Nissan’s redesigned Navara for 2026 isn’t entirely new – it’s a heavily revised version of the Mitsubishi Triton, a collaboration between the two Alliance partners. While Nissan has made minor cosmetic changes, the underlying platform, drivetrain, and core technology remain shared.
The key differentiator is Nissan’s partnership with Australian engineering firm Premcar. They spent a year testing over 18,500 kilometers to develop a bespoke suspension system tailored for Australian roads. This could be the critical factor setting it apart from the Triton.
What’s New?
The 2026 Navara features a revised exterior with updated lighting, but the interior is almost identical to the Triton, down to the Nissan badge on the steering wheel. The biggest change lies in the locally tuned chassis, designed to improve ride quality and handling in Australian conditions.
Nissan has streamlined the Navara lineup to focus solely on dual-cab automatic pickups, dropping single and king cab options. This shift could increase the base price to over $50,000. Confirmed trims include ST-X and Pro-4X, with additional entry-level SL and ST models planned.
On and Off-Road Performance
Initial tests show the Navara handles off-road terrain effectively, with improved traction and stability thanks to the updated ‘Super 4WD’ system. However, the ladder frame chassis isn’t the most refined, and further testing is needed to assess how it performs on highways and rough roads.
The 2.4-liter bi-turbo diesel engine delivers slightly more power than the current Navara but remains competitive with other models in the segment. It includes AdBlue injection and idle stop/start technology to reduce emissions.
Interior and Features
The cabin is a noticeable upgrade from the previous Navara, feeling more modern and spacious. It features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and NissanConnect Services. Safety features include eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention monitoring.
Nissan’s warranty is generous, offering 10 years or 300,000km of coverage with dealer servicing. Capped-price servicing is also available, though details haven’t been released.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 Nissan Navara is fundamentally a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton with Australian-specific suspension tuning. It represents a significant step forward in modernity for Nissan’s ute lineup, but its success will depend on pricing and how well the local chassis adjustments translate to real-world driving conditions. The decision to drop single and king cab variants means the Navara will focus exclusively on the most popular dual-cab market segment, potentially driving up the base price.
Nissan is betting on Premcar’s expertise to give the Navara an edge in ride quality, but a comprehensive review will be necessary to confirm whether this investment pays off.
