Navara’s Aussie-Tuned Ute: Premcar Suspension And Power
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The Navara has been doing the hard yards in Australia for 40 years, and the new fifth-generation model arrives like a sensible, mud-splattered heir to the throne. It looks rugged, it behaves like a proper ute, and remarkably, it has been given suspension tuning that actually understands this country. Prices start at $53,348 for the SL, and the range is on sale from March.
Four Grades, One Lively Ute
Nissan has simplified the line-up into four Dual Cab 4×4 automatic grades: SL, ST, ST-X and PRO-4X. Each one is built to be useful from day one, whether you spend weekdays towing trailers and weekends pretending you are off-grid. The SL is the sensible entry point. The ST adds comfort bits that avoid constant grumbling from passengers. The ST-X moves into near-luxury territory with selectable terrain modes and a nicer cabin. The PRO-4X is the show pony with distinctive styling and serious off-road intent.
Powertrain And Towing Where It Matters
Every Navara in the range runs the same 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel producing 150 kW and 470 Nm, paired to a wide-ratio six-speed automatic. It’s the sort of powertrain that tows boats and caravans without complaint and returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of around 7.7 L/100 km for comparison purposes. Braked towing capacity for each variant is 3,500 kg when fitted with the appropriate towbar, which means this ute will pull just about everything most owners will ever hitch up.
Features By Grade — What You Get
The SL starts well equipped with an electronic locking rear differential, LED lights front and rear, a 7-inch instrument display and a 9-inch infotainment screen with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. It sits on 17-inch steel wheels with 265/65R17 all-terrain tyres and includes an Easy Select 4WD system with a dual-range transfer case.
The ST adds creature comforts: 17-inch alloy wheels, heated folding mirrors, carpet flooring, a leather-accented steering wheel and extra USB charging points. It’s the grade for those who want a bit more polish without paying for full-on indulgence.
ST-X upgrades the drivetrain with Super 4WD, a Torsen limited-slip centre differential and seven terrain modes including Rock and Sand. You also get 18-inch gunmetal wheels, leather-accented seats with power adjust for the driver, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and wireless smartphone charging. It’s the pick if you do actual off-road work and also enjoy the interior.
The PRO-4X is the look-at-me flagship. Unique grille and trim accents, matt black wheels, suede bolsters with orange stitching inside, and a factory-fitted towbar. If you want a ute that arrives ready for weekend adventures without a trip to the accessory shop, this is the one.
Premcar-Tuned Suspension: Made For Australia
Here’s the bit that matters more than badging: the suspension. Local specialist Premcar tuned the Navara specifically for Australian roads after more than 18,000 kilometres of testing across everything from corrugated Outback tracks to town centre traffic. The result is a compliant ride when unladen, controlled behaviour under load, and assured handling while towing. In other words, it finally feels like someone tuned it with our roads in mind.
Safety And Equipment
The new Navara carries a 5-star ANCAP rating supported by eight airbags and a broad suite of driver aids across the range. Expect Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning with lane assist, Blind Spot Warning, an Around View Monitor with moving object detection, and Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Nissan hasn’t skimped on safety even at the entry level.
Ownership Backing
Nissan’s ownership program includes long warranty and servicing options when you use the dealer network: extended warranty coverage when serviced through the official channels, flat-price servicing for the early years, and roadside assistance tied to the service plan. It’s the sort of reassurance you want when buying a vehicle meant to work hard.
Colours, Pricing And Practical Notes
Up to eight exterior colours are offered. Three are standard and five are premium, the latter carrying a $995 surcharge. The PRO-4X includes a factory towbar as standard. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices start at $53,348 for the SL, $56,765 for the ST, $63,177 for the ST-X and $68,418 for the PRO-4X. Prices exclude on-road costs and premium paint.
A few practical points: towing capacity figures assume correct towbar fitment and depend on vehicle load and accessory fitment. Fuel consumption figures are provided for comparison and will vary with driving conditions and equipment. Leather-accented trim may include synthetic materials.
If you want a ute that feels like it was dreamed up by someone who actually uses one, the new Navara merits a long look. It’s clever, capable and finally tuned for the place it will spend most of its life.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
