Nissan Navara


The Nissan Navara is the name for the D21, D22, D40 and D23 generations of Nissan pickup trucks sold in Asia, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. In North, Central and South America and some selected markets, it is sold as the Nissan Frontier or Nissan NP300.
After more than 10 years with the D21, Nissan unveiled the similar sized D22. It was replaced with the bigger, taller, longer D40 mid-size pickup. In 2014, Nissan released its successor, the D23, for international markets other than Canada and the U.S.
The Navara gets its name from the Navarre region of northern Spain. The European version is built at the Nissan factory in Barcelona.

D21 series (1985)

The D21 generation was the successor to the Datsun 720, sold as the Nissan Datsun Truck in Japan. The name Navara was used in some markets such as Australia / New Zealand.
Unlike previous generations, this model was available worldwide in two body styles. The "A" body was designed in Japan, and was available in single or dual cab variants, while the "S" body King Cab was designed in the United States, at Nissan's styling studios in San Diego, California. Each version had unique front styling, with the American version having a different hood, and wider flared front guards. In a few countries, such as Australia, both versions were sold. This was also assembled in Greece for the local market, where it was marketed as the Nissan Pickup and King Cab.

First generation (D22; 1997)

The D22 is a compact size pick up truck manufactured from 1997 to 2004. However, Nissan continued to build the D22 as a cheaper alternative to the D40 in many markets.
Originally planned to follow the D21 Hard Body in being designed by Nissan Design International in La Jolla, CA, design of the D22 was reluctantly given to Japan during the 1994–1995 period. This was due to NDI being busy with many design projects of for concepts and models, such as the Quest, Altima, and Maxima. Design of an updated D22 was eventually given to NDI in 1998.

North America

In North America, it was built in Tennessee from 1997 to 2000 as the Nissan Frontier. The body types on offer were a single cab, King Cab, and lastly a Crew Cab which was introduced in 1999. Engines: Petrol and Diesel with 5-speed manual transmission. These models were also exported to Central and South America. US production in Tennessee started in 1997 with a Single cab and a King cab. A four-door version of the D22 was designed and developed during 1997–1998, being first produced in April 1999 and launched in May 1999 in the US as the 2000 Frontier Crew Cab.
In 1999, a special edition was offered. Nissan called it the Desert Runner. It had a king cab base but on the 4X4 frame which gave it a boost in ride height, bigger tires and a 4- or 5-speed 2WD drivetrain. For 2001 the Desert Runner got a new look and a supercharged version of the V6 engine.

Facelift

In February 2000 at the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan introduced a facelifted D22 Frontier for 2001, with bolder styling in an effort to make it more appealing to younger buyers in its second generation. The D22 Frontier was completely redone after the 2004 model year, which later resulted in the discontinuation of the regular cab model. Sales and production started in North America, with Crew Cab and King Cab versions and new grille, bumper, headlights, taillights. Other body changes included built in fender flares and tailgates.
The D22s badged as "Frontier" had different grille, tailgate details and interior in contrast to the D22s badged as "Navara".
The D22 was no longer sold in Japan after 2002. Due to incompatible taxation rules and plummeting popularity of pickup trucks in Japan, Nissan discontinued it in their home market with no replacement afterwards, a fate shared by many of its competitors there.
The Egyptian plant exports to the Middle East, and a South African plant to African countries. Mexican production started in 2008: D22 truck Single Cab Chassis and Long Bed, Crew Cab called the D22 Pick up.
In 2009 the D22 was updated with redesigned exterior door handles.
In June 2017, Peugeot announced to produce the Peugeot Pick-Up for Northern African states. It is equipped with a 2.5-litre inline-four turbodiesel, producing and, manual 5-speed transmission, rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with optional gear reduction. It is a badge engineering version of the DongFeng Rich, which has a partnership with PSA. It comes as a Crew Cab short bed version with a payload of 815 kg. Market introduction started in September 2017.

Australia

For the Australian market, the D22 Navara ran as a series 1 from the end of the D21 until 2001, when a series 2 was released with a new ZD30 Diesel engine and updated front end. The ZD30 powered D22's were exceptionally reliable unlike the Patrol counterparts, but were replaced in 2008 with an upgraded Common Rail 2.5L Diesel engine. The D22 Navara was run in parallel with the larger D40 until 2015. Both were replaced by the D23 Navara - locally known as the NP300 Navara as of 2015.

Brazil

The Brazilian Nissan plant started production around 2002 and it was exported to Argentina and Mexico.

Bolivia

Nissan Bolivia imported from Japan the Nissan Frontier D22 Crew Cab, 2.4-liter petrol or diesel, 4WD. Imported from Mexico, the D22 Crew Cab and single cab long bed, petrol 2WD. Some Frontiers were gray imported from the USA. These were V6 with automatic transmission for private importers.

