Nissan Navara PRO-4X 2021 Review

The 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X acknowledges the reality that tough looks sell 4x4 dual-cab utes.

Look at the Ford Ranger and previous-generation Mazda BT-50 for proof of that; similar technically, very different looks and sales results.

Essentially the PRO-4X replaces the N-TREK as the global halo model in the D23 Navara line-up. In Australia it’s also going to serve as the basis for the second-generation locally-developed Nissan Navara Warrior, which should be with us within months.

The PRO-4X sits atop a revised Navara range that started rolling out earlier this year. Powered by the familiar Renault-sourced 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine, pricing starts at $58,130 plus on-road costs for the six-speed manual while the seven-speed auto we’re testing here costs $60,630 plus ORCs.

Mechanically, nothing separates the PRO-4X from lesser twin-turbo 4x4 Navaras apart from standard-fit 17-inch Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain rubber.

Tougher looks come via black pack treatment for the prominent new nose, wheel-arch flares, side steps, roof rails, door handles, window surrounds, side mirrors and sports bar with sail plane. The alloy wheels are black as well, of course. PRO-4X stickers tell the world what you’re driving.

The PRO-4X is the only Navara that gets leather-accented seat trim standard, but you still have to pay extra for power adjustment and heating.

Exterior equipment PRO-4X shares with ST-X includes a tow bar, Utili-Track sliding tie-down hooks and a drop-in tub liner – we prefer spray-in to avoid potential rust and rubbing issues. Both models also get an intelligent key with push-button engine start and dual-zone climate control.

Other important features shared with other models include a new 7.0-inch digital display in the instrument cluster, satellite navigation and DAB digital radio, privacy glass for the second row, a rear power-sliding window, auto-dimming interior mirror, heated door mirrors, cruise control, three USB-A ports and one USB-C.

The Navara range comes protected by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years’ roadside assist. The service intervals are 12 months/20,000km and capped-price servicing adds up to $2847 over five years for autos and $2883 for manuals.

Safety is a huge part of the MY21 Nissan Navara story. A package of driver assist systems have been added and no model does better than the 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X – although the ST-X has the same level of features.

While it’s debatable how much this helps sales to macho off-roading types, this stuff counts a lot for fleets and many private buyers.

The PRO-4X includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, a driver alert that monitors for tiredness, blind spot warning, intelligent lane intervention, rear cross traffic alert, reverse (but not front) parking sensors, trailer sway control, high beam assist, auto rain-sensing wipers and tyre pressure monitoring.

Distinctive C-shaped quad projector LED headlights are standard, accompanied by LED driving lamps. High beam is excellent, low beam a bit truncated for country running at night.

PRO-4X doesn’t get adaptive cruise control, which is often twinned with AEB. Nissan says that’s because the powertrain is incompatible with ACC technology.

Put bluntly, there is nothing that distinguishes the 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X mechanically from the rest of the range.

It is powered by the familiar YS23DDTT intercooled twin-turbo DOHC four-cylinder diesel engine that continues to make 140kW at 3750rpm and 450Nm from 1500rpm to 2500rpm.

Fuel consumption is up for MY21 Navara, with the auto rated at 8.1L/100km. A 2020 Navara N-TREK auto had a claimed combined 7.0L/100km average.

Why so much thirstier? Weight is up substantially from about 2.0 tonnes to 2146kg due to the extra equipment, so that doesn’t help thirst. In the real world we averaged 10.2L/100km over a week of varied and extended driving.

There are four driver-adjustable modes – Normal, Sport, Off-road and Towing – that tailor the driveline in 4x4 auto Navaras to aid in those functions. The Navara can tow up to 3500kg, by the way, which is at the top of the class with a number of its rivals.

The 4x4 system is classic dual-cab; default is rear-wheel drive, then turn the dial to engage 4x4 high range, 4x4 low range, and as a final traction aid there’s a locking rear diff. Hill descent control provides feet-free descending.

