2021 Nissan Navarra 2.5 VE 4x2 AT
The VE 4x2 AT is one of the entry-level variants of the facelifted Navara. It traces its roots all the way back to the 2014 model. Surprisingly, it offers more by way of features than most pickup trucks at its price point.
Even the exterior is more laden than even some popular names like the Hilux. For starters, it has quad-LED projector headlamps (with auto On/Off), LED daytime running lamps, LED fog lamps, and LED-type taillights. These alone give it a major edge as LEDs are brighter but use less energy, produce less heat, and are cheaper to maintain. Plus, the side mirrors power-fold and come with turn signal lights.
Body design is obviously a little long in the tooth but plenty of people still like its styling, especially when given the Pro-4x treatment. On this VE façade is Nissan’s burlier version of the V-motion grille in full chrome. The hood is shapelier, and front bumper more angular, mimicking a little bit of the design of the Titan Warrior Concept. Underneath is a skid plate but as it’s made of plastic (more ornamental than functional). The rest of the body is plain. It doesn’t have roof rails or a bed liner but it does have a side step board and the tailgate assist feature.
If what you seek is a truck with a mean mug, this one is probably the best in the business right now. The shapes and lines make the front look very stout and beefy. It gives off the impression of power and capability, even if it’s just a 4x2, which is what you want out of a pickup.
Its key isn’t cutting-edge (just old-fashioned flip key), but at least it comes with a keyless entry feature. The dashboard still has the familiar layout. The center stack is bordered by two thick silver accents, à la the V-motion grille, that continues along the sides of the gear shifter.
The steering wheel is new. It takes the design and all the new buttons that the Almera has except the flat-bottom. This, along with the leather on it, is another upmarket feature of the VE Navara that gives it a leg up over the competition.
Also new is the high-contrast seven-inch advanced drive display in the instrument panel. It makes a lot more information available to the driver, including songs you’re playing, in just a few clicks.
There’s nothing fancy about the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. It comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a couple of USB-A ports. I do like the fact that it also comes with a USB-C port in the center console. Not a lot of mass market pickups offer this.
The best cabin feature though has to be the Zero Gravity-type seats. They’re only manually adjustable but that’s not a big deal considering the comfort it provides. Bolstering is excellent and it’s how it cups the body, especially as you’re cornering, that makes it feel really good.
Other high-end features that come standard here are dual-zone aircon, USB-A port, air vents at the rear, and cruise control.
Its engine is probably one of the oldest things in it. The YD25DDTi engine dates back to 1997 when it was used in the first-gen Navara. Of course, this one was tweaked in 2005 to produce more power. It uses a variable nozzle turbocharger.
Horsepower is 190 and torque is 450-Nm, which is some of the highest compared to its rivals in the same price point, and these numbers work as advertised.
The pull is incredible and it doesn’t take much throttle pressure to really get it going. Response is quick, which makes acceleration very exciting. It feels a lot quicker than the Mazda BT-50 with the bigger 3.0L engine. Fuel consumption is at 9.3 km/l.
Nissan brags about this seven-speed AT that uses what they call ‘race-tested tech’. Well, it did not disappoint, with closer gear ratios, shifting feel fast and energetic, without having to rev too high. It especially feels awesome as I merged on SLEX and sped up straight to 100 km/l.
Steering feedback is perfect for its weight and size: not too heavy to take around. Since it’s responsive, it feels great to drive even along city streets.
Comfort is good because of the seats and the suspension allows it to handle very well along corners. I give it a ‘very good’ for rollover resistance.
There’s really not much to complain about with the Navara VE, more so because it only goes for P1.336 million. It’s a really affordable truck with top-spec features and great performance.