2023 Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition Review

The pickup truck market in the local area has always been dominated by "practicality first" as the mainstream, but recently many brands have started to focus on passenger vehicle-like features — retaining the cargo-carrying capacity while ensuring daily driving comfort. The 2023 Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition is targeting this demand. As a mid-to-high-end version of the series, it not only features exclusive exterior kits but also aligns its configurations and performance with family SUVs. The core purpose of our test drive this time is to see if it can balance the utilitarian attributes of a pickup truck with the comfort needs of a family car.

From the exterior, the exclusive Black Edition kit does indeed improve its recognizability. The front face continues Navara's family-style V-Motion grille, but the grille interior, the exterior mirror housings, and the wheel arch trim have been treated with high-gloss black accents. Paired with 18-inch black alloy wheels, the overall style looks sportier than the standard version. The side profile of the vehicle presents orderly lines. The 5260mm length and 3150mm wheelbase ensure the cargo bed space. LED headlights and daytime running lights come as standard, offering clear visibility when illuminated, while the automatic headlight function can switch automatically when entering or exiting tunnels, enhancing practicality. The rear design is relatively simple; the taillights adopt a vertical layout, and the lower rear bumper includes silver skid plates, aligning with the rugged character of the vehicle.

Stepping inside the car, the leaning toward passenger car-like interiors is evident. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical design, using a mix of soft-touch plastic and leather-texture panels in materials — not exactly luxurious but sufficiently durable. The 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster is clear, capable of displaying information such as fuel consumption and four-wheel-drive status. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports CarPlay and Android Auto, with moderate operation smoothness. The Sound Plus audio system includes six speakers, sufficient for daily music listening. In terms of features, keyless entry and push-button start are standard. The front has automatic climate control with rear air vents, and the driver’s seat supports 8-way electric adjustment and 2-way lumbar support, while the passenger seat is 4-way manually adjustable. The rear seat is a three-person bench with foldable seat bottoms, which, when folded, can expand rear storage space. A 220V power outlet is located in the rear, convenient for charging electronic devices during long trips.

Space performance meets the standards of a pickup truck. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, a 175cm-tall passenger has about two fists of headroom and ample legroom. Rear legroom is approximately a fist and a half, with two fists of headroom. There is no significant center tunnel protrusion under the middle seat, making short trips comfortable. However, for longer journeys, the upright backrest angle might become tiring. Although the exact dimensions of the cargo bed aren't provided, based on the wheelbase, it should handle daily tasks like transporting furniture or camping gear without issues. Regarding storage space, the door pockets can hold two large bottles of water. The central armrest box has moderate depth, and there are two cup holders in the front row, providing strong practicality.

As for power, the 2.5T diesel engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 190PS and peak torque of 450N·m (marked for output at 2000rpm, though during the actual test drive, the torque was noticeable at around 1800rpm). It is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Although the throttle response during startup is not overly aggressive, a light press on the accelerator is sufficient to drive the more than 2-ton vehicle. During mid-range acceleration and overtaking, the transmission downshifts actively. When the engine revs exceed 3000rpm, power reserves are ample. At highway cruising speeds of 120km/h, the engine operates at about 2000rpm, and noise is well controlled. Driving modes include 2H, 4H, and 4L. For everyday roads, 2H is sufficient, while switching to 4H on muddy terrains significantly enhances traction — light off-road driving poses no issues at all.

The handling and chassis performance are inclined towards comfort. The steering wheel has a moderate level of resistance, with slightly more play compared to an SUV, which aligns with the design of a pickup truck. Stability during high-speed driving is commendable. The front suspension uses a double wishbone independent suspension, while the rear suspension features a leaf spring solid axle. Compared to the older model, the tuning is softer, allowing the suspension to filter out most minor bumps when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers won't feel too jolted. When cornering, body roll is less than expected. After all, it’s a ladder-frame model, and the overall stability is worth affirming. In terms of noise control, the diesel engine noise can be heard inside the cabin when idling, but once driving, the wind and tire noise are well-controlled and don’t significantly affect conversations at speeds below 80km/h.

As for fuel consumption, we tested it on congested city roads and highways, and the combined fuel consumption is approximately 8.5L/100km. For a 2.5T diesel pickup truck, this performance is above average. The braking performance is stable, the brake pedal travel is moderate, the braking force is linear in the early stage, and during sudden stops, the body does not dip significantly. The braking distance meets expectations.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition lie in its passenger-oriented features and performance. Compared to peers like the Toyota Hilux 2.8G or Ford Ranger XLT, it offers richer features (such as electric seats and a 220V power outlet) yet is priced approximately RM5,000–RM8,000 lower, highlighting its value for money. However, its rear-seat comfort and cargo bed convenience still have room for improvement, such as the lack of USB ports for rear passengers and the absence of a powered tailgate for the cargo bed.

This vehicle suits two types of users: one is small business owners who need a pickup truck for cargo but also desire daily commuting comfort; the other is consumers who enjoy outdoor camping and off-road trips while also needing to accommodate family outings. It retains the functional traits of a pickup truck while meeting family-use needs, making it an "all-rounder" candidate.

In summary, the Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition is a pickup truck that feels "not so much like a pickup truck"—it does not sacrifice utility while leaning towards SUV-like comfort and features. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle cargo, off-road driving, and daily family outings, it’s a great choice.