Select 4H on the fly and loose dirt roads are a breeze to navigate. The relatively soft suspension handles bumps and corrugations surprisingly well, and the Navara feels quite sure-footed and composed.
In the first part of the foray off the gravel and onto more challenging terrain, the Navara took things in its stride. Some damp steep trails and mild bog holes posed no real problems traction-wise, Navara’s road tyres being the limiting factor in these environments.
Despite the limitations of the tyres, the Navara’s 4WD system in low range proved itself more than capable when the going gets rough. It dealt with more than one steep and slippery slope that we were not expecting to clamber over.
In nosing down some of the steeper tracks, the Navara’s low range gearing was put to the acid test and we found ourselves constantly on the brakes in order to keep the speed down. The brakes held up well, but the pedal travel is too long and lacks any real feel.
On the rougher tracks however, the Navara’s real off-road shortcoming revealed itself.
That relatively low ride-height had the Navara dragging its underbody and/or sidesteps over the crests and even catching the towbar on some of the steeper hollows and wash-outs. This had us fairly crawling – inching – through some sections.
A steep damp bush trail is where you can really test the mettle of your vehicle, putting drive systems, traction and engines all to the test in equal measure.
The Navara (in damp, not wet conditions) proved that traction wasn’t an issue but accessing the torque of the diesel was.
Ideally, on slippery or rocky trails, you want to be able to make progress with a minimum of revs and speed on-board.
In other words you want low-down torque and the Navara’s little diesel comes up short, needing a big rev and forcing you to carry too much speed through some of the pinches.
The Verdict
The Navara offers an interesting mix: it continues to offer some of the best attributes of its class, but it also falls short in others.
Ultimately, it will come down to deciding what you want from your truck.
If you’re looking for a dual-cab ute and plan to take it bush on some reasonably serious trails or carry a load on a regular basis, then there are better factory-standard choices on offer.
Nissan’s own D22 Navara is rated to carry over 1000kg and tow 2,800kg (trailer with brakes) and would arguably be a better off-road proposition.
Alternatively, HiLux, Triton and BT50/Ranger will provide a better diesel 4WD or workhorse experience.
Should you still want the Navara for this work, then you’ll be looking at a suspension lift and upgrade at the very least, changes that may impact on its superior on-road manners.
If on the other hand your new dual-cab ute will spend most of its time on the blacktop, or on regular dirt roads, then the composed Navara makes a compelling case.
Nothing in this segment drives as well on-road or is as comfortable to pilot as the Navara. For many buyers, that will be all that matters.
Which leaves one final question for consideration. Petrol or Diesel?
The Navara’s comparatively small, yet powerful diesel engine impressed with its on-road performance but fell short when it really had to work. It lacks the low-down torque for which turbo-diesels are renowned and needs to be revved to perform, the reward in heavy going being a constant and irritating engine noise.
But it’s ‘horses for courses’. If it was our money, and we were spending most of the time behind the wheel on the blacktop, we’d be having a close look at the petrol-powered Navara, even if it meant paying a little more at the bowser.
With Nissan’s proven and powerful 4.0-litre V6 under the bonnet, the petrol powered D40 Navara ST-X could very well be the ultimate urban 4WD dual-purpose, dual-cab ute.
Likes
- Class leading on-road dynamics
- Class leading comfort for the driver
- Well thought out interior
- Superior 4WD system
- Muscular looks
- Intelligent Utilitrack load securing system
- Large ute tray (for a dual-cab)
Dislikes
- Noisy overworked engine
- Lifeless feel to brake pedal
- Low ride height
- Low-slung side steps
- Rear seat no longer the benchmark
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2010 HSV Clubsport R8
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Do you know if NISSAN is going to put under the Navara D40’s (And Pathfinder’s) bonnet the new Nissan-Renault 3L tdv6? Just think about the power (195KW) and the torque (550 Nm). It would definitely out-class the Hilux, Triton, B50, Colorado, the new VW coming utility and the Courier (The Navara D40 is already doing it though, except for the Hilux TRD). I think is the obvious move, unless NISSAN is thinking to put this engine in the Nissan Patrol.
I have had a Nissan Navara D40 for about 18 months and it is now upto it’s 2nd clutch with under 49000km. The first clutch went after only 17000kms. Nissan replaced the first clutch under warranty, now the second time round I am being told it is driver misuse. The clutch in the D40 is a lemon.
I’ve had my Navara since new for around 18 months and have done 55000kms. Some of the dislikes quoted in this test are typical of somebody who has limited time in the vehicle.
I do a lot of high speed remote country driving and it averages 11L/100kms (9kms/L). It is very comfortable to drive long distances, and the 2.5L engine has all the power you need for effortless, safe overtaking. Yes, the engine lacks a little below 1500rpm, but once you own the vehicle, you learn to drive around it. You don’t need to drive it around the 3000rpm mark, (except when accelerating and overtaking). It has MORE than enough power between 1500 - 3000rpm. And will cruise at 2000rpm at 100km/h, right in the fat of it’s torque zone. (6 speed manual)
Not too sure what they’re on about with the brakes. Mine are fine, as is the clutch. Maybe the individual vehicle. Or once again, when you own the vehicle it seems normal. I certainly have no problems with my brakes. As for the clutch, I’ve towed a boat for a good portion of the vehicles’ life, and there’s nothing wrong with it.
Yes, she does ride a little low. Has anyone noticed the new hilux is the same? I’ve considered fitting a suspension lift kit, but really don’t wanna loose the awesome ride quality of the standard suspension.
