2022 Nissan Navara Review: Pro-4X Warrior

Global events mean you might have missed it, but the Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior has become one of the biggest automotive success stories of 2020.

The brainchild of renowned Melbourne automotive engineers, Premcar, the original Warrior sold out almost instantly, impressing buyers and critics alike with its impressive styling and off-road chassis upgrades.

Inevitably, with the heavily updated MY21 Navara - the second major update since the D23 series debuted back in 2014 - inevitably comes a new iteration of the Warrior with even more 4x4 capability to match its updated styling and better specs.

Should potential Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota HiLux Rugged X buyers think twice before signing the dotted line?

Nissan Navara 2022: Warrior PRO-4X (4X4)
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.3 L turbo
fuel type	Diesel
Fuel efficiency	8.1l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$69,990

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Wide and beefy, with 90mm more length, 45mm more width and 40mm more height than the regular PRO-4X, the Warrior looks the part, helped by a full-length US-market Titan hood and grille. it so dramatically spoils the look of the Nissan. By the way, the wheelbase remains the same - 3150 mm.

Broad and muscular, the Warrior looks the part.

However, the stickers feel a bit unoriginal and elegant, and the red bash plate may not be to everyone's taste, but the Warrior achieves exactly what its target audience expects - stands out from the usual ute classes.

This more blocky front is paired with a taller tub that works well with the old centerpiece.

Credit also goes to Nissan's design team for such a drastic update to the timid styling of the 2014 D23. This more blocky front is paired with a taller tub that works well with the old centerpiece. The end result means the MY22 Navara has been looking modern all these years... until you get sucked in, that is.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the Warrior's cabin, even in 2022.

While not cave-like, the cabin is certainly roomy enough, with room in the front for most people thanks to ample head, shoulder, and leg room. If you're shorter, the driver's airbag also has a lift-up height, meaning they don't have to peek out from behind that bulkier hood line. Too bad the passenger seat doesn't fit.

Pleasantly padded seats that keep you comfortable even hours after you've been sitting in them and riding the 4×4 tracks are further testament to their reliability in design and execution.

While the cabin isn't cavernous, it's certainly roomy enough.

The familiar dashboard is simple and traditional yet well thought out, with most of the switchgear controlled by good old pushbuttons rather than hidden away in hellish touch screens. The ventilation is easy to find and easy to find, the instruments are clear and attractive, and there is plenty of storage space too. We are also fans of the three-spoke sports steering wheel.

Finding the right driving position isn't difficult for most people, although the steering column only adjusts for height (so there's no reach), while visibility remains fairly good all around, the result of deep side windows and excellent standard all-round visibility. camera. The latter is such a boon, whether it's maneuvering around boulders in the bush or negotiating a typical Saturday morning scramble in a supermarket parking lot.

It's not just the lack of adaptive cruise control that reveals the Navara's shortcomings, however. The dashboard design looks dated compared to some of Nissan's newer rivals, even those costing several times less than the Warrior, like the GWM Ute Cannon. It doesn't look much like a truck either, and nothing but pillar-mounted handrails (and it's high up, of course) separates this panel design from a typical passenger car.

The soft seats provide comfort even hours after they have been occupied.

In stark contrast to the aggressive exterior, everything inside looks a bit fireworks, which is not helped by the embroidered logo on the headrests. We are willing to bet that not all off-road enthusiasts are fond of haberdashery.

Nissan redesigned the rear seatback and back cushion during the facelift, and we couldn't fault the second row. Again, it's not very spacious, but the fit and finish is okay, visibility is good, there are useful amenities like a center armrest with cup holders and rear-facing passenger vents, and entry/exit is facilitated by those handles on the pillars.  

The facelift of the MY21 D23 promised, among other changes, improved noise isolation and a stiffer and stronger chassis to reduce transmission noise/vibration/harshness. This time around, those criticisms seem less obvious, meaning that traveling on the Warrior is less tiring and exhausting than any previous Navara. We wouldn't argue that Nissan is now the leader in its class, but the nervous and restless bogeymen of the past are now fewer.

We like the sporty three-spoke steering wheel.

At the rear, the Warrior cargo bed floor is 1509mm long, 1469mm at the top, 1560mm wide at floor level and 1490mm at the top level, and the wheel arch width is rated at 1134mm. The rear door opening is 1360 mm and the overall wall height is 519 mm. Useful information to know.

