2018 Nissan Navara ST-X off-road review

While it took Nissan three cracks at getting the Navara's ride and handling tune right, the 2018 Nissan Navara Series III builds on what is an already impressive platform that needed some minor tweaks.
We've driven and reviewed the Navara previously, but how does it perform as an off-road lifestyle utility? We hit the road to see how it stacks up when the going gets tough.
FULL STORY: www.caradvice.com.au/667820/2...
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FULL STORY: www.caradvice.com.au/667820/2...

[@virenvs905]

I really like this truck. It looks great inside and out and the ride seems really comfortable. It just eats up those bumps without any drama. My d'max would have been bouncing up and down going over those rocks

[@lizzymasters7469]

I love this guys on how he reviews cars. He reviews it and throws a couple of tutorials how to use its built in functions. keep up the good work boi.

[@twiggyking6861]

This ad was my motivation for a double cab. I watched it every day and saw myself owning one. Today I own a Mitsubishi Colt double cab. Thank you for inspiration. ❤️❤️😀😀

[@brijeshmandanna147]

The steep gradient was the best part with diffs locked at rear !

[@runninriots]

Great review, did you take much notice on it's fuel efficiency during the test?

[@jkjo1960]

Excellent review!

[@MrSokieng]

nice review and good to learn for new off road driver :)

[@sethuramancbi]

Good review Paul..

[@M1ne4]

Great review mate!

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks!

[@Pauly82]

Another great review. 👍🏽

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks!

[@benbree2097]

Very good review mate

[@cameronhall5134]

I recently bought a new Navara, and so far so good. MUCH better ride than my Hilux, and other than the engine feeling more revvy than I'm used to, it's a very pleasant car to be in. Plus it's the only ute with a sunroof! 😎 (Can't believe Mercedes don't option it!)

[@kr1ss00]

Any huge problems so far? It runs good? Coz Im trying to upgrade, actually i have a 2005 Navara D22

[@melvinchavers4116]

Chicago needs this💯💯

[@justinbussell7637]

Paul- You should start your own four-wheel drive channel. You seem to have a lot of knowledge.

[@flacky93]

Amazing how much tough stuff u can get thru with a factory rear diff lock love mine in my 2015 np300 st navara 👌🏽

[@legacylife2530]

How’s it been mate? I just got a 2015 NP300 ST-X haven’t even been off road yet

[@derekmcdermott5312]

I love how since the Merc came out they have been saying "its the same engine as the Mercedes X class" but before it came out it was ( the engine from a Renault Master van ) haha

[@kaigaming2759]

I got a NP300 ST at home very capable from stock but as far as hitting the tracks go, id still rather my GU patrol mainly cause theres less electronics and fancy shit to bugger up and its more solid in general. Great review though 😎👍

[@phix76]

Wish i'd seen this review before heading to Mundaring Powerlines on the weekend ...did the track in low without the difflock and i recon it would have been a bit easier looking at this. I got the same 2018 black ST-X (only the manual). Just had a 2 inch lift with KO2 275/70R17 fitted.... clearance was not an issue at all and we did some full on rutted uphill sections. No rubbing (update: very slight under front guards) with the 32.2 tyres either. So far stoked with the new Navara. Great Review!

[@runninriots]

Nice! I'm picking up a white stx..did you do a 2 inch both front and back? Also how many k's you get out of a full tank?

[@phix76]

runninriots Hey mate sorry for late reply... youtube not great for following conversations. Yeah i got 2 inch all round ...West Coast Suspension (WCS) remote res with 8 stage adjustable compression dampening... very happy. With the stock wheels i got just under 850 km at best. Once i put the 32's on it throws everything out by about 7% if my math is correct. With the 32's i get around 700 - 750 km estimated after applying the 7%. I tend to have a heavy foot but i'm still getting around 9.5 per 100. Currently got 17x8 alloys with a +25 offset which fills out the guards nicely without needing the flare kit... looks pretty tame actually and i'd like a bit more overhang so thinking about getting a second set of MT's with more aggressive 0 offset on a smaller 16 steel rim which will bring a bit of power back that got robbed by the 32's.