Chile

In Chile, the D22 was marketed as the "Nissan Terrano" due to KIA Motors already using the "Frontier" moniker in its Bongo minivan series. It was sold from 1998 to 2014 and according to the National Automobile Association of Chile it was the most sold automobile in 2010. The facelifted "Navara" version arrived in 2003, in 2.4L petrol, 2.5L turbo diesel, 3.0L turbo diesel and 3.2L diesel. Even with the unveiling of the D40 Navara in 2008, it continued to be sold as a cheaper and more work-oriented alternative, outselling the D40. Starting in 2012, all D22 models were imported from Mexico replacing the Japanese model's injection pump with a common rail fuel-injection system, among other changes and the 3.0L and 3.2L models were discontinued. The D22 was replaced by the Nissan D23 "NP300" in 2015.
Trims
The Japanese-made facelift D22 Navara was available in 5 different versions in Chile:
Nissan first offered the D22 with a four-cylinder engine, the KA24DE, but added the V6 engine, the VG33E in 1999. In Australia the D22 had the KA24E till 1999, then changed to KA24DE option that year. A 3.0-liter V6 was introduced in June 2000. In February 2003, 4x4 models received a larger 3.3-liter V6, while 4x2 models continued with the 3.0. The V6 was dropped in 2005, leaving the 2.5-liter turbo diesel as the only available engine.
The first series of D22s had larger 3.2-litre normally aspirated Diesel engines producing 75 kW. It also had a 2.0 litre petrol sohc 8 valve engine producing 75 kW.
EngineDisplacementPowerTorqueInfo
SOHC 4-Cylinder 2.0 L
SOHC 4-Cylinder 2.4 L 1997-1999
DOHC 4-Cylinder 2.4 L
DOHC 4-Cylinder 2.5 L Turbo diesel intercooler
DOHC 4-Cylinder 3.0 L 148 hp Turbo diesel
DOHC 4-Cylinder 3.2 L Diesel
SOHC V6 3.3 L and for MY2003-2004
SOHC SC V6 3.3 L for Automatic

Gallery

International Names

Initially, the Frontier was considered a compact, but beginning with the totally redesigned model year 2005 Frontier, it became more mid-sized. It uses the new Nissan F-Alpha platform and exterior body styling resembles that of the company's full-size Nissan Titan truck. In 2012 production was shifted from Smyrna, Tennessee to Canton, Mississippi.
The new truck has a fully boxed ladder frame. The wheelbase is 125.9 in with a 205.5 in overall length. Towing capacity is 6500 lb. A 4.0 Liter VQ-family V6, the VQ40DE, is the standard engine in North America, and it produces and of torque. Also available is the QR25DE four-cylinder engine, which is also found in the Nissan Altima. It produces and of torque. A six-speed manual is standard with a five-speed automatic optional. Both rear and four-wheel drive are available. Traction control and hill-descent control are also available.
The Frontier is called Navara when sold in Europe. The engine is a 2.5-liter YD25DDTi diesel, with or. The stronger version has of torque.
Suzuki sold a Frontier-based mid-sized pickup produced by Nissan North America at the Smyrna plant. The truck debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show as the Suzuki Equator. For 2009 the Frontier received a face lift with more options, colors, and new wheels. The Nismo model was replaced by the PRO-4X model. Suzuki discontinued the Equator in 2013, as part of the shutdown of their American passenger car division.
Sales of the PRO-4X model continue in Mexico.
In 2014 Nissan released a concept truck with a 2.8-liter Inline-four engine Cummins Diesel engine paired with a ZF 8HP transmission.

D40 Navara

The Navara in Europe came with an updated Euro IV compliant engine on post September 2006 vehicles. It has four trim levels, the S, SE, Outlaw and Aventura. The Aventura trim package is equipped with leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, six-stacker CD/MP3 changer and satellite navigation as standard.
In Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, the D40 Navara has a few differences from the UK versions. There are two engines available, 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine and the V6 petrol. The 2.5 diesel engine Mid Power version produces at 4000 rpm and at 2000 rpm, High Power version produces at 4000 rpm and at 2000 rpm. The V6 produces at 5600 rpm of power and at 4000 rpm. Both engines come with a standard five-speed automatic, with a six-speed manual available for the diesel. These models do not have leather, climate control or satellite navigation system like their UK versions.
The 2008 model of the Navara was launched on 2 July. Changes included a new style of alloy wheels, bluetooth as standard, side work lights and indicators on the wing mirrors.
The 2008 Single Cab became available in Thailand 6 March. The 2.5-liter engine reduces the torque output from to at 2,000 rpm. This model has 15-inch wheels. Power steering is standard. Also available are electric mirrors and central power locking as optional extra. Nissan planned to sell the single cab and began to export worldwide at the same month. Nissan also continues to sell the D22 pickups with minor updates for a lower price.
The Nissan Navara Double Cab became available in Malaysia on 5 November 2008. It is available with a 2.5-liter diesel engine producing and, only with a five-speed automatic. A year later the six-speed manual version became available. The D22 series Nissan Frontier remains on sale in Malaysia with a manual transmission.
In November 2008 Nissan Thailand Released the all new Nissan Navara Calibre with a 144 PS at 4000 rpm 36.3 kg·m at 2000 rpm available with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Facelift