Finally, the rear axle was strengthened and the body was larger and fitted with flat mounting hooks, resulting in an increased payload. GVM (gross vehicle weight) increases from 100 kg to 3250 kg, and the total weight is 5910 kg. The payload is 952 kg (vehicle) and 961 kg (mechanical), the curb weight is 2289 kg (human) and 2298 kg (vehicle), and the towing force is 3500 kg (with brakes) and 750 kg (without brakes), maximum load on the towbar is 350 kg.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Make no mistake. The previous (2019/2020) N-Trek Warrior was the best iteration of the Navara in current form you could buy, giving it an off-road flair that regular models didn't have while somehow better masking their disappointing on-road performance. dynamics and sophistication. Noise and suspension wobble didn't matter much in XNUMXWD driving.

This time around, Premcar is building on the progress that the 2021 Navara facelift brings, including improved chassis stiffness, suspension, noise/vibration/harness reduction measures, comfort and safety. It was an extensive 12 month engineering program located in Melbourne.

Nissan also built the MY22 Warrior around the better-equipped, better-spec PRO-4X (from $58,130 excluding manual travel costs / $60,639 per vehicle) now that the old N-Trek class has gone down in history, which equates to to Wildtrak and Rogue compared to Ranger and HiLux respectively.

So prices have now jumped $4500 to start at $67,490 pre-travel for the Warrior manual and $69,990 pre-ORC for the Warrior vehicle, which will be the choice of the vast majority of buyers.

So what does the $9360 Warrior Premium give you?

For fans of 4x4 a lot. Know-how of Premcar engineering upgrades, for starters. In addition, there is a winch-compatible safari front roll bar with built-in light bar, Warrior-specific hitch, a large and thick skid plate for better engine protection, Cooper Discoverer All Terrain AT3 275/70R17 tires (including spare light alloy), an increase in gross vehicle weight by 100 kg (now 3250 kg), ground clearance 260 mm (up to 40 mm, with springs and tires of 15 mm and 25 mm respectively), tracks 30 mm wider (up to 1600 mm), redesigned suspension with new spring rates and shock absorbers that improve both handling and ride comfort), and a larger and taller bumper to reduce shock hardness at full suspension travel.

Compared to the old truck, the Warrior 2.0's approach angle has improved by four degrees (to 36°), but the exit angle has decreased by 0.8° (to 19.8°) due to this full-size spare tire. The ramp angle is rated at 26.2°, which is 3.3° better.

As with all PRO-4X models, in the safety area you'll find Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Surround View Monitor with motion detection objects, off-road monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist and rain-sensing wipers, among others.

Note, however, that cruise control lacks adaptive features, a sign of the Navara's advanced age.

The Pro-4X Warrior features a small 8.0-inch center touchscreen.

As does the small 8.0-inch center touchscreen, although it has a 360-degree bird's-eye surround-view camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, as well as full LED lighting, keyless entry/start, a 7.0-inch Cluster instrument, Bluetooth telephony with audio streaming, digital radio, satellite navigation, climate controlled air conditioning, leather and leather upholstery, electric sliding rear window and rear privacy glass are also included.

So, is Warrior a good value? Well, given its higher off-road capability, which has markedly improved the Premcar's performance over the regular Navara PRO-4X, the answer has to be a resounding yes. And keep in mind that the Raptor costs $10k more, even though the Ranger offers more kits at this price point.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

One area where neither the Warrior nor the Navara MY21 seems to have changed is behind that prominent snout. It's the same 23cc twin-turbocharged 2298L YS2.3DDTT four-cylinder engine as before.

The Premcar has also not touched anything under the Warrior's hood, meaning it has exactly the same power and torque, peaking at 140kW at 3750rpm and 450Nm between 1500rpm and 2500rpm. . The power to weight ratio is about 61 kW/t, depending on the gearbox.

Speaking of which, it drives all four wheels through a six-speed manual or seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission. As with all recent Navara vehicles with this engine, there is a Driver Select mode offering Sport/Off-Road/Tow/Normal settings.

The Warrior 4×4 trim consists of a dual-range four-wheel drive (4WD) transfer case with electronic four-wheel drive selection consisting of 4×4 rear-wheel drive, 2×4 high range, and 4×4 low range. . Also included is a Nissan Active Brake limited slip differential.

As before, Navara has a double wishbone front suspension and a five-point multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. Of current competitors, only the Ranger Raptor has a similar rear end setup.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

According to the official combined fuel figures, the Warrior averages 7.5 l/100 km fuel consumption with a manual transmission and 8.1 l/100 km with an automatic transmission, while carbon dioxide emissions are 197 grams per kilometer and 213 g/km, respectively.

With a fuel tank that holds 80 liters of diesel, expect an average of up to 1067 km between fill-ups in the manual version, or 988 km in the automatic version.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

The current Navara uniform has come a long way since 2014.

However, while regular updates have tried to match class leaders like the Ranger in terms of driving enjoyment and driving comfort, none of them have ever managed to hit the mark.