Underpinning the whole deal is a ladder-frame chassis that has double-wishbone front suspension and that controversial five-link coil rear-end hanging off it. A strengthened rear axle and bigger rear drum brakes boost Navara payload. The PRO-4X auto can carry 1004kg. So it really is a one-tonne ute.

Other key PRO-4X numbers include a 5311mm overall length, 1875mm width, 1855mm height, 3150mm wheelbase, 12.5m turning circle, 224mm unladen ground clearance, 32-degree approach angle, 19.8-degree departure angle, 22.9-degree breakover and 600mm wading depth.

So let’s start with the mundane aspects first. The 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X will deal adequately with the day-to-day challenges of 4x4 dual-cab life.

As we have established previously, the Navara is not the best carrying or towing dual-cab. The rear suspension and engine are both challenged in those circumstances.

The driver’s seating position is a bit weird because the steering wheel can’t be raised high enough or the seat low enough. It’s also noticeable how outboard you sit. The reach down to the front door pockets is cramped. Nor does the Navara have the best rear seat space to carry the family.

For more on all that check out our massive Best Dual-Cab 4x4 Ute 2021 mega-test here.

Right now, however, we’re heading out of town in the PRO-4X and into some adventure, just like Nissan is urging us to in its latest series of Navara TV spots.

And you know what happens? Given some room to move, some territory to explore and some challenging terrain, the PRO-4X shines.

Maybe not in the first few minutes, but gradually over time, one driving experience after another, the PRO-4X proves itself to be a capable open-road drive and really decent off-roader.

Some caveats here. We didn’t carry heavy loads and we didn’t tow. Nor did we tackle trails rated difficult by the Hema map guide. But as anyone who heads off-road knows, a trail doesn’t have to be hard from beginning to end to expose weaknesses and strengths.

The strengths of the PRO-4X are pretty straight forward. It has a sweet chassis and a 4x4 system simple in spec but effective in execution.

The PRO-4X walked up and over obstacles that we know would challenge some 4x4 rivals. It also has decent articulation, which means it can keep its wheels in touch with the ground longer and therefore keep pushing forward.

A shout out here to the Geolandar rubber. It’s impressive on- and off-road and not prone to invasive roar in the cabin. It might be the only change made to PRO-4X tech spec, but it’s a good one.

Off the trail and on faster, flowing gravel roads the PRO-4X was fun. I repeat, fun. The rear-end held on well, the front-end was accurate and the electronic traction and stability aids subtle enough in their tuning to allow the driver to feel in control.

These same traits expressed themselves on bitumen on the way to the trail too. The Navara PRO-4X was genuinely faithful and positive in its handling and steering.

That’s the good news. Now some other points to be aware of.

Like any standard dual-cab heading off-road, ground clearance is an issue. We clattered the underside of the PRO-4X more than once on rocky steps – it was just unavoidable. We also bogged down and pancaked on a muddy trail and had to be winched out.

It would be great if the PRO-4X actually included body changes to increase approach, breakover and departure angles.

The PRO-4X’s engine is frustratingly lacking in immediate throttle response. Switching to Sport mode reduces this trait, but if you really want the engine to pay attention then manual selection is required.

Once you get it cooking, the engine’s substantial torque makes itself known and things get more enjoyable. But, gee, how good would a V6 engine be? Have we said that before?

The engine is quiet though, or at least the added sound-deadening for MY21 makes it so.

While we’ve praised the suspension, it can be a bit intrusive and busy on constant sharp-edged corrugations and bumps. A road can look smooth, yet you can still sense a busy edge to the ride.

By contrast, on larger rounded-off holes absorption and body control is excellent.

It is easy to dismiss the 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X as a marketing exercise, but it turns out to be more than that.

It invited us to hit the road less travelled and rewarded us with a level of competence not always obvious in previous tests of the D23 Navara.

Look, there’s no doubt the current Navara has its negatives, but there’s also no doubt the PRO-4X shows off its positives in the best possible light.

Yep, you can buy it for the looks but also make sure you use it as intended. You’ll end up in a good place.

How much does the 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X cost?
Price: $60,630 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 213g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)