For North American Frontiers model year 2009, and European Navaras model year 2010, Nissan updated the shape of some minor components.
The 2010 Nissan Navara facelift are now powered by a new 3.0-litre V9X V6 turbodiesel engine producing 240 hp and 369 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm and a revised 2.5-litre dCi unit which produces and of torque. The 2011 Nissan Navara and Pathfinder facelift V6 develop 170 kW and of torque between 1,700 rpm and 2,500 rpm and the VQ40DE remains the same with the at 5600 rpm; at 4000 rpm.
There are subtle changes to the headlights and the bonnet. The V-shaped grille shell is less pronounced and the bumper is rounder and projects 80 mm further forward, but the six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels or optional 18-inch alloy wheels are the biggest change.
Inside the new Navara, Nissan designers have specified softer materials of a better quality for the dash, seats and interior moulds. The centre console and fascia designs have been revised, as have the instrument binnacle layout and door trims. Additional bright/gloss finish surfacing is used throughout the cabin. The six-stack CD audio system or the TV Navigation entertainment console is upgraded with speed-sensing volume, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity for the. Other new or revised features include dual-zone climate control, remote audio/Bluetooth/trip computer controls on the steering wheel, trip computer, external temperature gauge, speed-sensitive variable windscreen wipers and 'follow me home' lighting. The electric mirrors now fold in fully for car washes or parking in narrow spaces.
Importantly, the upgraded Navara gains stability control, which Nissan calls Vehicle Dynamics Control and all petrol V6 and diesel variants gain side-impact and side-curtain airbags to complement the dual front airbags.
Nissan updated the Frontier for the 2020 model year with a new 3.8-liter V6 and a nine-speed automatic, with the manual transmission being discontinued. The engine replaces both the outgoing 4.0L V6 and the 2.5L I4, and produces, although torque remains the same. The lineup has also been revised: the Frontier King Cab model will offer both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations on the S and SV models; the Crew Cab model, meanwhile, extends rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive to the SV standard bed and SV long bed trims, while the Pro-4X gets all-wheel drive exclusively. Power windows and locks are now standard on all trim levels.

Safety

The D40 Navara has undergone Euro NCAP crash testing along with the Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max, and received one star with a strikeout; however, after retesting with upgraded computer software it went from the lowest in the group to the highest with 3 stars. Among the problems discovered during the test was delayed airbag deployment and insufficient seatbelt restraint, which were solved with the software upgrade.
The car receives good rating in Frontal Offset Test, Side Impact, and Roof Test by IIHS but only Acceptable in rear impact.

Awards and recognition

On 11 June 2014, Nissan unveiled the third generation Navara, codenamed the D23 and released as the NP300 Navara. Series production commenced at a new $360 million plant in Samut Prakan, Thailand in July 2014 and deliveries began in August. The D23 is not available in the US or Canada. A Nissan North America spokesperson stated that the D23 is not indicative of a D40 Frontier replacement. The European model will feature a 2.3-litre engine from the Nissan NV400. After the release of the D23, which is only available with 4-cylinder engines, the D40 remained on production only with the V6 and automatic transmission.
For the 2018 model year, the Navara is equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology which include an Around View Monitor and a blind-spot monitoring system.

Nissan Navara EnGuard Concept

The EnGuard concept is a modified D23 Navara pitched directly towards emergency rescue organisations. Unveiled at the 2016 Hannover Motor Show, the concept is notable for being the first prototype with a Nissan designed and developed portable battery pack. Other features that cater for rescue organisations include an onboard DJI Phantom 4 drone, an increased ride height, strobe lights and a fully adjustable suspension system.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

On 25 October 2016 Mercedes-Benz revealed 2 concept pickup trucks previewing the upcoming joint-built Pickup Model, to be called "X-Class". The X-Class is based on the platform of the current NP300 Navara and is built in Spain and it was also planned to be built in Argentina, however, that was cancelled due to a disagreement between Nissan and Mercedes-Benz regarding production costs as well as that country's economic situation.

Renault Alaskan

Renault revealed the production version of the Alaskan Pickup Concept which will be based on the current Navara platform. The Alaskan was shown alongside other Renault Models at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October. According to some journalists it has not yet been confirmed if the Alaskan will be sold outside of Europe.
From October 2016, the Alaskan is sold in Colombia.

International production facilities

The Frontier is known as Nissan Navara in most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and South Africa and Nissan Terrano in Chile and NP300. It is currently built in the United States, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Argentina and Egypt.

Motorsports

The D40 Frontier platform is currently being used as a Stage Rally vehicle by the NISMO Stuff Racing effort currently competing in the Coupe Rallye Quebec series. This team has been racing the current D40 Frontier for over two years with eight stage rallies and two hill climbs under its belt having never suffered a mechanical failure of any kind.
Nissan South Africa campaigned both the D22 and D40 platforms very successfully in the local ABSA Off-Road Series, winning eight consecutive driver's championships. The vehicles were prepared by Hallspeed South Africa. Hallspeed also developed and sold vehicles to the Belgian-based company Overdrive. For several years Overdrive have competed with the Hallspeed built vehicles in the European rally Raid series, including The Dakar.

Sales