Why New Zealand Reviewers Are Impressed by the New Nissan Navara
Independent testing highlights the Navara’s locally tuned ride, towing ability and everyday versatility
The latest Nissan Navara has now spent enough time on New Zealand roads for independent reviewers to assess how it performs beyond the launch presentation. Their findings point to a ute designed to balance work, family use and weekend travel, with particular attention paid to the conditions Kiwi drivers encounter every day.
For Canterbury buyers, that balance matters. A ute may need to manage city traffic during the week, carry tools or equipment to a worksite, tow on the open road and handle unsealed access at the weekend. The new Navara has been developed with that mixed role in mind.
Suspension tuned for New Zealand roads
Ride quality is one of the clearest themes in local coverage. The Navara’s suspension was developed with engineering specialist Premcar and tuned specifically for New Zealand conditions rather than relying on a single global setup.
In its review of the flagship PRO-4X, the New Zealand Automobile Association highlighted the vehicle’s control and stability on uneven surfaces. The suspension uses internal rebound springs in the front dampers, an unusual feature in this segment, to help the vehicle feel more settled at highway speeds and less busy over broken road surfaces.
That characteristic should be relevant for drivers travelling beyond Christchurch, where chipseal, repaired surfaces and rural roads can quickly expose the difference between a ute that merely feels tough and one that remains composed.
Bi-turbo diesel performance across the range
All four Navara grades use a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 150kW and 470Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. DriveLife described the torque delivery in the ST-X as smooth and muscular, with useful low-speed pull for everyday driving, carrying loads and towing.
The Navara range is rated to tow up to 3,500kg with a braked trailer, subject to the vehicle’s load limits, towbar specification and safe-towing requirements. That capacity will be important for Canterbury customers towing work equipment, a boat, caravan or horse float.
Four-wheel-drive technology for changing conditions
ST-X and PRO-4X models use Nissan’s Super 4WD system with a Torsen centre differential. Unlike a conventional part-time four-wheel-drive setup, the system can provide full-time all-wheel drive on sealed roads and also offers terrain modes, low range and a locking rear differential for more demanding conditions.
This gives the upper grades flexibility across wet roads, loose surfaces and off-road travel. The PRO-4X adds all-terrain tyres, 228mm of ground clearance and exterior details that identify it as the most adventure-focused model in the range.
A ute that also works as a family vehicle
The new Navara’s cabin has also attracted positive attention. Depending on grade, features include a nine-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated leather-accented front seats, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera.
The AA considered the PRO-4X interior more refined and SUV-like than the previous generation. That is significant for owners who use one vehicle for both work and family travel and do not want the daily commute to feel like a compromise.
These observations reinforce the value of a proper test drive. Specifications can narrow the shortlist, but driving the Navara on familiar Christchurch roads is the best way to decide whether its steering, seating position, ride and technology suit you.
Test drive the new Nissan Navara in Christchurch
Independent New Zealand coverage presents the latest Navara as a well-rounded ute with strong towing capability, useful four-wheel-drive technology and a suspension setup developed around local roads.
Contact Christchurch Nissan to compare the SL, ST, ST-X and PRO-4X, discuss towing and payload requirements, and arrange a test drive. Our team can help match the right Navara specification to the work, travel and weekend use you have planned around Canterbury.
