Nissan Navara 2023 Review

The Malaysia pickup truck market is always in a game of balancing niche demands — consumers want reliable cargo-carrying capacity but are unwilling to compromise on comfort and smart features. The 2023 Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition aims to address this pain point with a distinctive Black Edition design to enhance its recognizability, while also benchmarking higher-class models in terms of safety and comfort configurations. In this test drive, we focus on three core aspects: Does its blacked-out design really enhance its looks? How does the 2.5T diesel engine perform in city commuting and off-urban cargo transportation? And, is the VL version worth spending an extra RM9,000 compared to the V version?

At first glance, the Navara VL Black Edition gives a very direct impression of being "rugged yet refined." The vehicle continues the muscular lines of the Navara family, but enhances its sporty feel with a series of blacked-out elements: the front grille adopts a glossy black honeycomb design, outlined with chrome strips that maintain the rugged feel of a pickup truck while avoiding monotony; the skid plate under the front bumper, outer mirror housings, and 18-inch alloy wheels are all in glossy black, while the "NAVARA" lettering at the back is also turned black, giving an overall unified and aggressive appearance. The lighting system is a highlight, featuring LED automatic headlights with daytime running lights, which have high recognizability when lit. The front fog lights also adopt LED light sources, making them more practical in rainy and foggy weather. The dimensions of the vehicle are 5260×1850×1860mm, with a wheelbase of 3150mm, making it a standard mid-size pickup. Viewed from the side, the wheel arch lines are robust, complemented by 255/60 R18 tires, giving it a steady stance.

Opening the door, the interior layout is simple and functional, without overly flashy designs, but the materials and detail handling have noticeably improved compared to older models. The upper part of the center console is covered with soft-touch material, while most touchpoints are wrapped in leather. Combined with the black interior and silver accents, the overall texture is on par with SUVs of the same price range. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the visual focal point with a clear interface and support for Bluetooth connectivity and Sound Plus functionality. The sound quality of the 6-speaker system ranks above average for a pickup truck; physical buttons are reserved below the left-side air conditioning vent, making temperature and airflow adjustments more intuitive than using a touchscreen. As for configurations, the advantages of the VL version become apparent: the front row is equipped with automatic air conditioning, the driver’s seat features 8-way electric adjustments with 2-way lumbar support, providing ample support during long drives, and the passenger seat has 4-way manual adjustments. There's also a 220V/230V power outlet below the center console, which is very practical for users requiring external tools or charging. Space performance meets expectations – the headroom in the front row is two fists, and the rear legroom is one fist and two fingers. Although it doesn’t match up to family SUVs, it’s sufficient for a pickup truck. The rear row features a long bench-style seat that can be flipped to expand storage space, suitable for placing longer items. The storage compartments are thoughtfully designed as well: door panel storage slots can fit two large water bottles, the center armrest box is deep enough to hold small tools, and the front cup holders have limiters, keeping drinks steady during bumpy rides.

Starting the vehicle, the noise of the 2.5T turbocharged diesel engine is quieter than expected and there is hardly any noticeable vibration in the cabin at idle. The engine delivers a maximum power of 190PS/3600rpm, with a maximum torque that is unleashed at 2000rpm. Paired with a 7AT gearbox, the power response is quite brisk when starting off, without the common lag often found in diesel vehicles. During urban commuting, the throttle is calibrated to be linear, offering smooth low-speed driving, and the transmission has clear shifting logic with aggressive upshifting—reaching 7th gear at just 60km/h to maintain low RPM and save fuel consumption. For overtaking, pressing the accelerator firmly triggers swift downshifting, providing direct power output, and the acceleration between 80-120km/h is sufficient to handle overtaking on highways with ease.

As for handling, the performance of the front double-wishbone independent suspension is commendable. When passing over speed bumps, it absorbs most of the impacts without any harsh jolts. While the rear leaf spring suspension is relatively stiff, it doesn't feel excessively bumpy when unladen, and comfort improves further when carrying passengers. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal play. At high speeds, it feels stable, and during cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, offering a driving feel closer to that of an SUV compared to other trucks in the same class. The four-wheel-drive system is easy to switch, with a knob next to the gear lever allowing quick toggling between 2H, 4H, and 4L. In outdoor muddy road conditions, the 4H mode provides adequate traction to meet light off-road needs.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove 50km in urban congested areas and 100km on highways, with the air conditioning on throughout. The final displayed fuel consumption was 7.8L/100km, which is quite impressive for a 2-ton diesel pickup truck. The noise control is also praiseworthy. At 100km/h, the cabin noise is mainly from wind, which does not affect normal conversations. Tire and engine noises are well suppressed.

All things considered, the 2023 Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition has clear core advantages: First, the Black Edition's blacked-out design enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for consumers seeking individuality. Second, the comprehensive safety features are impressive including six airbags, lane departure warning, blind-spot assist, active braking, and more, placing it among the top tier of pickups. Third, the smooth power delivery and economical fuel consumption strike a balance between cargo needs and commuting. Compared to the V version, the VL version adds features such as blind-spot assist, 18-inch wheels, and glossy black side mirrors. Although the 9000 MYR price difference is not negligible, it’s worth considering for users who value attention to detail and safety.

This vehicle is best suited for "all-rounder users"—those who not only need the cargo capacity of a pickup truck for work but also want a vehicle that reflects style and provides comfort for family outings on weekends; or young individuals who prefer a rugged design without sacrificing comfort and intelligent features. If you simply need a utility vehicle, the V version will suffice; however, if you’re looking for a more refined experience and comprehensive safety features, the VL Black Edition would be a better choice.

In conclusion: the 2023 Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition is a pickup truck with "no obvious shortcomings." It achieves a balance between ruggedness and comfort, practicality and individuality. Among its competitors in the Malaysian market, its features and design offer strong competitiveness, making it a reliable choice for balancing work and life.