2017 Nissan Navara: Review, Specs, And Real-World Test

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2017 Nissan Navara, shall we? This mid-size pickup truck has been a solid contender in the market, so we're gonna break down everything from its specs to how it handles on the road. This isn't just a spec sheet recitation; we're talking about a real-world test drive experience. Get ready for an honest, in-depth look at what makes the 2017 Navara tick, covering everything from its engine options and off-road capabilities to its interior comfort and tech features. We'll explore whether it's a good fit for you, whether you're a seasoned tradie or someone looking for a versatile family vehicle. So, buckle up! We’re about to go on a detailed journey through the ins and outs of this popular pickup.

Unpacking the 2017 Nissan Navara: Key Specs and Features

First things first, let's get the specs out of the way. The 2017 Nissan Navara comes in various trims and configurations. But, at its core, you'll find it powered by a range of engines. The most common is the 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel, known for its decent fuel economy and good low-end torque. There's also a more powerful version of the same engine, with twin turbochargers, providing even more grunt for those who need it. Depending on the model, you could get a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Navara offers both 4x2 and 4x4 options, making it versatile for both city driving and off-road adventures. Talking about tech, the 2017 Navara is equipped with a modern infotainment system, usually featuring a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and often, smartphone integration. Safety features are important, and the 2017 model typically includes features like airbags, ABS brakes, and electronic stability control. Higher trims might add extras like a reversing camera, parking sensors, and even advanced driver-assistance systems. The payload and towing capacity are very important for a pickup truck; the Navara generally boasts impressive figures, making it ideal for those who need to haul equipment or tow trailers. Now, all these specs are great, but the real question is, how does it all translate into driving experience? The 2017 Nissan Navara offers a comfortable cabin, designed to make long drives more bearable. The seats are well-contoured, and there's adequate legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The build quality is pretty good, with durable materials used throughout the cabin, so it can withstand daily wear and tear.

Engine and Performance Breakdown

The heart of the 2017 Nissan Navara's performance lies in its engine options. The 2.3-liter turbo-diesel engine, in its standard form, offers a balance of power and efficiency. It’s perfect for everyday driving, whether you're cruising down the highway or navigating city streets. The twin-turbo version, however, takes it up a notch. The added power gives you a significant boost, making overtaking and tackling challenging terrains easier. The six-speed manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience, giving you direct control over the engine. The seven-speed automatic transmission, on the other hand, offers smooth and effortless gear changes, which can be particularly useful for those long drives. Both transmissions are well-suited to the engine's characteristics. The 4x4 models truly shine off-road. With a robust four-wheel-drive system, the Navara can conquer tough trails, thanks to its excellent ground clearance and a capable suspension system. The 4x2 models are still great for general use, offering decent fuel economy and a comfortable ride, best suited for those who primarily drive on paved roads. The Navara’s performance is also influenced by its suspension setup, which strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The ride is generally smooth, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road, but it can get a bit bouncy when the truck bed is empty. The steering is responsive, making the Navara easy to maneuver in both urban and off-road environments. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Navara's performance is a strong suit. It offers a blend of power, efficiency, and capability that makes it a well-rounded pickup truck. The engine options give you a choice between economy and power. The available 4x4 system enhances its versatility, making it a great option for work and play.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

Let’s get inside and see what the 2017 Nissan Navara has to offer in terms of interior, comfort, and technology. The cabin is designed with practicality in mind, and that’s a good thing. The materials used are durable, which is essential for a work truck that will be used frequently. The layout of the dashboard and controls is user-friendly, with everything within easy reach. The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, even during long drives. You’ll find that the driver’s seat is often adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The rear seats are also surprisingly comfortable, offering enough space for adults, making the Navara a practical choice for families. The technology inside the Navara is also worth a look. The infotainment system typically includes a touchscreen display, which handles all the entertainment and navigation functions. The system is usually intuitive to use, with a clear and easy-to-navigate interface. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Higher trim levels often include extra features, such as smartphone integration, which allows you to use your phone's apps directly on the car's screen, and a premium audio system, which enhances the sound quality for a better listening experience. The Navara also offers various comfort features, like climate control, which helps maintain a pleasant cabin temperature regardless of the weather outside. Other features, like keyless entry and push-button start, add to the overall convenience of the truck. The Navara's interior is more than just functional. It provides a comfortable and practical space that enhances your driving experience. The combination of durable materials, user-friendly technology, and comfortable seating makes the Navara a pleasant place to be, whether you're tackling a workday or enjoying a weekend adventure.

