2021 Nissan Navara Warrior review: On-road & off-road detailed test

Nissan wanted a more hardcore version of the Navara dual-cab ute, but didn't want to wait for the next Navara engineering cycle to make it happen. So Nissan Australia teamed up with an Australian engineering company to develop a warranted version of the Navara that would be more capable off-road. Paul Maric tests the 2021 Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior to see if it's as good as its tough exterior suggests it is!
This car is designed to be a competitor to the Ford Ranger Raptor, the Toyota HiLux Rugged X and is indicative of the type of 4x4 modifications you could expect if you tried to do some of this as part of aftermarket off-road upgrades.
Hardness tester results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
More Nissan content: www.carexpert.com.au/nissan
More Nissan Navara content: www.carexpert.com.au/nissan/n...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:51
Interior: 04:15
Infotainment: 05:15
Safety Tech: 06:26
Practicality: 07:05
On-road: 09:41
Off-road: 12:36
Verdict: 15:47
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#nissan #review #navara ‪@Nissan‬ ‪@NissanAustralia‬

[@ginjikun15]

Love the reviews and frequency of your content! Hope this channel gets the exposure it deserves!

[@CarExpertAus]

You and me both!

[@LanceforMeesh]

my previous truck was a 2010 Toyota Hilux I love that truck so much. Well since I put so many Kilometers on it I went for a 2020 Nissan Frontier NP300 with manual transmission this time. after the Hilux that I loved so much I have to honestly say that this 2.5 Liter Turbo Nissan Frontier is the best truck I have driven and I truly enjoy every day am driving it.

[@lukakamoni5084]

You are so detailed in your reviews 👍💯 awesome job

[@gthausde]

Ive bought the navara ast year, got now 190.000km, trails every day a car trailer, so far zero issues, nothing but regular service... we got 8.6l average consumption with 3,5t trailer attached... cant ask for anything better

[@VgniK88]

U got a review on ram1500? Thought the back seats would be more roomier than the normal ute?

[@johnnumbat9782]

A good balanced and honest review Paul. New Isuzu DMAX is far superior in all aspects but I would include lift kit. Nissan was a good brand years ago and like Mitsubishi they’re now in bed with dodgy Renault so I wouldn’t touch one with a barge pole especially given they will be built in a low standard Argentinian factory - Spain was bad enough.. I happily own a strong reliable and low-tech 2010 Hilux 4WD but would suggest that the Ford Ranger and new 2021 DMAX are setting the standards for all other car makers to aspire to. Now that Mazda has left Ford (Ford are now in bed with dodgy VW) and got into bed with Isuzu we should expect a far superior vehicle. A lot of sleeping around but you get my point. Ford’s long-term reliability and service culture is still poor like deceased Holden so owning a Colorado now would be a nightmare. John

[@enochrockymudau605]

This is my dream car.. M still on NP200 1.6 16V 2013

[@peace4myheart]

Thank you for the MPG! I'm wondering are there a lot of serious off roaders in Australia or is it like in the States where there are a lot of city dweller buying trucks for city works.

[@mikeykeyes]

the latter. Women flock to tradies (tradespeople) and high paying guys who buy one for the woman who flaunts around town. A small handful do serious offroading a lot of them do up older vehicles. At a guess I would say 15% at the most are hardcore offroaders 10% offroaders the rest just a show off with every accessory available...why not these guys who do that earn a huge cash either as a business or tradie and some sort of Manager and think nothing about $90000 AUD ($75000 USD)

[@Naessey]

Love your reviews. Always balance and suggestions on how you would use a 4x4 like this. It’s not my favourite pick from a packed field, but cheaper than the others and packed with 4x4 extras under warranty is worth considering. Also, time you don’t have to spend getting fitted. Still, happy to pay extra for the Dmax.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@lostrelospsi2205]

Will it come to Europe? This thing looks beast!

