Nissan Navara 2018 Review

In the Malaysian pickup market, models that balance household comfort with light off-road capability consistently maintain stable demand—consumers expect it to handle rugged construction site roads on the outskirts while also meeting the quietness and convenience of daily commuting. The 2018 Nissan Navara Double Cab 2.5L V (A) is a typical contender in this niche market. It is equipped with a 2.5T diesel engine delivering 163PS, standard front and rear independent suspension, and priced at RM115,888, approximately RM12,000 more than the SE (A) variant. However, it adds features such as front and rear cameras and automatic headlights. This test drive focuses on verifying its practicality, performance, and whether the suspension tuning truly balances household use and light off-roading.

Approaching the vehicle, the exterior design of the 2018 Navara V version continues the family’s robust style. The large chrome-plated front grille is connected to the halogen headlights on both sides, visually widening the front end. The silver skid plate on the front bumper and the black wheel arches on the sides retain the off-road characteristics of a pickup. The body lines run from the fenders to the rear, with 16-inch alloy wheels and 255/70R16 wide tires creating a well-proportioned appearance. The rear design is simple, with vertical taillights and reflective strips on the rear bumper enhancing recognition. The handles on the cargo bed panels make opening and closing convenient. Overall, the design prioritizes practicality over flashy elements.

Opening the door, the interior features mainly dark hard plastics, but areas such as the air conditioning vents and multifunction steering wheel are accented with silver trim to reduce the plastic feel. The center console layout is clear, with large physical buttons that are easy to operate without looking. The standard keyless entry and start functions are very convenient for daily use. The seats are fabric material, with manual adjustment available for the front row. The backrest and cushion are firm but offer good support. The rear seats can be folded upwards (Tip-up base), creating under-seat storage space suitable for tools or backpacks.

The dimensions of the vehicle are 5255mm × 1850mm × 1810mm, with a wheelbase of 3150mm, which falls within average levels among double-cab pickups of the same class. The front-row seating space is spacious, with a 175cm tall passenger having two fists’ worth of headroom after adjusting their seating position. The rear legroom measures about two fists, and the headroom one fist. Although there is a slight hump in the center of the floor, it does not feel too cramped for three passengers during short trips. In terms of storage spaces, the door panels can hold two 500ml water bottles. The depth of the central armrest box is moderate. The front row is equipped with a storage slot for mobile phones and a USB port, while the rear row has air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, showing thoughtful attention to detail.

Starting the vehicle, the idle noise of the 2.5T diesel engine is slightly more noticeable compared to gasoline engines, but the sound transmitted into the cabin is kept within an acceptable range. Stepping on the accelerator, the engine reaches its maximum torque output at 2000rpm, making the start smooth. Even with five passengers and some cargo fully loaded, it does not feel underpowered. The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, with an aggressive upshifting logic—it reaches the sixth gear at a speed of 60km/h. During highway cruising, the engine runs at around 1800rpm, balancing power and fuel efficiency. For daily driving, the steering wheel has moderate weight and minimal free play, with precise direction changes during lane shifts and turns.

The suspension system is a highlight of the Navara—independent double wishbone front suspension + independent multi-link rear suspension, which is uncommon among pickups in the same class. When passing speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension can quickly filter out most of the bumps, and rear passengers won't feel significant bouncing. When taking high-speed turns, the body roll is well-controlled and is more stable compared to pickups with traditional leaf spring rear suspensions. We specifically test-drove on an unpaved rural dirt road, and the suspension performed well in filtering out minor vibrations with no loose feeling in the chassis. However, the rear wheels exhibited slight residual vibrations when going over larger potholes.

As a diesel vehicle, fuel economy performance is noteworthy. Our test-drive route covered 30% highways, 50% urban congested roads, and 20% rural roads, with the air conditioning turned on throughout. The tested fuel consumption was about 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which is above average for 4x4 pickups in the same class. With an 80L fuel tank capacity, the full range easily exceeds 900 kilometers, making it suitable for long trips. In terms of braking, the front ventilated disc brakes provide linear braking force, and the vehicle maintains a stable posture during emergency braking without obvious nose-dive.

In terms of noise control, at speeds below 80 km/h, wind and tire noise are not noticeable; when speeds exceed 100 km/h, wind noise enters from the A-pillars but does not interfere with normal conversations. The fabric material of the seats offers good breathability, ensuring that extended seating does not feel stuffy. The rear seat backrest angle is reasonable, making long trips less tiring. However, it should be noted that it only has 2 airbags, which is fewer compared to the higher-tier VL version that includes side airbags and curtain airbags—a minor downside.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2018 Navara V version lie in its suspension tuning and practicality of configurations. Compared to the Toyota Hilux E version at the same price point, it offers additional features such as front and rear cameras, automatic headlights, and electrically foldable side mirrors; compared to the Ford Ranger XL, its independent rear suspension provides better comfort. Its drawbacks include fewer airbags and a somewhat plastic-heavy interior, but considering the price point of 115,888 MYR, these shortcomings are acceptable.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of consumers: one is small business owners who need to balance family use and light off-road work, such as carrying tools to construction sites while also picking up and dropping off family members; the other is families who enjoy weekend outdoor camping. Its 4x4 system can handle basic mud roads, and the rear space and storage capacity can meet the needs of family trips.

In summary, the 2018 Nissan Navara Double Cab 2.5L V (A) is a "well-rounded player." It doesn't have particularly outstanding highlights, but it also has no significant weaknesses, making it suitable for consumers looking for practicality and value for money. If you need a pickup that can "handle tough tasks" while also being "family-friendly," it is worth considering.