Yes, the side-steps make it even lower. If this is a problem, it’s a couple of bolts and they’re off. If they weren’t there, we’d be whinging that they weren’t fitted standard.
The fold up rear seat is a great idea, I don’t know why this hasn’t been done before. The ‘utili-trak’ setup in the tray really is a great idea (needs more hooks but). The seating position is better than the Hilux, you feel like you’re sitting on the floor in the ‘lux, too low.
It has been a fantastic vehicle. I’ve got a few ‘Toyota’ mates who’ve been impressed by my Navara, and a few other friends have since gone off and bought D40 Navaras.
I recommend the D40 Navara to anyone looking for a good dual cab ute.
I have to agree with Brad’s comments above. I’ve had my D40 2.5 auto for 9 months and have 33000km on the clock. I just recently returned from a 19000km (approx) trip across some of the most inhospital roads in Australia: The Wapet Rd, Kidson Track, Gary Highway, Gunbarrel Highway and the Simpson Desert among others. The D40 has been modified somewhat with underbelly bash plates, a 50mm suspension lift, and an ARB air locker. I have also fitted an ORS storage system in the tub and removed the utiltrac system. I have also fitted a 160ltr Opposite Lock long range fuel tank to save the need to carry jerry cans.
The D40 to date has been faultless, is an absolute joy to drive and performs every bit as well as my mate’s LC105 whether in the desert or the Vic High Country. Oh and he has similar mods on the cruiser as well.
All in all the D40 is a great performer albeit the fuel stats do not align with that claimed by Nissan. I achieve low 13s around town and mid 12s on the highway - unladen. Loaded for bear I get a combined return ranging between 13.5 and 14.5 ltrs/100. For the recent trip across the deserts etc and fully laden with food, camping gear, 80 ltrs of water (inbuilt ss tank) and full load of fuel….I got 14.2l/100 for the 19000km.
Getting a few real reports of the D40 diesels snapping the timing chain and obvs. doing MAJOR and expensive damage.
Both these where not thrashed and never been off-road, just mainly car use..
Unfortunatly one was out of warranty and owner hit with a $14k bill, other was inside of warranty but service books where not 100% correct and the owner still had to pay $4k of the $9k bill.
Does not suprise me as the 4Cyl/3L Patrol diesel engine has had lots of dramas too.
Unusual for Japanese, but do your reaserch, keep your service books 100% perfect, and take up the extra/extended warranty if you intend to keep it longer.
My advice, buy another brand, not worth the risk.
I own a Navara D40 Diesel Auto. I have done 65000Km & no offroad, all highway driving. My timing chain is also coming apart.
I stopped driving the vehicle because of the severe noise the timing chain was making. My vehicle is in at the dealers at present & Nissan do not want to do it under warranty. My service book is not complete so Nissan will not honour the warranty. The vehicle is serviced in my own truck workshop every 10,000Km & only synthetic oil used & genuine oil & fuel filters. I am sure that this is a fault with the engine & Nissan are avoiding there obligations under warranty.
I’ll keep this brief - with some pros and cons.
I’ve had a D40 diesel 6 spd for 2 years - and on the whole couldn’t be happier. Put a 50mm lift to improve clearance for a trip to the Kimberly. It worked a treat and frankly, the ride hasn’t altered at all (same shocks and springs). Driven carefully I was getting <10 litres but blew that with Cooper ST tyres. Now around the 11 typically and lots more for the Kimberly trip.
Cons - only two to speak of. Main annoyance is what could only be described as fuel knock with a cold motor at around 1500rpm. Nissan advise they have been getting some complaints. It will take a software fix - which they haven’t come up with yet. Only other one was an oil leak at the timing cover. We thought it was more sinister but only turned out to be a gasket.
I’d buy another one without hesitation.
I unfortunately bought a Nissan Navara D40, 47,000 miles, 2 clutches, rattly injectors, rear end noisy. Second hand back end now going to be fitted. 3rd clutch rattling . Owned 6 toyota hiluxes no problems. I use a 13 year old mk3 Toyota for work as I know I will get there and back. Definitely going back to a Toyota Vigo.
Hey guys, thanks for all the honest comments. Im in the process in buying a new D40 dual Cab navara STX, and plan to keep it for a while. I have taken the paint/interior protect systems, and also extended the warranty to the factory 6 years. The main reason for this vehicle was because my ss commodore ute was getting some kms up on it, and the roads on central qld are not the best quality. I was after something that was still a ute, but had the extra room such as a dual cab and comforatable to drive, with some interstate trips involved. Having the 4×4 is an added bonus for just gives me more options for use.
All the feed back seems majorly positive
Anything else i should know before signing away guys?
cheers
For Kenno - just regarding the extended warranty. This does sound like an excellent option - and may well suit you if you cover heaps of miles. However, I quickly learnt that Nissan is charging in the order of 30 to 40% more than non-factory service. For example, (and only from distant memory) Nissan want in the order of 8 or $900 for a major service - yet other providers (still using factory parts and even factory trained mechanics) are charging $450-$500. So while you do get the additional cover, you are paying for it over time. Food for thought.
hi guys ive had my d40 for 55000 kms the first problem i found was the bash plate on the front witch failed the first time i went off road whitch resulted in a new radiator ($900 with out fitting) and when i asked around i found it is a very common problem and the latest problem is the clutch witch is shuttering and slipping and the more websites i look at seems to be common to ! not happy!
Mate has a duel cab trayback diesel (company vehicle) with 120,000 Klms on it.
Timing chain went last weekend taking out engine. $5000 in parts with a three week wait.
He is not happy!!