[@sierracharlie7293]

Good Stuff Mate.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the visit

[@brandonwalksto3560]

I wonder if Australia will get the new Honda Rideline Truck or Ute as they are called in down under its more truck like & Honda dose not sell a pickup there right now

[@richardscudds4753]

I LOVE MY NAVARA

[@CarExpertAus]

👏

[@MrModikoe]

aren't they gonna do a V6 model??

[@jasondoffay]

I can't get an idea of the screen res without the TI-82 comparison... it's the new unit of measurement now, you should include it in every video 😉

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha, I'm glad it resonated!!

[@navinrodrigo7]

Love the navara ❤️❤️🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@CarExpertAus]

👏

[@NQR4real]

Can you please add turning radius with ground clearance comments when comparing utes.

[@CarExpertAus]

Yep. We always include both when we have the data available. Some brands don’t publish turning circle data.

[@brandanfiederlein3390]

Hi guys Would love it if one day you could add on beach driving to the off-road part

[@CarExpertAus]

Unfortunately there are no beaches we can drive on in our state.

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

I can't wait for 2021😍 (From usa)

[@CarExpertAus]

Us too!

[@rudyavila7507]

@@CarExpertAus What month do you think 2021 model will come out?

[@nickbates3758]

I got one and loving it

[@marinerchris]

Lol

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@maddoxgames5235]

Test drove one the other day love it

[@mannyvalenti475]

And about $20000 less than the rapter

[@TomWilding1]

Hey Paul - what brand are your shoes?

[@CarExpertAus]

Good question! Will find out :-D

[@henkstols9326]

It looks good but the rear seating position was a shocker, I drive a old Triton and would take that 0 to 100 time anyday. Another concern would be the rust on the bumper and those side steps will need to go if you going offroad. The tyres are a big plus but these extras compared to the standard vehicle can be achieved for a way lower price.

[@didioroc-1373]

I like it, I wish they would sell it in my country. It would do the same to change Dobinson's MRR + ARB Front AirLocker

[@lukejfrancis]

Is this the 2021 warrior or 2020? Thought the Nav was getting a update at the end of the year?

[@CarExpertAus]

There is a facelift coming next year - this is the latest update that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the infotainment system. We're marking all cars we review from September onwards as 2021. Hopefully it's not too confusing!

[@lukejfrancis]

CarExpert cheers for the info. Down to Isuzu or Mazda getting my money then!

[@tyhennessy9945]

did i miss the mention of the rear locker? also why 4 high and downhill assist? my rig the descent mode only works in 4 low?

[@CarExpertAus]

Yep , at the 13:01 time marker. The hill descent control works in 4H and 4L. We probably didn't need it, but use that short course to test it all out.

[@tyhennessy9945]

@@CarExpertAus Good to know! thanks.

[@1lie_gamingyt131]

The d40 has more storage? They downgraded or what?

[@johnfryman4428]

Good review - The Raptor looks cooler. Offroad, Navara looked under sprung and dampened going thru the rocks. River crossing was impressive.

[@farokhbulsara4890]

Can i get a sunroof with warrior?

[@bababooboobumbum5197]

I have one of these. I agree with the review. Does great off road and has a good road presence. Gets a surprising amount of attention and feels great on road. Very happy with it overall.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching! They're a great looking ute - looking back at it in the car park alongside other utes, it really stands out in comparison.

[@bababooboobumbum5197]

I do wish the bull bar was powdercoated under the paint though. Like you I got chips and rust within weeks of initial ownership. Good job again on the review, I like your work.

[@CarExpertAus]

@@bababooboobumbum5197 Do you mind shooting us through an email via the website? Would be keen to follow this up.

[@bababooboobumbum5197]

Done mate.

[@morais1982]

Aqui no Brasil não há este modelo para venda... 😩

[@Poelyy]

You use it wrong going downhill. Hill Descent Control is only active in 4 low (so it says in the manufacturer manual) while you said you were going to attempt the descent in 4H. Also noticed while pushing the HDC button the dial was in 2WD ( but that could be tv editing later on). And general speaking I think a descent is better in 4L.