In-Depth Look at Interior Features

Let's go deeper into the interior features of the 2017 Nissan Navara. The dashboard layout is well thought out, with all the controls and buttons placed where you'd expect them. The design is simple, avoiding unnecessary clutter. The seats are generally comfortable. The base models come with cloth upholstery, which is practical and easy to maintain, while higher trim levels often feature leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury. The driver's seat is usually adjustable in multiple ways, including height and lumbar support, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The rear seats also offer good legroom and headroom, making them suitable for adults on long journeys. The infotainment system in the 2017 Navara is pretty solid. The touchscreen display is the main control center for your entertainment and navigation needs. The interface is usually straightforward, so you won’t have to spend too much time getting used to it. The system typically supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to connect your smartphone for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Many models come with smartphone integration, allowing you to use apps like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto directly on the car's screen. This makes it easy to access your favorite apps, navigate with ease, and enjoy your music on the go. Climate control is available, allowing you to set and maintain your desired cabin temperature. Other convenience features include keyless entry, which allows you to unlock and start the car without taking your keys out of your pocket. In addition, there are usually plenty of storage compartments, including a center console, door pockets, and glove compartment, allowing you to keep your belongings organized and within reach. The 2017 Nissan Navara's interior offers a blend of practicality and comfort. The durable materials and user-friendly design make it a great work truck, while the comfortable seats and modern technology make it a pleasant vehicle for everyday use.

Driving Experience and Handling

Alright, let’s talk about how the 2017 Nissan Navara feels on the road. The driving experience is one of its strong suits. The steering is responsive, making the Navara surprisingly easy to maneuver, even in tight urban environments. The suspension setup is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride that absorbs bumps and imperfections on the road. The Navara handles well for a pickup truck, and it feels composed and stable, whether you’re driving on the highway or navigating city streets. The engine options offer a good balance of power and efficiency, so the Navara has enough muscle to get the job done, whether you're hauling cargo or towing a trailer. The automatic transmission provides smooth and effortless gear changes, making long drives more comfortable. The 4x4 models excel off-road, thanks to their robust four-wheel-drive system and excellent ground clearance. The Navara can easily tackle rough terrain. The off-road capability is supported by features such as hill descent control and a locking rear differential, making it easy to drive on uneven surfaces. The 2017 Nissan Navara's driving experience is a winning combination of comfort, performance, and capability. The responsive steering, comfortable suspension, and capable engine options make it a pleasure to drive, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on an adventure. The 4x4 models add an extra layer of versatility, allowing you to tackle a wide range of driving conditions with confidence.

Road Test Insights

During our road test, the 2017 Nissan Navara impressed us with its versatility. It's not just a workhorse; it's a vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks. On the highway, the Navara feels stable and composed, and the engine has enough power to make overtaking easy and safe. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, which reduces driver fatigue on long journeys. In city driving, the Navara's responsive steering and manageable size make it easy to maneuver through traffic. The suspension is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, which enhances the ride quality. When we took the Navara off-road, the 4x4 system really shone. It was able to tackle challenging terrains with ease, thanks to its high ground clearance and capable four-wheel-drive system. The hill descent control and locking rear differential further enhanced its off-road capabilities. We tested the Navara with different loads to evaluate its hauling and towing capabilities. It handled heavy loads with ease, demonstrating its strength and reliability. The towing capacity is impressive. It makes the Navara a practical choice for those who need to haul equipment or tow trailers. The interior comfort also stood out during the road test. The seats are supportive, and the cabin is spacious, providing enough room for both front and rear passengers. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a clear interface and easy smartphone integration. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Navara's performance in our road test was very good. It is a versatile pickup truck that offers a comfortable ride, capable performance, and impressive off-road capabilities. It's a great choice, whether you're a tradesman, a family, or someone who loves outdoor adventures.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is super important, so let’s talk about the 2017 Nissan Navara’s safety features and how reliable it is. The 2017 Navara generally comes equipped with a range of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety equipment includes airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). These features help prevent accidents and minimize the impact of a collision. Some models may have a reversing camera and parking sensors, making it easier and safer to maneuver in tight spaces. Higher trim levels might include advanced driver-assistance systems, like lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, which enhance safety by alerting you to potential hazards. Nissan has a pretty good reputation for reliability, and the Navara is no exception. It's generally considered to be a dependable truck, built to withstand daily use. That being said, like any vehicle, regular maintenance is essential to ensure its long-term reliability. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine services, will help keep your Navara in tip-top shape and prevent unexpected problems. The 2017 Nissan Navara offers a solid safety profile, with a range of standard safety features designed to protect you. Its reputation for reliability, combined with proper maintenance, ensures that it’s a dependable choice for those looking for a pickup truck.

