Nissan Navara Pro-4X v Mitsubishi Triton GSR 2026 Comparison

‘Colabs’ are all the rage in an influencer generation. But it isn’t merely left to the realm of social media. The dual-cab segment, past and present, has seen its fair share of strange bedfellows. That said, unlike the current Mazda-Isuzu merger or the tie-up between Ford and Volkswagen, the Mitsubishi-Nissan alliance isn’t so left of field.

That’s because the two companies are already grouped with French giant, Renault. So, it’s important to note that there might not be a 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X to test against the Mitsubishi Triton GSR if it weren’t for the joining of forces.

It’s a global mashup that includes two Japanese brands coming together to produce a dual cab out of Thailand. With the added suspension upgrades from Premcar that are designed and developed Down Under for our Australian market.

With the Aussie R&D, it’s probably no surprise that the Navara Pro-4X is more expensive than the Triton GSR – it’s $68,418 playing $65,590 respectively.

Yet, some missing spec and an expensive accessories pack changes that, which we’ll detail below.

However, while the Navara touts Premcar augmetations, an MY26 update to the Triton sees upgraded springs and dampers, with additional horizontally mounted Yamaha dampers for the GSR.

It’s a clear strike back, one that also includes the addition of connected services and a $1000 price increase.

Both dual-cab utes are covered by 10-year warranties, with the Nissan receiving 300,000km mileage instead of Mitsubishi’s 200,000km marker – if you service with the respective brands, of course.

Roadside assistance is included for the same duration and clauses.

In terms of servicing, the intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, while Nissan caps the first five garage visits at $2495 and the Triton is $2555. The first four trips to Mitsubishi are $10 cheaper than Nissan at $489, but the fifth is $100 more expensive and accounts for the overall difference of $50.

Suspension arrangements aside, the biggest differentiator between 2026 Navara Pro-4X and 2026 Triton GSR is styling. And even then, it’s only in the details where the differences are found.

Being the fresher of the two, the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X gains the makeover, with a revised front-end treatment that harks back to the D21 with its three-slot grille and restyled front bumper. The tail-lights and smaller 17-inch wheels are also bespoke items.

Given it’s the ‘adventure-focused’ variant, the Pro-4X also gains Lava Red accents, including the hook-like elements in the wheel arches and unique decals down the side of the tray which, in this journalists views, are not gaudy. In fact they’re tastefully done. The Navara also scores a sports bar as standard.

It’s important to note that the 2026 Mitsubishi Triton GSR tested comes with a hefty $8225 accessories pack that includes items like the powered roller cover, trailer brakes and towbar. Interestingly, the GSR isn’t fitted with a towbar as standard, whereas the Navara is.

The GSR also gains larger 18-inch alloys, while both are fitted with all-terrain tyres from different brands. Common to the pair are LED head and tail-lights, daytime running lights, keyless entry with push-button start as well as roof racks and side steps.

Inside, both utes come with sythetic-leather upholstery, an eight-way adjustable powered driver’s seat with two-way lumbar (four-way manual adjust for passenger), front-seat heating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel/gear selector and dual-zone climate control. In some respect, the shared DNA is very obvious.

Oddly however, only the driver’s window is an auto up/down item in the Navara, whereas all four are in the Triton. Nissan asks $995 for the Boulder Grey metallic paint, while Mitsubishi’s striking Yamabuki Orange hue is just $200 extra.

Unsurprisingly, both the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X and 2026 Mitsubishi Triton GSR are afflicted with the same issue – active safety systems. Namely, the driver attention warning.

Dare look away from the straight ahead and it will not only produce a visual cue within the instrument cluster, but an annoying audible warning is produced, too. Don’t even think about yawning, squinting or placing your hand on your face in pensive thought, either…

Other factors at play are the road sign recognition and active lane keeping. The former can often be wrong and the latter a little intrusive, at times. The active safety kit can be turned off using the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel to manipulate menus within the instrument cluster, but it’s a process that’s required upon every engine start.

However, the list of standard safety features is impressive with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), front/rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keeping and blind spot monitoring. These systems are helpful and effective.

Countering these hay hauler’s considerable dimensions are parking are the sensors front and rear, as well as the reversing camera with 360-degree monitors. The quality of the vision is clear, with both a top-down view and dynamic guidelines for both.

Proof of how closely these two are aligned is that the Navara runs with the Triton’s five-star ANCAP safety rating awarding in 2025. As such, both are fitted with eight airbags as well as dual ISOFIX and top-tether anchorages in the back.

Small touches make all the difference, because at face value, there are few changes between the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X and the 2026 Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

Delve deeper, though, and the minor alterations in graphics made to ‘Nissan-ify’ the Navara’s 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7.0-inch instrument cluster afford it the slight edge. Of course, both share the same screen acreage, digital real-estate and operating systems, so the useability and menu interface is comparable.

