The new Nissan Navara has been revealed, based squarely on the latest Mitsubishi Triton. But we can confirm this fresh-faced bakkie is NOT coming to South Africa…
- New D27-generation Navara officially unveiled
- Borrows much from Mitsubishi’s 6th-gen Triton
- Nissan SA to instead stick with D23-series Navara
Meet the new Nissan Navara. Based squarely on the latest Mitsubishi Triton, the first all-new version of the Navara in over a decade has finally been revealed. But, billed as “developed specifically for Australia and New Zealand”, it’s not destined for South Africa.
Yes, Nissan SA has confirmed to Cars.co.za that – just as we suspected back in March 2025 – the D23-series Navara will instead soldier on in the local market, mirroring the brand’s strategy in Latin America (where the bakkie is badged as the Frontier). Built at Nissan’s Rosslyn factory, the D23 is expected to gain a comprehensive update at some point in 2026.
Of course, the future of the Rosslyn plant remains unclear, with a Reuters report from May 2025 suggesting the factory is on the beleaguered automaker’s list of 7 production facilities set to close over the next 2 years. But, for the time being at least, the local market will stick with the current Navara.
So, what are we missing out on? Well, thanks to the Japanese firm’s place in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, this new D27-series (4th-generation) Navara shares much with the 6th-gen Triton. In fact, everything from the ladder-frame chassis to the engine carries over. Furthermore, Nissan’s new bakkie measures precisely the same length (5 320 mm) as the Triton.
Nissan says all versions of its new Navara are powered by the high-output version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine (4N16), offering peak figures of 150 kW and 470 Nm. A “wide-ratio” 6-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range, while the listed fuel economy figure is 7.7 L/100km.
The new bakkie will be available Down Under with a pair of 4-wheel-drive systems: an “Easy 4WD” arrangement that automatically switches between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive (with an electronic rear differential lock), and (familiar from Mitsubishi, of course), a “Super 4WD” system offering full-time high-range mode with an open centre differential.
According to the Japanese brand, the new Navara (which will be built by Mitsubishi in Thailand) boasts a “unique suspension calibration, tuned by Premcar specifically for [Australia and New Zealand’s] arduous conditions”. Nissan says the result is a “compliant and comfortable ride, both unladen and fully loaded”.
The braked towing capacity comes in at 3 500 kg, while the maximum payload mentioned during the livestream reveal was 1 000 kg (though a preliminary specification sheet suggests the figure ranges from 950 kg to 1 047 kg, depending on the derivative). Inside, you’ll find a 9.0-inch touchscreen, with mid- and top-spec grades (including the familiar Pro-4X trim) furthermore featuring wireless smartphone charging.
Nissan also whipped the wraps off a Navara PRO-4X Warrior concept, again developed in collaboration with Premcar. This derivative is set apart by items like its lifted suspension system, wider track, 32.2-inch all-terrain tyres, extended front overriders, aftermarket driving lamps and a multi-stage underbody bash-plate system.
As a reminder, in 2024, the Navara enjoyed a 6.0% year-on-year increase in sales to reach 4 874 units and retain 6th place on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies. Year to date at the end of October 2025, Nissan has registered 4 155 units of the Navara, enough to see this long-in-the-tooth bakkie again rank 6th…
Find a Nissan Navara on Cars.co.za!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the new D27-generation Nissan Navara coming to South Africa?
A: No, Nissan SA says the new D27-generation Navara is NOT coming to South Africa. Nissan SA will instead stick with the current D23-series Navara, which is expected to gain a comprehensive update in 2026.
Q: What are the key engine specifications of the new D27 Nissan Navara?
A: The new Navara is powered by the high-output version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine (4N16), offering peak figures of 150 kW and 470 Nm. The listed fuel economy figure is 7.7 L/100km.
Q: What are the towing and payload capacities of the new D27 Nissan Navara?
A: The new D27-generation Navara has a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg and a maximum payload of 1 000 kg.
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