Safety Features and Ratings

Let’s dive deeper into the safety features and what the ratings say about the 2017 Nissan Navara. The Navara usually comes with airbags, including front airbags for the driver and front passenger, and sometimes side curtain airbags for additional protection. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, which help prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control. Electronic stability control (ESC) is also typically included, which helps prevent loss of control by correcting oversteer or understeer. Many models come with a reversing camera and parking sensors. These tools make it easier and safer to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. Higher trim levels often include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane, and blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to the presence of vehicles in your blind spots. The safety ratings for the 2017 Nissan Navara are generally positive. Safety ratings vary by region and testing agency, such as ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Always check the ratings from the relevant testing agency for your specific location. In general, the Navara performs well in crash tests, offering good protection for occupants. These ratings are an important factor to consider when evaluating a vehicle's safety performance, and they provide valuable information about how a vehicle performs in the event of a crash. The 2017 Nissan Navara is equipped with a range of safety features and generally receives positive safety ratings. These features and ratings make it a safe and reliable pickup truck, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

Pros and Cons of the 2017 Nissan Navara

Okay, guys, let’s wrap things up with a quick look at the pros and cons of the 2017 Nissan Navara. On the plus side, the Navara offers a comfortable and practical interior. The seats are supportive, and the cabin is spacious enough for passengers and their gear. The driving experience is another highlight. The steering is responsive, the suspension is well-tuned, and the engine options offer a good balance of power and efficiency. The Navara is generally considered to be reliable, with a robust build quality designed to withstand daily use. It also has a competitive payload and towing capacity, making it a great work truck. It is also great for those weekend adventures! However, there are some cons to consider. The fuel economy, while decent, might not be the best in its class, especially with the 4x4 models. The ride can feel a bit bumpy when the truck bed is empty, especially on rough roads. The infotainment system, while functional, might not be as advanced or user-friendly as some of its competitors. The Navara, like all mid-size pickups, can also be difficult to park in tight urban spaces. Ultimately, the 2017 Nissan Navara has a lot going for it. It's a versatile, reliable, and capable pickup truck that's well-suited for both work and everyday use. Understanding the pros and cons will help you decide if it’s the right truck for you.

Final Thoughts and Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2017 Nissan Navara? The Navara is a very capable and versatile pickup truck that offers a lot of value for its price. It's a great choice, whether you're a tradesman needing a reliable workhorse, a family looking for a practical vehicle, or an adventurous soul wanting a vehicle that can do it all. The comfortable interior, responsive driving dynamics, and the option for a capable 4x4 system make it a great vehicle for a variety of tasks and driving conditions. The Navara has a strong reputation for reliability, making it a good long-term investment. If you're in the market for a mid-size pickup truck, the 2017 Nissan Navara is definitely worth considering. It offers a good combination of performance, comfort, and capability. Just weigh up the pros and cons to see if it meets your specific needs. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Navara is a solid and reliable pickup truck that delivers on its promises. It’s a great all-rounder that's well-suited for a variety of tasks and driving conditions.