Nissan Np300 navara
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a pickup truck that balances work capability with everyday comfort? The Nissan NP300 Navara might be exactly what you need. This third-generation pickup truck breaks away from the rough and ready image of traditional workhorses, offering genuine crossover-like refinement alongside serious hauling ability. It’s designed for people who need the practicality of a pickup but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or driving quality.

What sets the NP300 Navara apart from rivals like the Ford Ranger or Volkswagen Amarok is its innovative five-link coil spring rear suspension. This clever engineering means you get a much smoother ride than you’d expect from a pickup truck. The cabin feels surprisingly car-like, with quality materials and thoughtful design that wouldn’t look out of place in a premium SUV. You’ll find comfortable seating, modern infotainment, and noise levels that actually allow conversation at motorway speeds.

The NP300 Navara proves that pickup trucks can be sophisticated without losing their workhorse credentials. It offers one of the largest load beds in its class while delivering impressive fuel economy figures. Whether you’re using it for business or as a family vehicle that can handle weekend adventures, the Navara strikes an appealing balance. While it commands a premium over basic commercial vehicles, you’re getting a pickup that feels like it belongs in the modern world.

How Does the Nissan Np300 navara Drive?

The Nissan NP300 Navara is powered by a 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that produces around 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. This provides plenty of pulling power for towing trailers or carrying heavy loads in the bed. The engine feels refined for a commercial vehicle, though you’ll still hear some diesel clatter under acceleration. Most models come with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, both of which work well in everyday driving situations.

Where the Navara really impresses is in its ride quality and handling. The innovative coil spring rear suspension transforms the driving experience compared to traditional leaf-sprung pickups. It soaks up bumps and road imperfections with genuine composure, making long journeys comfortable for all passengers. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, giving you confidence when cornering or manoeuvring in tight spaces. This sophisticated pickup truck setup means you can use it as a family vehicle without the harsh ride quality that puts many people off commercial vehicles.

Inside the Nissan Np300 navara: Comfort & Features

Step inside the NP300 Navara and you’ll immediately notice the quality of the cabin. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with soft-touch materials on key surfaces and well-integrated controls. The seats are genuinely comfortable, offering good support for both short trips around town and longer motorway journeys. There’s plenty of adjustment available to help you find the perfect driving position, which is important given the higher seating position compared to regular cars.

The rear seats in Double Cab models are spacious enough for adult passengers, which isn’t always the case with pickup trucks. Road noise is well controlled thanks to effective sound insulation, making conversations possible even at higher speeds. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Higher specification models add leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium audio systems that further enhance the car-like experience. The overall ambience feels much more refined than you’d expect from a working vehicle.

The Nissan NP300 Navara successfully bridges the gap between commercial workhorse and family-friendly vehicle. Its standout feature is the coil spring rear suspension that transforms the pickup truck experience, delivering car-like comfort without sacrificing load-carrying ability. The cabin quality and refinement levels are genuinely impressive, making it a realistic daily driver for those who don’t need pickup capability every day.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Nissan Np300 navara Expensive to Run?

For a pickup truck, the NP300 Navara offers impressive running costs that make it viable as both a work vehicle and family transport. The 2.3-litre diesel engine delivers real-world fuel economy of around 35-40 MPG in mixed driving, which is excellent for a vehicle of this size and capability. This translates to manageable fuel bills even if you cover high mileage. Insurance costs are reasonable for the pickup truck class, though they will be higher than for a conventional car.

The initial purchase price reflects the Navara’s position as a premium pickup truck, but you get genuine value for money. The build quality is solid and reliability has proven to be good in the real world. Servicing costs are competitive, and the widespread Nissan dealer network means parts and expertise are readily available. When you factor in the tax advantages for business users and the vehicle’s strong residual values, the total cost of ownership becomes very attractive. car finance options are widely available, making the higher purchase price more manageable through monthly payments.

Nissan Np300 navara Practicality & Boot Space

The NP300 Navara excels in the practicality stakes, offering one of the most useful load beds in the pickup truck class. The Double Cab version provides seating for five people while still maintaining a generous cargo area that can handle everything from building materials to camping equipment. The load bed features tie-down points and optional roller covers or hard tops to keep your cargo secure and weatherproof. Maximum payload capacity of over one tonne means you can carry serious loads without worrying about weight limits.

Inside the cabin, storage is well thought out with plenty of cubbyholes, cup holders, and door pockets for everyday items. The rear seats fold to create additional storage space if needed. For families, the Navara works surprisingly well as a school run vehicle, with easy access through the four doors and enough space for child seats. The high driving position gives excellent visibility, making it easier to navigate traffic and park safely. Compared to other used Nissan cars, the Navara offers unmatched versatility for those who need both passenger and cargo capability in one vehicle.

The Nissan NP300 Navara stands out in the competitive pickup truck market by offering genuine refinement alongside serious work capability. Its innovative suspension system, quality interior, and impressive fuel economy make it a realistic choice for buyers who need pickup versatility without traditional compromises. The spacious cabin and smooth ride quality mean it works equally well as a family vehicle or business tool.

You choose the NP300 Navara when you need the ultimate in versatility. Its combination of passenger comfort, load carrying ability, and towing capacity is hard to match in any other type of vehicle. While it costs more than basic commercial pickups, the added refinement and everyday usability justify the premium. For those seeking a pickup that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Navara should be at the top of your list, offering excellent value in the used market.