New Nissan Navara Bets On Mitsubishi To Fight The Hilux And Ranger

Nissan has finally lifted the curtain on one of several new Navara pickup trucks it’s preparing for different markets around the globe. Revealed in Australia, the latest generation adopts a tougher, more dynamic design while sharing much of its underlying engineering with the Mitsubishi Triton.

The company is betting that distinct styling cues and locally tuned suspension, developed in collaboration with Australian engineering firm Premcar, will give the Navara a clear personality of its own. The goal is to separate it from its Mitsubishi sibling while strengthening its position in the ever-competitive midsize pickup class.

More: New Toyota Hilux Debuts Sumo-Inspired Looks And EV Option

The highlight of the exterior is the completely redesigned face. The boxy grille is flanked Patrol-style LED headlights and a rugged bumper inspired by bull bars.

The greenhouse and the sheet metal on the profile are largely carried over from the Mitsubishi Triton that was unveiled in 2023, but the taillights sport Nissan-specific LED graphics.

At launch, Nissan showcased several trims, including the mid-tier ST-X and the range-topping Pro-4X. The latter wears its attitude openly, with Lava Red accents, flared arches, a sports bar, and dark alloy wheels.

There will also be a full range of accessories such as a steel bull bar, a canopy, a snorkel, and tonneau covers, allowing owners to personalize the truck according to their needs.

A concept for the upcoming Navara Warrior by Premcar made a surprise appearance at the show, previewing the off-road-focused model that will sit at the top of the range.

The study featured an off-road bumper with integrated LEDs, added underbody protection, 17-inch beadlock-style wheels wrapped in 32.2-inch all-terrain tyres, and revised suspension that raises ride height by 14 mm (0.6 inches).

Inside, the cabin borrows heavily from the Triton, but with Nissan-specific trim and badging to keep things distinct as possible given the limitations.

More: Nissan’s New Rogue Plug-in Hybrid Isn’t Even A Nissan

The dashboard houses a new 9-inch infotainment system, complemented by updated driver-assist tech and increased legroom for those in the back seats. In Pro-4X guise, the interior gains leather upholstery with red stitching and accents.

Mitsubishi Underpinnings

As mentioned earlier, the pickup rides on the ladder-frame chassis of the Mitsubishi Triton. It is the first Navara to feature electric power steering bringing it on par with the competition. Furthermore, it features a bespoke suspension, developed in Australia by Premcar.

Under the hood lies a familiar 2.4-liter biturbo diesel engine generating up to 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 470 Nm (346.7 lb-ft) of torque. The mill has more power and torque compared to its predecessor, while improving efficiency with an average fuel consumption of 7.7 lt/100km (30.5 MPG).

The entry-level Navara will come equipped with an “Easy 4WD” system with automatic operation and a standard electronic rear differential lock. The ST-X and Pro-4X grades will upgrade to a Super 4WD system adding a lockable center differential and selectable drive modes – just like the Mitsubishi Super Select 4WD-II system.

Towing capacity remains at 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs), and maximum payload ranges from 950 to 1,047 kg (2,094–2,308 lbs), placing it squarely within the expected pickup segment benchmarks.

Nissan plans to launch the new Navara in Australia and New Zealand during the first quarter of 2026, with pricing to follow closer to release. Once on sale, it will face familiar rivals, including the newly redesigned Toyota Hilux and the refreshed Ford Ranger, which continues to dominate Australia’s sales charts.

Region-Specific Approach

Collaborations between manufacturers are nothing new in this segment. Mechanical partnerships have turned the segment into a bit of a shared workshop, with the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok pairing up, and the Mazda BT-50 sharing its DNA with the Isuzu D-Max.

Now, Nissan and Mitsubishi enter the mix, focusing on cutting development costs while broadening their global reach. What is interesting is that the new pickup truck bound for Australia and New Zealand is entirely distinct from the Navara sold in South America, the Frontier available in North America, and China’s Frontier Pro.

Despite aiming for the same audience, each version has been developed independently, a reminder that regional needs still dictate how a pickup takes shape.