Nissan Navara SL 2026 Review

Those familiar with the brand’s ‘Warrior’ models will recognise that Melbourne-based outfit Premcar know a thing or two about suspension tuning. Hence, the fact it was called up to overhaul the sixth-generation Triton’s hardware with new shock absorbers is no surprise.

It’s a key component as to why the 2026 Nissan Navara SL is $1908 more expensive than the equivalent spec in Mitsubishi’s dual-cab line-up. Yet, it also gains a decent amount of equipment to justify the $53,348 (plus n-road costs) asking price.

At launch, the Navara runs with four model grades (SL, ST, ST-X and Pro-4X), while a Premcar-fettled Warrior version of the D27 is in the works.

As for competition… well, be it from traditional or emerging Chinese brands, there’s plenty to choose from. Of course, the Mitsubishi Triton heads that list.

However, the sales-dominating Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux prove strong adversaries, while the Kia Tasman is one of the newest players to enter the ring. Even the updated GWM Cannon is worth a look if maximum metal for your money is important.

While it might appear as though the design team phoned in the Triton makeover, there are some subtle differences between the two. And given styling is subjective, we’ll let you make your own assumptions on whether the 2026 Nissan Navara SL is more attractive than its counterpart.

What is apparent is the fact that the Thai-built dual cab gains some key inclusions you wouldn’t expect from an entry-grade model. Yes, those are 17-inch ‘steelies’ and not alloy wheels, but the SL adopts LED headlights (as well as LED daytime running lights and taillights) over cheaper and outdated halogen units fitted to the Triton GLX.

No, there aren’t any side steps, sports bars or tonneau covers (manual or electric) and the tub is sans a liner, but to some, they’re valid exclusions in terms of reducing the hit to the bank balance. And if you want them, look to Nissan’s extensive list of accessories.

Inside, the workmanlike theme continues with vinyl flooring, no leather-wrapped steering wheel and only the driver’s door gains an auto up/down window switch. The climate control is single-zone and the cloth-clad seats are manually adjustable – although the driver does gain powered lumbar support.

Only two of the five colour options (Boulder Grey and Summit Silver) add an extra $995, while the no-cost, non-metallic hues are Midnight Black, Outback Red and Alpine White.

In terms of warranty, Nissan’s impressive 10-year/300,000-kilometre plan applies, with the clause that you must service with a verified dealer. If not, you’ll receive five years/unlimited-kilometres in coverage. The same applies for roadside assistance but reduces to just a single year if you decide to service outside the network.

Recommended intervals fall every 12-months or 15,000km, which is stock standard. The first five years or 75,000km is capped at $2495, equating to $499 per annum.

The Triton gained a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2024, which translates to the 2026 Nissan Navara SL. It houses eight airbags, while there’s also dual ISOFIX points and two top-tether anchorages.

In terms of active tech, the Navara offers autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with active lane keeping as well as front and rear cross traffic alert.

If all that wasn’t impressive enough for the ‘boggo’ variant, the SL also gains front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and a 360-degree camera view, so there’s no excuse for poor parking.

One annoyance of the carry-over bits from the Triton is the driver attention warning. It audibly and incessantly warns you if you dare look away from the straight ahead. The traffic sign recognition and active lane keeping can also be intrusive at times.

Impressively, the 2026 Nissan Navara SL gains the same 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s used in higher grades. It’s also the same unit that’s used in the Triton, but it tows the Nissan family line with its own specific menus and graphics.

However, while wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, Android Auto is wired. The SL also doesn’t have a wireless charge pad, nor does it gain access to myNissan connected car services via the smartphone app.

The instrument cluster is a mix of analogue and digital, with dials flanking a 7.0-inch display for the trip computer. It gets a workout, too, as this is where you switch off safety systems using buttons on the multi-function steering wheel.

Other inclusions are navigation, DAB+ digital radio, AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth, voice assist and a four-speaker audio system.

Yep, you guessed it, the 2026 Nissan Navara SL is powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel fitted to the Triton.

The intercooled 4N16 unit produces 150kW at 3500rpm and 470Nm from as low as 1500rpm, which represents an improvement on the previous generation’s 140kW/450Nm 2.3-litre unit.

It’s paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic and the ‘Easy 4WD’ system. It’s a part-time four-wheel drive system with a dual-range transfer case (including 2H, 4H and 4L) and comes with an electronic rear differential lock.

The SL and ST miss out on Super 4WD, which adds full-time four-wheel drive and a central Torsen limited-slip differential. This allows the ST-X and the Pro-4X to run in 4WD at speed on tarmac, whereas the pair of entry grades can’t.

In practice, the four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is ‘enough’ to meet class averages – V6 powerplants aside. There’s sufficient torque, meaning the transmission rarely goes hunting through its six ratios while the tray is unladen and it generally behaves well.

However, it does take a backwards step in terms of acoustics. Especially under load, your ears are reminded of its commercial-grade status.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2026 Nissan Navara SL gains a 0.2L/100km advantage at the pump.

Official average consumption is rated at 7.7L/100km and is on par with segment rivals. Yet, like that competition, when you start driving in real-world conditions, the figure is hard to achieve.

We notched up 9.2L/100km after a week of driving, which did include a road-test loop and a trip to a four-wheel drive park. However, a pure highway run saw the average hover around 7.0L/100km for that stint.

The tank is 75 litres, affording a theoretical range of 974km. You’re also now required to add AdBlue.