[@runninriots]

@@phix76 nice mate! Thanks for that

[@gmharkuzful]

Nice and simple review, Oh wait, what about the towing capabilities , does it have a Trailer Stability Assist

[@brycepalombo3543]

Wat Da if you need that you don't deserve to tow a trailer

[@Drivecomau]

Yes it does.

[@brycepalombo3543]

CarAdvice.com please explain?? Don't see anywhere that there is

[@curvedbridge]

Yes of course

[@jachudson2785]

you were very good thanks

[@ephraimgower3992]

You skipped something that I always wanted to see, a comparison of the traction control in 4H and 4L, but you did 4L + diff loc. Im just wondering how better the TC is in 4L. PLEASE DO HE COMPARISON EVEN WITH OTHER UTES, especially the Navara

[@LEVIAHAN]

Holy shit I fkin love this channel!!

[@Australopithec]

Could you make comparison test of family station wagons ( not crossovers!!!) between Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb, VW Passat, Commodore, Peugeot 508, etc .... please

[@gthausde]

If its the same engine as in my renault master then its probably the most reliable in ita class! Done over 300.000km in 2 years, not one single fault, not one repair done yet

[@Danger_mouse]

GT Haus The crazy oil filter placement probably makes sense in the Master..... It's a real pain in the Navara!

[@Spratdragon]

I bought one a year ago, love it to bits!

[@brycepalombo3543]

If you understand how the diff lock works you would understand that you need to creep forward for it to align

[@gmharkuzful]

Bryce Pal been watching caradvice in youtube, thanks to your reviews. Im planning to have a 4x4 automatic pick-up truck/ute, a Triton or NP300.

[@Drivecomau]

Yep, we understand that. But it rarely works first go. It often needs steering lock and backwards and forwards to lock in. It’s not a great system.

[@brycepalombo3543]

CarAdvice.com I have touch over 80k on mine now the only time it has been latent in turning on is if 4x4lo was not engaged correctly, which is easy to do needs all tension removed but some still have issues. Only real world thing I have had an issue with is the wires for the diff lock are easily broken

[@joemcardlester]

@@brycepalombo3543 With the rear diff locked does the vehicle not have to go straight no sharp turns? Like in the video when he approached the hill

[@brycepalombo3543]

@@joemcardlester straight is the best way to get the pins aligned but i have been in tight spots a hand full a times and it still would engage without any fuss from the stick tread through to 33in muddies

[@greenblue980]

I wonder how does the sports edition makes it It uses some spring though

[@MJordan_1998_]

The most comfortable pick up truck ever

[@3XICS]

Does it keep traction control on front axe with rear diff lock engaged?

[@timj41]

I am seriously considering this for my next company car, they are offering this (ST model) or the X-Trail St. The Navarra ST is better specced here in NZ than the X-Trail, The Navarra has auto LED Headlamps, driving lamps, Folding mirrors which are also heated (dumb omission on many Nissans) Sat Nav, plus it’s available in 7 speed auto (hate the CVT in my current Nissan Qashqai)

[@legacylife2530]

The ST-X is the best here in New Zealand and then ST-X NP300 is even better that’s what I’ve got for central Otago

[@Metalbass1979]

If you were taking a truck for several hour drives in the harsh, African bush areas, would you choose the Navara, Hilux or Ranger?

[@essho9912]

Is the Navara ST-X and Navara VL the same?

[@BenJamin-ou7kd]

Such nice pickups, have seen many in Mexico

[@gythan]

When are you getting your hands on the 2019 Everest?

[@Drivecomau]

Soon!

[@paulmugaragu1379]

Very nice car is it possible to get it in Rwanda?

[@MarmiteTheDog]

When will Nissan fix the A Pillar being too wide at the bottom compared to the piece of metal it meets? It annoys the F out of me.

[@qwertyaeiou9860]

No drama, no dram, no drama, no drama.

[@MC_Solbakken]

but it depends what tiers you use aswell

[@FinMowen]

Without any dramas

[@danyellhenrique]

yeah, nice car, but tell us, when are you doing Ted 3?