[@mazza9753]

It looks mint

[@jayblas9269]

the USA needs this

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@Manicsar1]

I think you would have made it up the first hill if you had the rear diff lock on

[@Bronson9822]

Dash is way out of date , and to get rust already on the the front from stone chips , NOT good.

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@nathanmeduri5781]

Works for the 79 series...

[@Pittaz]

2021 models have updated the dash

[@phonicfrog_]

@@Pittaz actually, the dash is less than before. No cup holders or centre tray. Only the Qashqai steering wheel added

[@wamotogarage225]

Hermosa la terrano. Todo un 10.

[@rolandoquinit8059]

Can't wait to have it in Philippines

[@PaulCoetserBalie]

Must say, it looks nice, but I wouldn't consider it for that price.

[@khmerbraveheart]

0 to 60 in 4sec.... On a TRUCK.

[@khmerbraveheart]

@@carltheron Same shit.

[@theseb1979]

@@khmerbraveheart . It’s really not the same thing.

[@khmerbraveheart]

@@theseb1979 Okay, well can you explain to me a little, 'cause I don't mind being enlighten.

[@ilikethisnamedoyou]

@@khmerbraveheart 60kms/h is only 37mp/h. Significant difference. The ford ranger does 0-100 km/h almost 1 second faster

[@aidenv9345]

Isnt Navara basically a Frontier in Usa

[@sbuwieguwie20]

Not liking the huge gap at the side of the font rugged bumper

[@dgk7186]

I would love to see this on the mercedes x-class 350d - and also fix the rust issue

[@CarExpertAus]

It'd be a cool body kit to transplant on the X-Class!

[@tougespyder6586]

fun fact, if you turn the x350d logo upside down, it says posex which is german for buttsex.

[@RD11RT]

Great review as always Paul. Love the index on your videos too to click ahead. I wish Nissan would change that WOEFUL steering wheel though. I also note your comment re the ford ranger being a softer ride. Should we be expecting more from a coil sprung rear? Surely. Seems Nissan haevn't quite nailed it yet? Series 5 maybe.. ;)

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate! Caveat there is the Ranger Raptor has the softer ride, but that uses a comfort-oriented ride and isn't built for towing or load hauling.

[@RD11RT]

CarExpert thanks Paul. I didn’t think you mentioned ranger raptor, just ranger. A lot of the written reviews rate the ranger in general higher in comfort too. I am trying to pick between the two at the moment and the coil spring rear in the Navara certainly isn’t what I expected!

[@hedydd2]

There's surely a heavily revised Navara soon to be launched? I mention this because the factory in Spain is about to be closed down and production, for Europe at least, is being transferred to Argentina if I remember correctly. I suspect that the featured model may be the last of the revisions of this particular model. I doubt whether this one will be sold, or at least it won't be popular in Europe or the UK because it will not be eligible for the tax advantages given to dual purpose vehicles which require a minimum of 1000Kgs of carrying capacity. So the VAT will not be reclaimable by eligible business buyers who make up the vast majority of new pickup buyers. Leave the one ton carrying capacity and it would sell well everywhere, especially as the Raptor is handicapped by the low carrying capacity that makes it ridiculously expensive and tax inefficient in those markets.

[@Peter-ig6ul]

I've got a series 4 2020 navara st and i really think that's actually the best you can get from all navara series from comford driving and heavy loads to extreme 4x4. The ntrek warrior is a beautiful ute but that doesn't mean you will go further. Nissan have done the best job in 2020 series 4 navara trust me, heavy loads, comfortable driving on road and of road and amazing capabilities for extreme 4x4 adventures!

[@hedydd2]

@@Peter-ig6ul Have they blanked off some of those amazing number of holes in the chassis that let corrosive dirt inside from around the rear wheel arch areas though? Also have they improved the quality of metal used for the chassis and made it stronger to stop it rusting and breaking in half after a certain young age?

