Nissan Navara Review

In the local pickup truck market, models with a combination of household comfort and light off-road capability have always been the focus of attention for family users and small business owners. The 2023 Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition is precisely a version targeting this niche market. It not only continues the durability of the Navara series but also enhances the visual quality through the exclusive design of the Black Edition, while being equipped with a full set of active safety features that are rarely seen in the same class. The main purpose of this test is to evaluate its overall performance in daily commuting, family outings, and light unpaved roads to see whether its price of 146,900 ringgit is worth it.

The first glance at this vehicle, the exclusive design of the Black Edition indeed grabs attention. The front face features a blacked-out V-Motion grille paired with full LED headlights and daytime running lights, making it highly recognizable under the sun; the sides feature 18-inch black alloy wheels and black side steps, further enhancing its sporty feel; the rear showcases blacked-out taillights and a black rear bumper, maintaining a uniform overall style. The lighting system's performance is also very practical, with the LED headlights being bright enough to cope with nighttime rural roads. The automatic headlamp function automatically adjusts based on lighting changes, eliminating the hassle of manual operation.

Opening the door, the interior layout is focused on practicality. The symmetrical design of the center console features an 8-inch touchscreen at the center, with a clear operational logic and relatively quick response speed. In terms of materials, the top of the center console is covered with soft materials, paired with black piano lacquer trim. While it doesn’t feel luxurious, the quality is significantly improved compared to entry-level models. There are plenty of highlights in terms of configuration: the front seats are equipped with 8-way electric adjustment and 2-way lumbar support, effectively easing lower back fatigue during long drives; the 7-inch digital instrument panel provides rich information such as real-time fuel consumption and four-wheel-drive status; features like keyless entry, one-touch start, and rain-sensing wipers are very convenient for daily use. It's worth mentioning that the front row is also equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, which is particularly practical for users needing to connect external devices.

Spaciousness is traditionally an advantage of the Navara, and its 5260mm length and 3150mm wheelbase ensure ample space in both the front and rear rows. For a front-row passenger with a height of 175cm, there is still a fist-width of headroom after adjusting the seat; rear passengers get two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring a comfortable experience even on long journeys. For storage capability, the door panel storage slots can hold two large bottles of mineral water, the central armrest box has a moderate capacity, and the rear seats can be folded, expanding for more storage space. The rear is also equipped with air conditioning vents and USB ports to take care of rear passengers' needs.

In terms of power, this model is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 190PS and reaching maximum torque at 2000rpm, paired with an AT transmission. During actual driving, the power response is quick in the initial acceleration phase, and it doesn’t exhibit the lag often seen in diesel vehicles. During acceleration, gear shifts are smooth, and even when overtaking at high speeds, a deep press on the gas pedal quickly shifts down gears, providing sufficient power reserves. Switching to sport mode makes the power output more aggressive, suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

Handling performance exceeds expectations, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, making it easy to control even on narrow urban roads; the front double-wishbone independent suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most vibrations when passing speed bumps or uneven roads while maintaining vehicle stability; when entering corners, the suspension provides sufficient support, and body roll is minimal, giving the driver enough confidence. As a 4x4 model, its four-wheel-drive system supports high-speed and low-speed modes, and when switched to 4WD mode on mildly muddy or gravel roads, the vehicle's off-road capability is significantly improved, easily tackling most unpaved surfaces.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove 200 kilometers under mixed road conditions, with 60% on urban roads and 40% on highways. The final measured fuel consumption was 8.2L/100km, which is a relatively excellent figure for a 2-ton diesel pickup truck. Regarding noise control, the engine noise at idle is minimal, and at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are kept within acceptable ranges, not affecting the normal conversation of passengers inside the vehicle. The seat comfort is also commendable, with soft padding and good support, effectively reducing fatigue during long-distance driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition are evident: the exclusive design of the Black Edition enhances its appearance, the full suite of active safety features (including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and active braking) stand out among similar models, and the spacious interior and practical configurations can meet the needs of family users. The diesel engine’s balance of power and fuel efficiency is also notable. Compared to the Toyota Hilux 2.8 Rogue in the same class, it is more affordable and better equipped; compared to the Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT, it offers more comprehensive comfort features.

The target audience for this vehicle is clear: families placing emphasis on safety features and space, outdoor enthusiasts requiring light off-road capabilities, and small business owners needing a dual-purpose vehicle for cargo and personal use. It is not a pickup truck designed for extreme off-road performance but strikes an excellent balance between comfort, practicality, and off-road capability. If you are looking for a pickup that can meet multi-use demands, the 2023 Nissan Navara 2.5 VL Black Edition is worth considering.