[@Drivecomau]

Ha ha.

[@benjamindiazmota7502]

I would like to see the 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak with 3.2 engine on the same OffRoad test as this Nissan navara.

[@markhayleybeadon]

3.2 engine has general reliability issues once they get older. Bad engines. 2.0 all the way.

[@M8YM8]

Paul has built himself an empire in the last 5 years and the Navara has gained a new steering wheel 😂

[@chelocheliniXD]

In my country the Navarra Is so expensive, the full equipment is close to 50.000 usd, I have a np300 2.4lt (2014) the price was 31.000 buck for 4x4 model no extras equipment.

[@genius-no5sl]

Wish they were available in the states

[@markfm5]

Can you please do this 4x4 demonstration with the VW Amarok?

[@Drivecomau]

Sure - we will try do it across all dual cabs.

[@rondalyoung9499]

I like this 😁👊🏾

[@sierracharlie7293]

Good Demo.

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks!

[@nunomellomusic]

It is a shame that the Nissan's pickup sold in South American doesn't come with diff locker, not even as optional.

[@l.fatimaaranfa3278]

Impressive..

[@mikekehoe2881]

The np300 is the business compared to the 4 other main contenders. Great city car also

[@alanmay7929]

Mike Kehoe nope

[@alanmay7929]

@@YessirPauly Wtf are you talking about!? Very lame!

[@jet9660]

So if it's basically all positives, why does the navara do so poorly in all of your comparisons? I understand it cant carry a heavy load like the rest can, but these dual cabs are now lifestyle vehicles - I bought my navara solely as a 4x4 and I think with the coil rear its better than the other utes in every way when it comes to off road capability.

[@Drivecomau]

This is an off-road review only. Our other tests look at towing, interior, infotainment and load carrying.

[@philburns5044]

On decent big declines, I'd rather use the rear diff lock, and 1st low, over the hill decent,

[@Asphylitonius]

See i don’t get why nissan navaras get so much hate in au and nz? Personally own a ranger but i wish i could have a navara instead

[@dwaneadrian8095]

I love this I really like to own one but in my country Guyana 🇬🇾 I can't afford it

[@beyondbackwater4933]

Best looking dual cab 4x4 on the market easily. Ranger or hilux 2nd then who cares about the others.

[@hithummah]

now imagine it with a full boxed wagon, enter Nissan Terra, Navara's based SUV. The aussie Nissan needs to bring that over.

[@hbk4186]

its the same motor as in the mercedes x class. You don't say. Its maybe because the mercedes x class IS the Navara.

[@vitalinomonteflores1026]

When this trucks b came to America ?

[@mattyfinality]

Why not boggy sand test? Like literally 90% of off roasting in australia due to the fact we basically live on the beaches…

[@bsmooth40l66]

Nissan needs learn people want to lock the diff in 2WD for situations you don’t need 4WD in, also rain drifting.

[@Agent.K.]

BSmooth40 L Google it. People have been doing that for years.

[@lk9456]

Not bad tho he missed that in 4H it acts like a awd where it can differentiate torque between the front and back, 4L it locks the transfer in and the front to back split stays 50:50 as well as the diff lock takes a while if the gears aren’t lined up moving left and right to line up the two sides will speed up the process

[@SpiritualityLife77]

What will happen if this ute hits the croc in the river🤔

[@joelbartle461]

Nissan have stated that you cannot go through water deeper than the hub height or it will void any warranty.

[@Drivecomau]

Where did they state this?

[@mittyvidz8259]

No. Nissan state that going through water over hub hight will mean that they don't honour warrantee of water gets into the electrical plug that's on the chassis rail under the drivers seat. Little bit of water proofing will sort that issue

[@skitz2033]

Watch the boost solenoids. Clog up quick. Put in limp mode and Nissan say goodbye warranty

[@mittyvidz8259]

Only on the series 1. There been no breather issue for a few years now

[@skitz2033]

@@mittyvidz8259 i have series 2. Still same issue. They added filters to the breathers. Still clog in western areas mainly. If city slicker then next to no issue. Old pathfinder had a better idea. Plum direct to air intake pipe.