[@Peter-ig6ul]

@@hedydd2 i first bought a series 1 2016 stx and i when to extreme 4x4 with other off roaders with patrols and land cruises. They couldn't believe it how the navara was going and nothing was modified. I had no issues except at very heavy loads the back suspension whould suck in but that's it. The series 4 st that i bought 6 months ago it's a huge improvement from an already amazinly capable vehicle yes i have tested it!!!!! To be honest i am a huge fan of ford ranger xlt and i was going to buy that this year but when i drove the new navara and i felt not a big difference between the vehicles except the bigger engine then i decided to get the navara. I don't know why but is very underrated for what really is and also best value for money considering it's off road capabilities.

[@simonsaigonchannel]

wonderful

[@thefasterdriver626]

Love your shoes

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you!

[@thefasterdriver626]

@@CarExpertAus What brand is it ?

[@Lotrioni]

navara has always had a problem with rear sitting position

[@CarExpertAus]

We have an Amarok review coming on Friday and while that has more cabin width, it's quite compromised in terms of knee room. It's hard to find a ute with a comfortable second row seating position.

[@bryanmartinez6600]

I wish we could have the diesels in the US same with many of our small trucks.

[@kevin_ninja_jones2363]

I would love some of those bad ass AU cars to come to America

[@djp4nfa]

Why not 4K ,Paul?

[@CarExpertAus]

I just checked and I can see 4K? Can you try refreshing for me and let me know if it comes up?

[@djp4nfa]

Got it

[@Norry218]

When is the facelift due to arrive in Australia??

[@CarExpertAus]

Hopefully next year at this stage!

[@tls5669]

Nissin?

[@ayoijamil3341]

Waiting for new Navara model...

[@fishingdownsouth8339]

Bar light is illegal in South Africa

[@ankurpremmasih8207]

What he says in beginning of each video? The first word.

[@oo0O0oo]

G'day I'm Paul

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha, sorry about that. It's "G'day", which is Australian slang for 'good day'! :-D

[@TheHingshing]

As much as I like your car reviews, you lost me at rust. Not your fault

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed! It's not a good look for an item like that.

[@brandonspain3483]

Wow I definitely had a look at one and was really considering on going back , so glad I watched this and I've changed my mind on the rust.

[@geasy5874]

Would it not fall under warranty. Especially if its appearing right away

[@neilsharp5593]

I am torn between buying the Warrior and selling my 2006 Nissan Patrol or keeping the Patrol and buying an Audi S3 as a daily driver.

[@Igotnothingoinon]

Nissan isn’t what it used to be man. You’re better off holding on to that patrol and the glory days of Nissan or letting go and switching to another brand.

[@onefastcyclist]

Simple - buy a PRO4X add on Old Man Emu lift and upgrade the tires to BFG KO2's - ARB's rear bumper will get the hitch up and offer a lot more pretention where you need it. Use the savings to finance your fun

[@luouns]

2021 why are passenger seat’s manually adjusted while driver is electronically adjusted . Come on

[@yayap5631]

How do i get one in America?

[@CarExpertAus]

Unfortunately you can't 😪

[@subazealand9158]

Why would you want it in the US? There's much better and safer options there

[@Moonface00z]

Outdated. That interior reminds me of the first generation of Ford ranger T6 back in 2011-2014

[@Halves104]

It is interesting that you describe the engine in this ute as lazy, yet the review you did on the hilux rogue, you say the engine provides a good hit of power. Yet your own 0-100km/h test clocks the Warrior in nearly half a second quicker. Don't forget the added weight and drag of the all terrain tyres on the Warrior. Food for thought....

[@CarExpertAus]

Worth noting that when performance testing we load the throttle against the brake, which eliminates most turbocharger lag. The laziness refers to the time it takes for the turbochargers to spool before you feel that hit of torque.