This is where the 2026 Nissan Navara SL shows a clean pair of heels thanks to local engineering partner, Premcar.

While strict budgets were no doubt in place, the process wasn’t – and still isn’t – without cost. Not only did the Aussie outfit conduct all the research and development, but the dampers are also swapped out in Nissan dealers countrywide during pre-delivery.

So, if you’re going to all that hassle and expense, you’d want the result to be worth it. And it is.

The SL gains a setup tailored more to dealing with lugging loads, but the new four-leaf suspension with rigid rear axle works well in practice. And despite its trade-specific tune, the ride quality is appreciably comfortable when it needs to be over potholes in the city and rebound is controlled out of it – the Premcar-tuned Monroe-Tenneco twin-tube shocks can be thanked for that.

Yes, there’s still traces of the traditional dual-cab scuttle shake through the SL’s ladder-frame chassis, but it doesn’t shimmy over corrugations nearly as much as some of the Navara’s rivals. It’s a step forward from the maligned coil sprung multi-link setup of the D23, with the sophisticated damping transforming its agility.

While the dampers gain most of the attention, the switch from hydraulic to electronic power assistance for the steering reaps benefits. Yes, the 12.7m turning circle is large, but feedback and positivity through the wheel have increased. No longer is there vagueness on centre, while the enhanced suspension tautness is up to the task of dealing with the more direct inputs, too.

Okay, this is still a dual cab and the Navara isn’t quite at Ford Ranger levels of dynamism, but it is above the segment average at going around corners. Which makes the inclusion of drum rear brakes odd. Their efficacy isn’t in question and the SL brakes proficiently; it’d just be nice to have discs at each corner.

A positive first sign of good things to come is the fact that the 2026 Nissan Navara SL comes with all-terrain tyres as standard – Toyo Open Country (265/65 R17) hoops to be exact.

Yes, the SL misses out on the upgraded 4WD system as well as hill-descent control and Terrain modes (Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock), but it isn’t out of sorts off-road. The upgraded dampers prove beneficial, too, with the SL able to cover maintained dirt tracks with confidence and ease.

Swapping between high and low ranges is done via a swivel wheel and for most cases low range can get you out of trouble thanks to the chunky Toyos and the well-calibrated traction control. The latter takes a bit of time to sort itself out but often finds purchase.

If it doesn’t, being able to lock the rear diff is a boon for a base model. So is the lack of sidesteps for ground clearance, which sits at 228mm, while the wading depth is a maximum of 800mm. Approach, departure and ramp-over angles are identical to the Triton at 30.4, 23.4 and 22.8 degrees respectively.

Unless you want to go hardcore, the SL is more than capable of most tasks. If not, the Pro-4X Warrior is coming...

Any dual cab ute needs to be able to tow at least 3500kg (braked) these days and the 2026 Nissan Navara SL can. With the transition to leaf springs, the Navara does it easier.

The SL backs that up with the most payload (1064kg) of any Navara, but it doesn’t come with a tub liner, sports bars or tray lighting. There are four tie-down points and the tailgate is damped.

While the load bay is long and deep, the Navara still can’t hold an Aussie-sized pallet, yet a Euro-spec version will fit. The SL weighs 2126kg (kerb) and has a Gross Combined Mass (GCM) or 6250kg and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3190kg.

It also comes with a full-size spare wheel.

Right from the off, the 2026 Nissan Navara SL does things a little bit old school. Nope, it isn’t the lack of keyless entry, it’s that a key goes in an ignition barrel.

Antiquated novelty aside, the Navara’s aesthetic is unmistakably Triton. However, it does have a hardwearing mentality, while the cloth upholstery covering the seats looks and feels appealing. There are also decent storage areas and provisions for big bottles.

A few bugbears are present. While this is a base model, the SL’s vinyl steering wheel feels cheap and rearward vision is hampered by the oversized headrests. The top glove box doesn’t get a lid like higher grades, either.

Space in the back is greater than the D23 Navara, which is a boon. Heads, legs and shoulders will appreciate this, yet toe room and under-thigh support is lacking. In terms of amenities, there are no rear USB ports (only a 12V outlet), but there is a fold-down arm rest.

The rear air vents are plumbed through the roof and not the centre console. They aren’t connected to the climate control, instead feeding air from the front of the cabin rearwards. It isn’t ideal, but better than nothing. Some will also lament the loss of the previous generation’s rear window, which afforded access to the tub or vice versa.

There’s a lot to like about the cheapest version of the fresh D27 range.

Buying the 2026 Nissan Navara SL comes with fewer compromises than before and many punters will be more surprised by what features are kept rather than what’s taken out.

Yet, for private patrons, the smarter money is still likely the $63,177 (+ ORCs) ST-X for its mix of on-road benefits and cabin upgrades – funds permitting, of course.

Ultimately, the bigger story is that without the global Mitsubishi/Nissan alliance, we probably wouldn’t be driving a ‘new’ Navara. No, it hasn’t jumped to the top of the dual-cab class, but the fact that, even in base SL form, its demonstrably better than what came before it is noteworthy.

Mitsubishi’s boffins might say the Triton doesn’t scare easily, yet with help from the Aussie knowhow at Premcar, the Navara has given it cause for alarm.

Bring on the direct comparison test.

2026 Nissan Navara SL at a glance:
Price: $53,348 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 150kW/470Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 203g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2024)

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