By modern standards, the digital instrument cluster is on the smaller side and it’s a misstep to see analogue dials for speed and tacho. However, physical dials for things like volume and seek is appreciated, and the trip computer is at least easy to navigate.

Otherwise, both come with native satnav, a wireless charge pad, DAB+ digital radio (with AM/FM tuner), USB ports, Bluetooth and six-speaker audio. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, while Android Auto is wired only.

With the Triton’s MY26 update, both now have connected services – car finder/tracking, smartphone activated remote locking and so forth.

Nissan was one of the first to put a grunty V6 turbo-diesel engine into its workhorse ute. However, that edge has now been conceded to the Lion powerplant found in the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok twins.

Still, compared to its four-cylinder diesel rivals, the 2.4-litre bi-turbo unit used in the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X and Mitsubishi Triton GSR stacks up well. The intercooled 4N16 unit produces 150kW at 3500rpm and 470Nm from just 1500rpm.

Neither offer the choice of a manual gearbox (only the Triton GLX does), which means the wide-ratio six-speed torque-converter automatic is called upon. The Aisin unit channels grunt to the full-time four-wheel drive system that comes with a central Torsen limited-slip differential, allowing both to run in 4H (4WD high) on tarmac without damaging the mechanicals.

More on that later.

In practice, the boosted four-cylinder diesel is a strong performer against similarly powered rivals. It’s a torquey unit, meaning the auto can hold onto taller gears instead of hunting through the ratios. Which is a good thing, as it isn’t as slick as some of its rivals with eight or 10 speeds.

Under load it also sounds more stressed than it actually is. The acoustics lean towards commercial grade and not passenger vehicle with engine noise noticeable inside the cabin. Refinement levels are not these utes strong suits.

Officially, the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X and Mitsubishi Triton GSR return a combined average of 7.7L/100km, which is very competitive for the segment.

On test, both came close to that marker, too, with the Navara using 0.3L/100km more than the Triton’s impressive 8.3L/100km. Considering a mid 9.0L/100km is generally accepted as a decent result based on our previous testing of countless dual cab utes, the Mitsubishi engine is frugal.

The road loop we tested these economy figures included city, highway and off-road use, but not towing or load-lugging on this occasion. Both use a 75-litre tank to fill up on diesel, while there’s also a 17L provision for AdBlue (required to meet Euro 6 emissions standards).

Okay, finally we can talk about some key differences apart from list price and trim details. The unique suspension underpinning both ladder-frame chassis could be a genuine reason to buy one over the other.

As with the previous generation Nissan Navara, Premcar has been called upon to tweak the suspension (namely the dampers). Yet in this case, it’s the entire range and not just the top-spec variant. The 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X uses a bespoke ‘Adventure’ tune out of the three suspension types developed by Premcar.

While the D23 used coils at each corner, the D27 Navara Pro-4X adopts the all-rounder spec with three-leaf rear suspension and Aussie-made twin-tube shock absorbers all-round. Like the Triton, double wishbones with coil springs and stabiliser bars remain up front.

Not to be outdone, the 2026 Mitsubishi Triton GSR receives an overhaul, too. And, given past criticisms of the package, the changes are needed.

A reduced spring rate and rubber body mounts are used up front to aid comfort and compliance, while the shock absorbers are swapped out for Yamaha Performance Dampers. they’re placed horizontally across the chassis front and rear.

So, is there a tangible difference behind the wheel? Yes – but thanks to the help of Yamaha, it isn’t as clear cut with the Triton gaining body control and increased stability to almost match the Premcar-fettled Navara.

Which isn’t something we’d have said before Mitsubishi made the MY26 changes.

For dual cabs, this duo is dynamically capable with positive handling traits. While both use all-terrain tyres – 265/65 R17 Toyos for the Navara and 265/60 R18 Maxxis for the Triton – it’s the Pro-4X that offers up a little more grip on-road despite having a visibly more aggressive tyre tread pattern.

In terms of ride quality, the Navara has an edge with greater refinement at any speed, meaning it comes closest to the car-like compliance of the Ford Ranger.

The Triton GSR is in the same ballpark as the Pro-4X, though it can’t quite quell scuttle shake over sharp, consecutive corrugations as comprehensively as the Nissan pick-up truck.

A dual-cab mega test is required as there’s a sense both the Navara and Triton have moved up the food chain in terms of handling against its peers. And yes, both use drum rear brakes instead of discs, but it doesn’t noticeably hamper the braking performance.

For the first time, the Navara moves to electronic power steering – and it’s all the better for it. Shared with the Triton, the rack does a good job of being responsive and cancelling out a dead spot on centre.

It’s also quick enough on bitumen without being too eager and nervous off it. Speaking of…

The 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X and Mitsubishi Triton GSR are far better off the beaten track than people expect. Put simply, there’s more capability here than most owners will ever need, want or exploit.