[@joshuageorge9087]

Nice😍😘

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks 🤗

[@leithreas1]

The old Navara design is still better than the North America version set to be released in 2021.

[@NIAtoolkit]

I'm still waiting for the Nissan Titan Warrior

[@CarExpertAus]

That would be good fun to have in Australia!

[@mikeykeyes]

will never come here. When everyone has moved on to another vehicle perhaps Nissan might join the last queue! Hopeless company.

[@bunreach1430]

View Triton 2021

[@TrottDaddae]

Wish the interior looks same as the exterior

[@stevendouglas6593]

I agree. The exterior looks good, the interior not so much. I have to admit though that I have never liked Navarre interior.

[@Mochabear85]

The interior (Dash area mostly) hasn't aged well as say, the Ranger PX2/PX3 design. And Mitsu did enough to update theirs in the MQ to MR models to still feel current, but also starting to show age although much better in my opinion to the Navara. I'd still take this over the sloped and tapered with a stick on tablet look of the Hilux....talk about (very) dated 😕

[@Hungdiddly]

Outside looks amazing, but instantly turned off once I seen the interior. I’ll continue to toss between the D-Max & BT-50.

[@sihlezondi3093]

I nerd to do do trade in

[@dolarmangr]

Nice Nissan you have there 👍

[@lukuscannon9697]

They should have put that V6 diesel from the previous Navara in this car I think would have been much better just my opinion though

[@CarExpertAus]

👏👏

[@Rroff2]

Emissions :( but yeah I'm holding onto my 3.0 dci V6 Navara as long as I can as the 2.3 just doesn't do it for me - nice enough engine as 4 pots go but it is no V6. Sadly it won't hold up forever - likely chassis corrosion will get it sooner rather than later :(

[@Superfly1503]

Why are you saying War-Ria?

[@CarExpertAus]

Because English.

[@matthewbrooks7013]

I have one and have the rust issue. Taken up with Nissan, but they are dragging their feet and not responding to me. I had the paint tested. It isn’t the same spec as the car even it’s actually 30-40 thinner, and you’d expect it to be fit for purpose. Similar to the under the rear number and side steps. Similar to line-x I guess. This is a major floor in the car. Buyer beware!!!!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for feedback, Matthew! Do you mind shooting us an email through the website?

[@matthewbrooks7013]

CarExpert what do you need to know

[@MrAmansyed]

Have you got any problems with the suspension?

[@matthewbrooks7013]

@@MrAmansyed how do you mean. Nothing on-road and seems fine off road.

[@MrAmansyed]

@@matthewbrooks7013 i meant handling wise. What is the ride like over broken roads?

[@lustrousmetal3677]

nice

[@ubernoob103]

Rust? Already? Thats hilariously bad.

[@GT-ch8wd]

That interior looks like it’s 15 years old. Yuck 🤢☺️😂

[@ThaboMashiloane]

100% agree. Its 2020 for crying out loud!!

[@Brandon-yp2wy]

You should see how old the American Nissan Frontier looks

[@brightenupcc]

The Ranger interior must be 35 years old then...

[@josemontoya8355]

@@Brandon-yp2wy That's only for USA because the rest of america got the new frontier which is the same as this Navara

[@Pittaz]

Well it’s based on a 6 year old model...

[@lungaswazi9194]

You should legit do the latest Kia Sorento

[@CarExpertAus]

Review coming!

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Nice review. If I were Ford, I'd lob a Raptor for you to review and say 'abuse it for your audience'..... please

[@CarExpertAus]

We will try and get our hands on one :-D at the old place I had a chance to review one and loved it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmaTeJ2Hqaisf5o&feature=emb_title

[@leskiss220]

Just another angle. I took one for a test drive today. The stereo system is really bad compared to my 6 year old Toyota.