With a focus on off-road capability, the new PRO-4X Warrior seems to be closer than any other.

The current Navara uniform has come a long way since 2014.

Improved tyres, springs and dampers, combined with a firmer platform, redesigned suspension and improved sound deadening shared by all MY21 models, result in a Navara that shakes less on bumpy roads while also reducing noise transmission to the cabin. Even the 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine feels quieter than before.

Now, with a convenient and efficient choice of Normal or Sport modes, the Warrior in auto guise (as tested) gets off the track quicker than its meager power suggests, staying in a tight torque band to keep things moving fairly quickly. It doesn't feel rough or taut, surprisingly responsive to the gas pedal at speed, and settles down to a distant hum when cruising at highway speeds.

The Pro-4X Warrior suffers from less body shake on bumpy roads.

We've never had a chance to test it in an urban environment, but on rural roads around Coffs Harbor, the performance is enough to meet the needs of most people.

However, the Warrior's aggressive stance has to match more power at this price point, and that's only going to get worse when the V6-powered Rangers hit the mainstream later in 2022. We look forward to more powerful versions sometime in the not-too-distant future.

While still adhering to the road, the Navara's steering is pleasantly light, if somewhat dull, as it follows the turn line faithfully without feeling boaty or bulky, but provides very little feedback or input. Which is quite acceptable for an off-road oriented 4×4 truck. Considering how purpose-built these all-terrain tires are, as well as the 260mm of ground clearance and the higher center of gravity that suspension lift provides, the Warrior's handling in tighter corners - and in pouring rain - was remarkably calm and controlled.

Still adhering to the road, the Navara's steering is pleasantly light, if somewhat dull.

You won't think you're driving a Ranger, let alone a passenger car, but at the same time, there's nothing heavy or burdensome about it either. Warrior feels good.

The same applies to Nissan's ability to soak up road bumps, without the swaying and fussy movements that happened with previous models. Only on a specially corrugated piece of bitumen in our unloaded example did some lateral flickering of the body become noticeable. We call it victory.

Off the road, the Warrior shone, navigating deep ruts, sharp-angled slippery inclines, a few fast-moving creeks, and the occasional heavily churned mud path with ease.

Off-road, the Warrior shone.

Transition from 4x2 to 4x4 High is done with a simple turn of a knob, reassuringly effective hill-descent activation is just a momentary push of a button, and the 4x4 Low selection highlights the Navara's determined crawling abilities, with ample effort from the 2.3-litre twin- turbo for power. This can turn an amateur into a bushman into an expert, and at least in this day and age, sweat is unlikely to come up. The technology underneath does all the hard work.

Clearly, over the past eight years or so, Nissan engineers have honed the off-road capabilities of the D23; The Premcar mods have upgraded them to a nice next level level.

As we said earlier. The Warrior is Navara's best model for long-distance travel... both in and out of tar.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10

The Navara received the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, but this met the 2015 evaluation criteria, which were less stringent than today's testing regime, so it is highly likely that the Warrior would not have been best in class had it been tested in our days. Again, age is a problem.

Safety systems include seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain and SRS elements for the driver's knees), AEB, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, blind spot warning, surround monitor vision with moving object detection, off-road monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, tire pressure sensors, high beam assist and rain-sensing wipers.

They come on top of anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution and emergency brake assist, as well as traction and stability control devices.

To help you get where you need to go, the Warrior is also equipped with hill start assist, trailer sway control, hill descent control and an electronic rear differential lock.

Note that while the front brakes are discs, the rears use drums and adaptive cruise control is not available. The bones of this Navara are now really growing together.

Three child seat anchor points are located behind the rear seatbacks, as well as ISOFIX anchor points in both outer rear cushions.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Nissan Australia is offering limited service for up to six years. Prices range from $502 to $783 per service, depending on mileage.

Like all Navaras, the Warrior's service interval is 12 months or 20,000 km.

Like all Navaras, the Warrior has a service interval of 12 months or 20,000 km, and you also get a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is the norm these days.

Verdict

The original N-Trek Warrior was something out of the ordinary. Confident, capable and cool-looking, he towered over the mediocrity of old Navara. Unsurprisingly, Nissan had no trouble selling them.

Premcar's follow-up performance got better every step of the way, lighting the fuse both on- and off-road while capitalizing on the progress made by the substantial facelift.

The end result is an even more excellent Navara that off-road-focused buyers can rely on to really give class leaders like the more expensive Raptor a run for their money. The added Australian ingenuity makes the Warrior 2.0 literally stand out.

Based on that, imagine what Premcar could do with more modern styling and more powerful engines! Among the Raptor, Rugged X and others, there is a formidable enemy.