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What makes the Nissan Navara the perfect summer getaway vehicle

We’ve spent a ton of time under the sun with the Nissan Navara, and it’s one of our top pickup trucks this summer season.

Earl Lee on Mar 22, 2023

Whenever summer is around the corner, it’s prime time to start planning a trip. There are a ton of things to do in the summer season, like going to the beach, camping out, or even going out on a hike. However, all those plans would be for naught if you didn’t have the proper travel companion with you on your journey.

If you’re on the lookout for an everyday, do-it-all, workhorse, of a leisure pickup truck, let’s point our attention to the Nissan Navara. In our experience, the Japanese pickup truck is one of the most versatile options around, and as summer rolls over, it’s a great companion to have whenever and wherever your trips may take you.

The pickup truck, the ultimate hauler

When it comes to hauling items, a pickup truck is hard to beat. Your cargo-carrying capacity isn’t limited by the bed’s length and width. The only thing holding you back from hauling more is likely your imagination, and your ability to tie down and secure stuff at the back. Still, you might not have to go overboard because bed space is more than enough with a length, width, and height of 1,578 mm by 1,130 mm by 474 mm. The Navara also comes with an impressive payload capacity of 1,054 kilograms, which is made all the more impressive due to the fact that the Navara rides on coil springs at the rear.

For your summer getaways, you don’t have to worry about luggage space and other items as long as you can cover and secure them onto the bed. If you want to go mountain biking, no problem, if you have a couple of dirt bikes that you want to take out, get a ramp and go. Whether you’re a surfer, biker, or cyclist, having a pickup truck is an indispensable tool.

On top of that, after your vacation, you can immediately put the truck back into work mode, hauling all sorts of things like goods, tires, equipment, or even just thin air.

Coil-sprung rear suspension

Speaking of thin air, one thing we can say with confidence is that the Navara remains comfortable for a pickup truck even when it’s not loaded. Most other trucks have leaf spring rear suspension systems. What’s even more impressive is that Nissan was able to achieve an over 1,000 kg payload figure with this coil-spring system, making it a rather novel pickup truck in the market.

In terms of performance, the Navara is a decent-handling vehicle. It’s perfect for stints in the city, and conversely on smaller roads. Drivability is a key component for us when it comes to purchasing a pickup truck. You don’t want something that feels too “strong” that you feel sick every time you drive it, but you don’t want something that’s too soft and that’ll buckle under a heavy payload. Nissan did it just right with their coil spring rear suspension, balancing daily-driving comfort with payload-hauling strength, perfect for summer vacations where you may carry a lot of stuff or people on the way to your trip.

Nissan Airconditioning

It goes without saying, but we tend to notice Nissan’s ability to create cool cars, literally. When it comes to AC systems, Nissan has one of the fastest-acting, strongest, and most consistent air conditioning systems in the business. Never mind the fact that it is hot outside, almost nothing will get in the way of the system’s ability to cool down the cabin.

Even the summer heat won’t prevent you from getting a cool gust of air at your face. Fun fact, most of the units that we review have no tint whatsoever, but this was never really a problem for us in a Nissan vehicle, and trust us, we’ve tested a lot of cars over the years.

Go anywhere

One of the problems that arise when you have a car as long and as big as a midsize pickup truck would be navigating tight city streets. Another would be tight roads and trails that may leave other cars stuck. The key advantage of a pickup truck is that you can haul a ton of stuff and you can go pretty much anywhere, even where there is no road. Off-roaders often gravitate towards pickup trucks for their capabilities and their lightness in comparison to an SUV.

Practical metrics and features in favor of the Navara include ground clearance, which is pinned at 220mm. Large wheels, at least 16 inches big with meaty tires that go as big as 18 inches, still paired with meaty tires, a 4x4 system available, and an around-view monitor that helps you manage this car in tight driving situations.

Think of it this way, you never know where your summer adventures will bring you, so having a car that can literally go the distance and go anywhere is an asset especially if it’s something as robust and reliable as a Nissan Navara.

Power to conquer long drives and long hauls

When it comes to driving, power is not required, but it is an absolute necessity when it comes to enjoyment. Getting up to speed in a good amount of time is with its own perks, and it’s also a point in favor of driving comfort. You don’t want to feel like the engine is taxed while you drive, so having a good motor is very important.

With 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque, you won’t be left in the dust of other cars. The Navara has more than enough pulling power for itself, and then some. Tow a trailer, tow another car, fully loaded or not, the Navara can still keep up with your drive. It’s definitely no slouch on the highway, and it’s definitely capable off the beaten path as well.

If you do end up camping, the nature of the diesel engine will help you out a lot. If you like carrying a trailer to your destination, Nissan’s 2.5-liter has got you covered. Whatever adventure is in store, the diesel motor with its low-end torque can give you enough grunt from a standstill to get up and going.

Other things to consider on your summer getaway

Consider that not all parking areas will be paved, consider that not all roads will be smooth, and consider that you and your passengers will be stuck inside the car under the heat of the sun. In terms of being a summer getaway vehicle, the Navara fits the bill for most people. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast with a two-wheeler or even a surfboard at the back of your pickup, the Navara can definitely accommodate whatever you throw at it.

Better yet, if you like camping, you’ll have no problems getting to the site and even using the truck for a tailgate party. Pickup trucks are a lifestyle choice, and it’s a darned good one.

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