually more practical considering the vehicle's usage scenarios. The instrument panel features electroluminescent analog dials, providing a clear display that shows information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level at a glance. The multifunction steering wheel comes standard. Although it is not covered in leather, the button layout is reasonable and allows for controlling the volume and answering phone calls, making it convenient for daily use. The front seats are manually adjustable with decent support, ensuring that long drives do not result in obvious fatigue. The highlight of the rear seats is the foldable bottom cushions, which can extend the storage space of the trunk, thus offering strong practicality.

In terms of space, the advantage of the 3150mm wheelbase is quite evident. The headroom and legroom for front passengers are spacious, with an allowance of one fist for a 180cm passenger in the head area. The rear space is considered excellent for a pickup truck, and a 180cm passenger sitting in the back will have two fists of legroom and will not feel cramped in the head area either. As for storage space, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box is deep enough, and the glove compartment is quite spacious as well. The rear door panel storage slots and cup holders in the center armrest also meet daily needs. Although the exact dimensions of the cargo bed are not provided, from practical experience, it can accommodate a motorcycle or several large-sized suitcases, catering to cargo-carrying demands.

In terms of performance, the 2.5L turbocharged diesel engine's performance is commendable. It delivers a maximum horsepower of 163PS, with peak torque available at around 2000rpm, showcasing a clear low-end torque advantage. During everyday starts, as long as the revs are kept around 2000rpm, the power response is very lively without feeling sluggish. On highways, the advantage of the manual transmission becomes apparent; when downshifting and increasing the RPMs, the power is readily available, giving confidence while overtaking. Regarding driving modes, although there are no multiple modes to choose from, the characteristics of the diesel engine are sufficient to cater to most scenarios.

The handling and chassis performance are highlights of this vehicle. The front suspension is a double-wishbone independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a multi-link independent suspension, which is a rare configuration among pickup trucks. When driving on bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out small vibrations, so sitting inside does not feel too bumpy. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, the steering is quite precise, and there is minimal play, giving the driver a lot of confidence. The steering assistance is moderate, not too heavy at low speeds while remaining stable at high speeds.

In terms of fuel efficiency, during our test under mixed road conditions, the fuel consumption is approximately 8L per 100 kilometers, which is excellent for a 2.5L diesel pickup. With an 80L fuel tank capacity, a full tank can provide a range of around 1,000 kilometers, which reduces the need for frequent refueling during long trips. Regarding braking performance, the front ventilated disc brakes provide sufficient braking force, and the stopping distance is within an acceptable range, ensuring safe daily use.

Off-road capability is the core selling point of a 4x4 model. We tested its performance on a light off-road terrain, and on muddy and rocky roads, the four-wheel-drive system performed stably. As long as it is switched to low-speed four-wheel-drive mode, the power distribution is very reasonable, resulting in commendable ability to get out of trouble. The design of the approach and departure angles also enables it to handle most complex terrains, making it suitable for users who enjoy outdoor activities.

In terms of ride comfort, the advantages of the independent rear suspension are evident. Compared to traditional leaf spring suspension, the riding experience has improved significantly. In terms of noise control, the diesel engine noise is more noticeable at idle, but once on the move, wind and tire noise are managed fairly well and do not affect normal conversations inside the vehicle. The seat comfort, as mentioned earlier, is very good with excellent support and wrapping, making long drives comfortable.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2018 Nissan Navara E 2.5L (M) stand out: the low-end torque and fuel efficiency of the diesel engine, the comfort brought by the independent rear suspension, the decent space performance, and practical configurations. Compared to its competitors such as the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, its independent rear suspension is a significant advantage, offering much better ride comfort. However, it also has obvious shortcomings, such as the absence of a parking camera system, and the materials used in the interior are relatively average.

Overall, this vehicle is suitable for users who value practicality and comfort, such as small business owners needing a cargo vehicle, families that enjoy outdoor activities, or consumers looking for a multi-purpose vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and off-road adventures.

All in all, the 2018 Nissan Navara E 2.5L (M) is a highly balanced pickup truck. It strikes a great balance between power, space, comfort, and off-road capability. If you need a practical, durable, and comfortable pickup truck, this is a model worth considering.