2027 Navara: A Genuine Nissan, Even with Mitsubishi Triton Heritage | Carscoops

      A senior official has stated that the company will implement "numerous changes to the product to ensure it meets Nissan's standards."

      Nissan Oceania’s Managing Director mentioned that the upcoming Navara will be “very much a Nissan.”

      This pickup will utilize the platform of the Mitsubishi Triton, although it will undergo several modifications.

      The new midsize truck is anticipated to be unveiled globally in 2026 or by early 2027 at the latest.

      Although Nissan is experiencing one of its toughest periods in recent years, it continues to advance the development of vital models for its future, with the next-generation Navara being particularly significant. This midsize pickup is expected to share its ladder-frame platform with the Mitsubishi Triton, an expected choice given the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

      However, a high-ranking Nissan executive indicated that the new Navara will be much more than a Triton with a different branding.

      Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director of Nissan Oceania, recognized the necessity of platform sharing but stressed that the company intends to implement substantial changes to maintain the Navara's distinct identity. “We’re going to make many changes to the product to ensure it aligns with Nissan’s expectations,” he shared with Drive.com.au. “Yes, we have a relationship, but that relationship could effectively be with any supplier.”

      Humberstone’s remarks imply that Nissan is striving for significant differentiation, beyond the typical superficial modifications often seen in badge-engineered models. This strategy resembles the approaches taken by Ford and Volkswagen with the Ranger and Amarok or by Isuzu and Mazda with the D-Max and BT-50.

      The upcoming Navara is expected to feature the Mitsubishi Triton’s leaf-spring rear suspension, a departure from the previous model’s coil-spring system, which received mixed feedback. Nissan will also focus on ensuring that its workhorse capabilities remain competitive, with towing and payload limits likely matching those of competitors like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

      The current sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton, which debuted in 2023, is powered by a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine delivering 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) in its highest specification. This engine may be incorporated into the next Nissan Navara, continuing the model's tradition of diesel performance.

      Additionally, Nissan has hinted at a more thrilling prospect: a high-performance Nismo variant. If it comes to fruition, it could rival the Ford Ranger Raptor with a more powerful V6 engine and a chassis designed for enhanced off-road performance.

      Although Nissan has not announced an official launch date for the next-gen Navara, it has confirmed that the truck will be available before March 2027. Meanwhile, in China, the company is preparing to introduce the Yuanye Z9, a separate midsize pickup that may have minimal connection to the global Navara.