It seems like every few years when all the ute manufacturers want to put out a new ute, they just start ringing each other up to see who’s design they can borrow this year.
And the 2026 Nissan Navara is no exception, as underneath it’s really just a Mitsubishi Triton. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing as it gives Nissan access to Mitsubishi’s new 2.4L twin-turbo diesel engine, their remarkable four wheel drive system, and it brings the Navara’s interior and exterior design into the 2020’s.
Liam took the new Navara for a week’s drive to see what it’s like.
What We Like and Dislike About the 2026 Nissan Navara STX
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Smooth and muscular 470Nm bi-turbo diesel power delivery. | Infotainment screen layout feels slightly cluttered at times. |
| Significantly improved chassis stability and road manners. | Steering feels slightly heavy during low-speed parking. |
| Super 4WD setup offers fantastic multi-terrain capability. | Wired-only connection required for Android Auto apps. |
| Class-leading 3,500kg braked towing across the range. | Rear seat base is low, creating a slightly knees-up posture. |
| Comfortable leather-accented and heated front seating. | Ride is still somewhat firm and unsettled when unladen. |
| Clever multi-angle 360-degree camera makes parking simple. | Fuel consumption rises quickly when pushed hard off-road. |
| Generous flat-price servicing and structural roadside cover. |
What’s in the 2026 Nissan Navara range?
The entry-point to the local line-up is the work-ready SL, priced from $54,690. It features basic cloth upholstery, 17-inch steel wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, a 7-inch instrument cluster display, a 9-inch touchscreen, and a mechanical rear locking differential. Moving up, the mid-tier ST starts from $57,690 and incorporates 17-inch alloy wheels, a premium leather-accented steering wheel, carpet flooring, and custom Premcar-tuned suspension setups tailored for better unladen ride compliance on country roads.
The volume-selling premium specification is our tested ST-X, which retails at $62,690. This variant gains the advanced Super 4WD system with a Torsen limited-slip centre differential and seven selectable terrain modes. Visually, it stands out with 18-inch gunmetal grey alloy wheels, silver-painted grille elements, and functional side steps. Inside, the cabin receives dual-zone climate control, leather-accented heated front seats with electronic adjustment for the driver, a wireless smartphone charger, and an upgraded premium sound environment.
Sitting at the absolute pinnacle is the rugged PRO-4X at $67,690. It boasts aggressive matt black 17-inch alloys, all-terrain tyres, distinctive wheel arch mouldings with lava red accents, a darkened exterior theme, and bespoke PRO-4X embroidered interior leather treatments. All variants across the range utilise the identical updated powertrain, featuring a 2.4-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque, paired seamlessly to a six-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Nissan Navara – Colour Range
The exterior palette options available across the local range cater well to both commercial fleets and lifestyle buyers. The standard, no-cost base colour across the entire range is Solid White.
For an additional premium of $750, buyers can select from a variety of metallic, mica, and prestige paint options. These include:
- Brilliant Silver
- Twilight Grey
- Burning Red
- Cosmic Black
- Boulder Grey (exclusively available on high-grade variants including the ST-X)
What’s the Competition for the 2026 Nissan Navara STX
The vehicle steps straight into New Zealand’s most fiercely contested automotive segment, squaring off against well-entrenched heavyweights. Its primary market position is a high-value alternative that undercuts premium-badge rivals while delivering identical 3.5-tonne towing and enhanced off-road mechanics. It slots cleanly beneath the ultra-expensive high-spec Ford Ranger variants, while providing noticeably superior powertrain refinement and cabin space than aging competitors.
| Make / Model | Engine | Power/ Torque | Number of Seats | Fuel L/100km | Towing Capacity – unbraked/braked kg | Rear Tray Load – kg | Price NZD |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 | 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel | 184kW / 600Nm | 5 | 8.8 | 750 / 3,500 | 970 | $82,490 |
| Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser | 2.8L 4cyl Turbo Diesel | 150kW / 500Nm | 5 | 7.9 | 750 / 3,500 | 805 | $65,990 |
| Mitsubishi Triton GSR | 2.4L 4cyl Bi-Turbo Diesel | 150kW / 470Nm | 5 | 7.7 | 750 / 3,500 | 1030 | $63,990 |
| Isuzu D-Max LS-M | 3.0L 4cyl Turbo Diesel | 140kW / 450Nm | 5 | 8.0 | 750 / 3,500 | 1080 | $63,990 |
| Nissan Navara STX | 2.4L 4cyl Bi-Turbo Diesel | 150kW / 470Nm | 5 | 8.8 | 750 / 3,500 | 1005 | $62,990 |
| GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra | 2.0L 4cyl Hybrid petrol | 255kW / 648Nm | 5 | 9.8 | 750 / 3500 | 810 | $57,990 |
2026 Nissan Navara STX – Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Starting Price | $62,990 |
| Engine Type | 2.4L Four-Cylinder Bi-Turbo Diesel |
| Engine Power/Torque | 150kW / 470Nm |
| Transmission Type | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Spare Wheel configuration | Full-Sized Alloy Spare |
| Kerb Weight | 2,142 kg |
| Length x Width x Height | 5311mm x 1850mm x 1830mm |
| Tray | 1555mm (Tray Length) / 1545mm (Tray Width) |
| Fuel tank capacity litres | 75 |
| Fuel Economy | 8.8 L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 750kg / 3500kg |
| Turning circle | 12.5 m |
| Warranty | 5 Years / 150,000km |
