Next-gen Nissan Navara to launch in 2026 with updated design and local tuning

The new Nissan Navara is almost here. Nissan has confirmed that the next-generation version of its popular pickup will launch first in Australia on November 19, with sales expected to begin in the second half of 2026. The model will also roll out to New Zealand, with other markets getting their own updated versions later on.

As reported by Carscoops, this new Navara shares its platform with the Mitsubishi Triton, but Nissan says it has been reworked to match its own style and feel. The goal was to give the truck a different identity while keeping it strong and reliable for everyday use. To do this, Nissan worked closely with Premcar, an engineering company based in Melbourne, known for developing the Warrior versions of the previous Navara and Patrol.

The new model was tested across a wide range of road and off-road conditions in Australia and New Zealand. Testing included running the truck empty, fully loaded, and while towing. In one test clip, a camouflaged Navara is shown pulling an older Nissan Patrol on a trailer, highlighting how much weight it can handle.

Nissan says this testing was done to make sure the truck fits the way locals actually use their pickups, from weekday work to weekend trips, and even school runs. Tim Davis from Nissan Australia shared that a pickup can’t just be copied from another market. It has to be adjusted for local driving needs and road types.

While some parts of the new Navara, like the doors and windows, are the same as the Triton, the rest of the truck has its own design. The front gets a new split headlight setup with slim LED lights and a different grille. The rear is also expected to have updated taillights and tailgate styling. According to Ken Lee, the design lead for the project, the goal was to balance toughness and comfort, with a look made to fit the tastes of Australian and New Zealand drivers.

The Navara will face tough competition once it launches. It goes up against other well-known pickups in the region like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and the upcoming Kia Tasman, along with more trucks from Chinese brands. While waiting for the official launch, check out the entire lineup of Nissan at AutoDeal.com.ph