Both gain dual-range, full-time four-wheel drive with a central Torsen limited slip differential and an electronic rear diff lock. There are seven terrain modes to choose from (Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock), while hill-descent control features, too.

As you’d expect, they share the same key off-road credentials with 228mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 800mm. Approach, departure and breakover angles are identical at 30.4, 22.8 and 23.4 degrees respectively.

The only real difference, apart from the suspension, is the tyres.

Curiously, while the Toyo-shod Navara might appear to have the chunkier tread, it’s the more road-focused Triton’s all-terrains that prove marginally better on rough terrain, with a bit more lateral grip on our test track. Check out the video at carsales Youtube channel for more insights.

In terms of the traction control system, both need a minute to think and access the conditions but ultimately get you out of most situations. There’s decent wheel articulation, too, and both performed admirably with their upgraded suspension on maintained dirt roads.

Having low range and the locking rear diff makes a huge difference when the going gets tough.

Few dual cabs fail to meet the now required 3500kg (braked) towing capacity, and both the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X and Mitsubishi Triton GSR nail the brief.

The box is also ticked for fitting a Euro-sized pallet in the tray while a tub liner is common between the pair. The Navara gains a wired and fitted towbar as standard, whereas you need to option one in the Triton.

Our tester does have the towbar option, along with trailer brakes and a lockable, powered cover – which proved temperamental. As many of them do.

In terms of weights and capacities, the Navara has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3190kg, Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 6250kg and a payload of 964kg – which is the least amount offered in the range. The Triton gains 10kg in GVM, replicates the GCM, but totes a payload of 1030kg.

The Pro-4X is also slightly heavier than the GSR at 2226kg compared to 2170kg respectively, while Mitsubishi offers a tray body style as an option.

You get the feeling a lot of ‘copy and paste’ has gone on here. Apart from a few detail touches in MS Paint or Photoshop, the interiors are pretty much identical.

Which isn’t actually a bad thing.

Right, let’s detail the differences between the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X and the Mitsubishi Triton GSR. For starters, you aren’t going to forget you’re in the Pro-4X for a few reasons. The first being there’s a liberal use of the Lava Red highlights on the seats, gear selector surround and doors.

The variant’s logos are on the seats and even the central storage bin, too.

As for the GSR, it gains orange stitching, which looks great and ties into the bold exterior colour, while the centre console has more of a satin-silver finish as opposed to the piano black in the Pro-4X.

Other than that it’s largely a copycat situation.

Again, that’s no bad thing. The seats are plush with a lounge-chair quality to them. Either up front or in the back, they’re pleasing to park your behind in. It’s all very logical, too, with plenty of physical dials – the strong point being the climate controls, which are easy to navigate.

Storage is covered off well with a double glovebox, a large central cubby with cup holders and a pullout dash-mounted cup holder, too.

Vision out is decent; however, the rear-seat headrests do impede the view straight out the back. Noisy diesel aside, NVH levels are acceptable for a dual cab.

Heading to the rear pews and leg and headroom are sufficient, although toe room is on the tighter side – especially if the person is front likes a low position. The backrest in the second row could recline further, but it isn’t as much of an issue given you sink into the squishy leather-covered bench.

Amenities are covered off via a fold-down centre arm rest, map pockets, bottle holders in the door bins as well as grab handles to aid getting in and out. The air vents in the roof are a novel climate solution, yet they’re slightly let down by the fact it merely pumps in air from the front of the cabin instead of the through the air-con system.

If pressed, we think the Navara’s cabin is a faintly better place to be. The added Pro-4X details add to the ambience – after all, this is a near $70k proposition.

On one hand it would be easy to say something like, ‘flip a coin and choose either’. But that’s not what we’re about here. And there is a genuine winner.

Which is the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X.

Yes, it might be a Triton with new clothes, but the Premcar suspension makes a tangible difference to the way the Navara drives. It’s now a more liveable dual cab for the daily commute.

And let’s face it, many modern utes are city-slickers with the odd family camping trip thrown in.

The fact it’s more expensive to purchase is justified. Well, that’s if you don’t option for the expensive accessories pack fitted to our test 2026 Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

With the MY26 suspension updates from Yamaha, the Triton remains strong opposition, but in a dual-cab segment with growing cheaper and creditable competition arising, it’s USP as the value option it once held is diminishing.

With colabs being commonplace, this Mitsubishi-Nissan alliance has its work cut out for it. Just like Russell Coight, we approve of the Triton. However, in this instance, it’s Nissan benefiting from a proven product to snaffle the win.

2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X at a glance:
Price: $68,418 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel
Output: 150kW/470Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 203g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (2025)

2026 Mitsubishi Triton GSR at a glance:
Price: $65,590 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel
Output: 150kW/470Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 203g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (2025)

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