[@some_nebula]

I think Nissan makes some good looking cars, but some are just way out of date. I hope the new updated cars look just as good though. Although “updated”, the new rogue didn’t look as good as the last. Looks kinda funny imo.

[@theonewhowatchesthewatchme2275]

Looks okay, still prefer the new dmax. but interesting story when we got the new navara a few years back i saw you ozzies are going to get this version but for sa they took away some feutures such as that 360 camara. the only ute that has that here is the dead x class, which merc made a real sh*t show of they could have done so much better. but yes for SA in general for some reason utes get watered down, in the measly single zone climate hilux we never even got rear airvents.

[@CarExpertAus]

It's interesting how they play with configurations of these vehicles for different parts of the world.

[@theonewhowatchesthewatchme2275]

@@CarExpertAus Ya but why though? why do all that effort and then leave a feature out.

[@CarExpertAus]

@@theonewhowatchesthewatchme2275 Not sure. Often it'll come down to the country where the car is built potentially not having a production line capable of integrating those features.

[@TheRomeogigli]

I dont want it anymore, because the cupholders are gone in the dash.. where I'm gonna put my beer now?

[@marinerchris]

The only good thing about this car/model is ground clearance. The rest is history.

[@MrModikoe]

first generation Navara was somewhat of a game changer, if anything that look inspired the likes of the VW Amarok. Thought Navara would really go at it with the second generation but I honestly think they just played downright lazy with the interior and also the exterior styling is somewhat of a mixed bag...test drove one and the ride quality was actually good but I couldn't overlook that interior, very disappointed.

[@Pittaz]

11:14. Yeah nah as soon as your rough on the go pedal these things get 10+ l/100 Going easy you’ll see around 8

[@aresmaximus1]

Question why to watch it I can't afford one and in ten years Boris the cloun will ban them...

[@alphamadzanire2953]

not sure of the price, but it does look cheaper than a raptor. would get one if i can"t afford the raptor. a second hand raptor could still be better, but its likely to have been abused.

[@bazza2540]

Wouldnt be a nissan without some rust!

[@bikerbeliever8169]

Man if this truck was for sale in the states . . .

[@craigdavid6668]

.......Nobody would buy it.

[@Pittaz]

13:40 DIFF LOCK IT

[@Pittaz]

Ikr

[@dockilat5576]

Why Nissan, Mitsu and Toyota are suddenly making something to rival the Ranger Raptor when they cant even provide the public those vehicles.

[@religionbuster7180]

scotty screaming in my head while watching this.

[@johnkear6273]

I couldn’t live with that interior.

[@damienfrizzell9394]

you never go off road then

[@johnkear6273]

@@damienfrizzell9394 what’s that got to do with the interior.

[@damienfrizzell9394]

@@johnkear6273 every time my rig goes offroad the interior gets trashed I would never choose a fancy interior

[@richieduck67]

Ranger FX4 Max will kill this

[@mikeykeyes]

How could Nissan hope to compete with Ranger and Hi Lux with just fidgeting with offroading capability alone and 90s appeal- looks! Other than the old abs, tc, BA, hill holder and a solid cage - what has Nissan done tech wise? Zip. Nissan must work like government department- employ someone at the head with zero vision and a huge pay packet. I would christen it N Trek Battler.

[@TheStigHCE09]

To be brutally honest, Nissan is in dire straits since the whole Ghosn debacle, they've lost a shitload of money. So they don't really have enough R&D dough to actually make many more changes to this or indeed any of their cars.

[@charlzjones30]

The Legroom space at the Back Seat in all Navara Variants are very Poor. Just very Poor.

[@andrewd7586]

Too far behind the competition. “Computer says no...” 🤪

[@Rawkus919]

So pretty much 70 large ones once on road and insured!! Mmmmmm, pass.

[@Pittaz]

Or $58,000 dealer demo model

[@geasy5874]

1% finance all sold out too

[@josjad1]

I am not impressed I would have preferred the V8 Titan the model on the American market