[@Godzilla32]

My S2 had boost solenoid issues.

[@uzumakiDichi-GOKU]

what kind of 4x4 truck is the fastest?

[@Bandit-be7kp]

First off, it’s a Ute not a truck

[@uzumakiDichi-GOKU]

@@Bandit-be7kp oh okay. I thought its a Pick Up Truck

[@oobibab9572]

ranger raptor

[@Bandit-be7kp]

βιλςκ mac dual cab, not a pickup

[@fationtahiri7131]

2018 ALBANIA ❤🌐

[@fationtahiri7131]

2018 NISSAN 4X4 ❤🌐

[@exponentart8199]

Just becouse this is my dreamcar, i took the time to draw the inside and the outside Time ot took me: 46 hours...

[@bosse641]

Rather have this honest truck than the Mercedes(so-called). But, the Ranger is my choice.

[@jamesmay3863]

Ranger? 😂😂😂

[@richierich9404]

Make sure you buy a dog! So when you break down you have someone to walk home with :)

[@Kelvin555s]

I am driving Navara ST-X last 8 years. I like the model looks. These cars are good when new. I found they develop issues, like timing chain, head-gasket once they are around 80,000km and over.

[@joedoe999]

so small general issues that most cars go through? you also have the older model which was known for issues, newer model is completely different build.

[@johnnymartinez3745]

C’mon this is the engine you’re gonna give the states, we need a beefy V6 or a V8. Even a straight 6 diesel

[@pierrepretorius8023]

Remember to also open your windows and remove all safety belts before entering water.

[@qwertyaeiou9860]

Deep

[@leenicholson6851]

That water wasn’t no way near 600mm was barely 300mm

[@fationtahiri7131]

2018 Greece ❤🌐

[@danielvandermeer9776]

Great vehicle but late last year we drove from Victoria to Fraser Island and had a rear axle seal fail causing the wheel bearing to fail and the axle slid out and because we were using in harsh conditions and had mud tyres bullbar and sidesteps Nissan Australia would not cover under new car warranty The stx had 48500klms and was 2 years old

[@user-nu5lg3pm5g]

just clocked up 9000 mile in my acenta plus navara the good points are the truck looks the part and has nice looking dash and pulls well tha bad points are the rest of the truck i have had better head lights on mk 3 landrovers it takes 5 ltrs of ad blue every 1000 miles you go over a pot hole and it feels like the body is going to fall off the frame and with the jolt it turns the traction aid off tinted rear window and rear view mirror makes it very hard when reversing in the dark and then the cam screen comes up in the mirror and takes away what bit of view you had and as for carrying a load just forget it the front coils are stronger than the rear so when you do put any thing in the bed the front helps to push the back down i put a box in the back today with 360 kg and the rear went down 100mm the frame is same as the old model with braces welded in to stop it snaping and as for going of road with it as a 4x4 you wont get very far it still has the same gear box as the old one with the plastic parts in for shiting in and out of fwd wich wear and get stuck in fwd and wont come out its is not a good pick up at all it is the old navara was not good but this is worse i am just glad its a company truck and i did not buy it this truck will will not last or stand the test of time and why any one would pay silly money for one with a merc badge on

[@Luca-xh2fq]

Are these actual problems u encountered?

[@louismccully5411]

did this guy even let his tyre pressure down before he started his 'tests'?

[@Luca-xh2fq]

Doubt it

[@GoAnywhereTeam]

#GoAnywhereTeam #GoNavara

[@tngu17]

Nissan has stipulated that owners do not drive this car with water above the wheel centre hub line.... Some electrics will fail as there is an electrical junction plug in the bottom of the front right wheel arch. As much as i love the look of this car... i think i'm going to the ranger.

[@jijojijo9661]

Hi boss, I like your test drive videos.i invite you to India (Kerala) and we have some serious off-road drives here.

