Nissan Navara N-Trek 2019 Review

The new Nissan Navara N-Trek is the latest in a series of limited-edition models designed to increase the styling impact and appeal of the Japanese brand’s 4x4 dual-cab ute.

Following the success of last year’s mid-spec Navara ST Black Edition, which joined us on the 2019 Carsales best dual-cab 4WD ute of 2019, the new N-Trek is based on the high-specification ST-X dual-cab. Instead of being offered in limited numbers, however, the N-Trek is a permanent alternative to the ST-X.

The introduction of the N-Trek creates a new flagship for the Navara range as it enters its Series 4 introduction for model year 2019. Representing something of a mid-cycle update for the stalwart ute range, updates focus on design and infotainment rather than core engineering changes.

We’ve previously covered the main Series 4 Nissan Navara changes and specifications. Pricing for the range remains the same, with the exception of the Nissan Navara N-Trek, which now tops the range at $56,450 – a $3700 price premium over the ST-X -- and is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed automatic transmission (plus $2500).

With no major mechanical updates, it is really the introduction of the N-Trek that gives Nissan something upon which to hang its hat for this year. That and the first appearance of a new Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (AIVI) platform co-developed with Renault and Mitsubishi.

The system is centred around a larger 8.0-inch colour touch-screen which replaces the systems in all Navara vehicles except the single-cab models. The new infotainment set-up eliminates the CD player but instead adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration to the Navara for the first time.

It also integrates on-board satellite navigation, but only in ST and ST-X/N-Trek variants. Drivers in lower-spec models will need to make do with their smartphone maps program.

In practice the infotainment system works well and is easy to use. One quirk of the system that we found on test drive was that it wouldn’t start the last played Spotify playlist once connected. It needed to be selected on the screen in order to play each time the phone was reconnected. I’m used to seamlessly connecting and streaming straightaway so this was somewhat unusual.

Apart from that, the navigation works well and the Tom Tom-powered maps include a raft of tracks, which comes in handy when taking the Navara on some forest trails.

Another great feature in the N-Trek is the continuation of the 360-degree surround-view carried over from the Series 3 Navara ST-X. The system makes light work of manoeuvring the dual-cab ute while all-round parking sensors ensure obstacles are cleared without incident.

Your additional $3700 will add a range of styling and cosmetic enhancements over the Nissan Navara ST-X. Most exterior tweaks are black, including 18-inch alloy wheels, decals, fender flares, alloy sportsbar, LED headlight bezels, rear bumper, front grille and roof rails.

The side steps, lower front fascia and wing mirrors are also black but this time with orange accent line, while the orange theme continues to the interior with leather appointed seats with orange fabric inserts, and orange accent stitching on the seating, armrests and steering wheel.

Driver comfort is enhanced via a power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar and the addition of heated front seats for both driver and passenger.

The Nissan Navara N-Trek is available in three exterior paint colours: Cosmic Black, Slate Grey and White Diamond. Both the Grey and White colours are premium paint options, which add $595.

In the metal, the addition of the styling kit makes the already attractive Nissan Navara a stand-out vehicle in a carpark full of dual-cab utes, but for me the Slate Grey option is the real eye-catcher.

Our White Diamond test vehicle caught me out on more than one occasion as its orange accents have it looking very similar to a road worker’s fleet truck – all it was missing was a roof-mounted orange flashing light!

Stickers, black bling and new infotainment aside, the basic underpinnings of the Navara dual-cab ute remain unchanged from the Series 3 models we’ve driven over the last 12 months.

It is still powered by a willing 2.3-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine that’s good for 140kW/450Nm, is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission and features the updated rear spring set-up introduced on the twin-cab Navara in 2018.

In ordinary driving, the Navara pushes its healthy torque output through the rear wheels and can be switched to 4WD via a simple rotary dial. Serious off-roading is there for the taking thanks to low-range gear ratios, plenty of ground clearance, an electronic rear diff lock and hill descent control.

Last year Rod Chapman put the Navara ST Black Edition’s off-road capability to the test, but we didn’t experience much of that during our weekend behind the wheel of the N-Trek.

Earlier this year, the same ST Black Edition went up against Australia’s best dual-cab utes  in a series of on-road, off-road and load-lugging challenges. Unfortunately for Nissan, the mid-spec and off-road focused Navara didn’t fare well against its nine competitors, with criticisms including its unforgiving ride on all-terrain tyres everywhere off the bitumen.

Thankfully the Nissan Navara N-Trek reverts to the Toyo Open Country A25 255/60 tyre which is quieter on-road and also contributes to a smoother ride on tarmac.

Add in the design features and those few interior creature comforts and in-car tech, the Navara N-Trek makes a better case for a lifestyle vehicle.

But other criticisms still remain. Nissan elected to introduce us to the N-Trek in sunny (thanks, Nissan) Queensland, where the undulating roads of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland were intended to showcase the Navara’s pulling power.

There’s no doubting the engine is a lusty unit, and its mid-range torque is plenty tough enough to haul the Navara’s frame up some very steep roads with ease, but the 2.3-litre turbo-diesel is noisy under load, emitting a rattle when approaching 2000rpm.

It’s not as agricultural as the Isuzu D-MAX’s unit, but additional sound-proofing under the bonnet might go some way to addressing the noise. To mitigate some of the rattle, moderating acceleration instead of stomping the foot flat proves a far more relaxing way to drive the Navara.

One of the other complaints we’ve had previously for the Navara is its on-road holding despite its move from rear leaf springs to an all-coil set-up. Without weight in the rear, the back-end still wags about.

Cruising on the freeway, the Navara is smooth and enjoyable to pilot, but when turning over bumps the rear-end can take a while to settle – something that’s noticeable even when riding as a front seat passenger.

On gravel roads and dirt tracks the Navara’s ride is choppy and the suspension doesn’t do a great job of managing bumps and ruts for the occupants.

In such conditions, as we discovered at the dual-cab ute comparison, the Navara doesn’t perform as well as the Holden Colorado Z71, which has become my benchmark in the class for gravel road marauding.

The flagship Colorado is a natural competitor for the top-spec Navara as it is now pretty close on price and offers a comparative level of showiness for the weekend warrior that enjoys his or her bling.

There’s no doubt the additions over the ST-X do make the Nissan Navara N-Trek a more attractive proposition, and my pick would be the Slate Grey or Cosmic Black over the tradie-favourite White Diamond. It makes the car look less ‘fleet’ and therefore more ‘premium-lifestyle’.

Leisure-focused buyers and tradies alike will also appreciate the new infotainment system – it is one of the best-in-class now and an important differentiator for buyers looking to continue their connected life while behind the wheel.

And driveability is definitely enhanced by a light steering feel that makes the Navara a more accessible and less-agricultural vehicle to drive – if you can get past the coarse engine note.

But the Nissan Navara N-Trek is tipping into premium pricing territory and nudging at some of the segment’s finest offerings.

It feels like a lot of dual-cab ute, but it misses out on the latest driver assistance technology such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, which are now available in many dual-cab utes.

Making the Navara’s case even tougher, these important safety features are now standard fitment across the range for the Ford Ranger, which we named out best ute for 2019.

How much does the 2019 Nissan Navara N-Trek cost?
Price: $56,450 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (9.4L/100km as tested)
CO2: 186g/100km
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP (2015)