[@keithpoyser33]

Got my Nissan Navarra entirely stuck twice. It can’t “ go anywhere” even in low range. The supplied tires are most of the problem and are designated “ light off road use”. Change tires, no issues.

[@Drivecomau]

Could it be driver error?

[@mittyvidz8259]

Factory tyres are for road use only... Like all 4wd utes

[@timimoun01]

ماشاء الله لا قوة الا بالله العلي العظيم اللهم ارزقنا مثلها يا رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله

[@ngatiwaihitman]

Nice ride but not family friendly. Car seats for young ones are not suitable for this vehicle. They brag about it's safety but a disagree.

[@Earwaxfacts]

theres a kangaroo in the backroun lol!

[@SC-je1ee]

they just dont look like u pickup like they use to..

[@Drivecomau]

In what way? Cab / tub pretty standard layout?

[@SC-je1ee]

@@Drivecomau I like the look of the earlier models of the ST-X. Tough looking midsize pickup. All they needed was a toughen up. And the Yd25 inline 4 turbo diesels are great with alot of power.. I have a 06 ST-X .dual cab.2 inch lift. Secondary fuel filter.snorkel etc. 2.5 TD, 6 speed manual. I reckon my rig would compete easily with 2020 models.. overall simplicity is key cheers

[@SC-je1ee]

@@Drivecomau Great review 👍

[@Cornuts1000]

too bad Nissan dropped the ball again and wont start building this model in North America. Sorry Nissan but im looking for a Ranger or something else. Cant wait any longer!

[@woofy548]

Those are some crappy little tires for an offroad inspired truck

[@yerzhanubish3375]

Нихера не понял, но тачка класс👍🏻

[@kng8221]

والله والطقعه سلم لي على الهلي

[@Jschultzy21]

I rather hilux and land cruiser comment what you would prefer

[@metalmaster76]

Silverado 1500, but at US prices hahah

[@Jschultzy21]

metalmaster76 lol

[@user-lv5kx7dz1b]

อยากเห็นที่เมืองไทย

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@user-nu5lg3pm5g]

check out the gal boys videos on here the hilux is doing this loaded up hill towing a caravan

[@mauricemotors8207]

Why can't we get this In the UNITED STATES!?!?!? I love my frontier but we need a 2.3l Diesel here

[@lucasfranco8360]

Argentina versión

[@a.az.9030]

.....mis güevos

[@UltimateAPBTS]

That's too much for that thing... My Xterra will do everything it can do, only better...🤨🤨🤨

[@Madmaxxxx1984]

Andrew Gonzalez exactly and you can buy about half a dozen of them for that price or just insanely mod it .

[@k.k.y.a.k5534]

Actually the NAVARA is a very capable truck but it can't carry heavy loads...

[@Tamak_]

K.K .Y.A.K In Spain it’s allowed to tow 6 tonnes plus 500kg in the bed. Seems enough for an european focussed truck as in most countries the max tow limit is limited to 3.5 tonnes

[@jeremiahasoy5621]

K.K .Y.A.K - it's the only pick up truck out of the other leading car brands that can load 1,000kg and tow 3.5tons... Eat your sh*+

[@Tamak_]

jeremiah asoy It can tow 6 tons, it’s only allowed to tow3.5 tons in the major country’s

[@jeremiahasoy5621]

Jordy Robyns - yeah. Definitely the most capable pick truck.

[@k.k.y.a.k5534]

jeremiah asoy .....I own a NAVARA....It is a very capable truck but when I load it with 1 ton wooden planks its bed seems to be lowered too much and feel kinda got pull back when driving

[@bashka5743]

A d22 zd30 has more balls then this truck

[@user-bg1zf9kq2d]

.

[@glennb7253]

Lol 4x4... seen the Navara stuck in a Macca's garden..

[@RICHLES01]

I wouldn’t touch another Navara....if it’s anything like the first last one. All before 90k.and 7 yr old. Broken rear springs x 2, rear shocks which were damaged by springs x 2, air con failure, rusty chassis, rusty fuel tank strap which broke and tank nearly fell out, prop bearings x3, Noisy Cam chain from new, ........DONT BUY A NAVARA.