Nissan Navara's Off-Road Towing Capabilities in South Africa: Tested and Reviewed

For the past few years, the Nissan Navara in Eastern Cape South Africa has developed a strong reputation in pickup market for durable, rugged, versatile performance. In this review, we take a closer look at this iteration of the Nissan Navara regarding off-road and towing capability while exploring some very difficult roads in the Eastern Cape.

Nissan Eastern Cape: A Testing Ground for Tough Trucks

The very diversified landscape of the Eastern Cape in South Africa makes it an ideal proving ground for any vehicle, such as the Nissan Navara. Ranging from the rugged coastline to the arid interior, this province has a variety of terrain that puts any 4x4 through its paces.

Right here is where the Navara comes into its own, trying to prove why it's gained such a huge following among both work and leisure drivers in South Africa.

The Navara's Rugged Design

At the heart of the Navara's capability is its sturdy build, founded upon the solid base of a fully boxed ladder frame for guaranteed durability in the roughest off-road use.

Combined with the robust construction is a sophisticated suspension system with a five-link rear suspension on higher-end models that will balance off-road articulation and on-road comfort—a critical factor for those using their Navara for both work and play.

Nissan Navara Off-Road: Conquering the Untamed

When it comes to off-road performance, the Navara is fitted to make quite a case for itself in the pickup segment. Its 4x4 models are fitted with an on-the-fly, switchable four-wheel-drive system, meaning a driver can select either 2WD or 4WD modes at will.

This versatility is quite paramount every time ground clearance may change from tarmac to rough terrain, common in the diverse Eastern Cape landscape.

Key off-road features of the Navara include:

1. Hill Start Assist: This feature prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on steep inclines, a boon when navigating hilly terrain.

2. Hill Descent Control: When descending steep gradients, this system automatically controls braking to maintain a steady, slow speed, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

3. Electronic Locking Rear Differential: This feature ensures that power is evenly distributed to both rear wheels, providing maximum traction in slippery conditions.

4. Impressive Ground Clearance: With up to 224mm of ground clearance (depending on the model), the Navara can traverse obstacles that would stymie fewer vehicles.

5. Advanced Off-Road Monitor: Available on select models, this system provides real-time information about the vehicle's pitch, roll, and wheel articulation, helping drivers navigate tricky terrain with confidence.

These traits have been combined in the Navara to make this quite an able off-roader, at home on rocky outcrops or muddy trails. In our reaches here in the Eastern Cape, it displayed remarkable composure for a string of challenging terrains—from the sandy beaches past Port Elizabeth to the rugged mountain passes of the Baviaanskloof.

Nissan Navara Towing Capabilities: Pulling Power When It Counts

While off-road prowess is important, many Navara owners in South Africa also rely on their vehicles for towing. Whether it's hauling a boat to the coast or transporting equipment to a remote worksite, the Navara's towing capabilities are put to the test regularly.

The towing capacity of this pick-up truck changes depending on the model and configuration, with a maximum of 3,500kg braked for top-spec versions of the Navara.

This instantly makes it competitive against the best in its class. As part of our tests, we hitched the Navara to a mix of trailers, including a fully laden cattle trailer, to see how well it performed.

Key observations on the Navara's towing capabilities:

1. Stable Towing: The Navara's sturdy chassis and well-tuned suspension contribute to stable and confident towing, even when fully loaded.

2. Powerful Engine Options: The range of engines available for the Navara, including the robust 2.3-liter twin-turbo diesel, provide ample torque for towing heavy loads.

3. Trailer Sway Control: This system helps maintain stability when towing by applying brake pressure to individual wheels as needed.

4. Tow Mode: Available on automatic transmission models, this mode adjusts the gearbox's shift points to optimize performance when towing.

5. Rearview Camera with Trailer View: This feature makes hitching a trailer easier and safer, a welcome addition for frequent towers.

We did some towing in the Eastern Cape and it went down really well. The Navara was very composed on steep mountain roads, and when merging onto highways, its sure-footed acceleration was impressive.

The strong engine combined with intelligent towing features makes the Navara feel capable and secure when pulling heavy loads.

Nissan Navara South Africa: Tailored for Local Conditions

It's also worth mentioning that some of the work in adapting the Navara to local conditions has been done by Nissan South Africa. This includes suspension tuning to handle South African roads and payload requirements.

In the end, what one gets is a bakkie that feels quite at home running around city streets in Johannesburg or tackling Eastern Cape off-road trails.

The popularity of Navara in South Africa is further supported by a really large dealership network for Nissan, including a few in the Eastern Cape.

This means that there is always a service or support centre nearby for owners who more often than not use their vehicles as part of a work portfolio or who enjoy regular off-road exploration.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

One of the very underrated components of off-road and towing capacity is fuel efficiency. Trips into remote areas or towing heavy loads over long distances require a vehicle with a good balance between power and efficiency. With its diesel options, the Navara proved highly fuel-efficient for its class.

We found that during our testing, even when full or when towing the fuel consumption figures remained reasonable. This equates to good range – an important factor when entering more remote parts of the Eastern Cape where fuel stations are few and far between.

Technology and Comfort

While ruggedness and ability are vital for off-road and towing performance, today's pickup buyer rightly expects a degree of comfort and technology, too. That said, the Navara doesn't let them down on this front, with an interior that's well-appointed and forms a comfortable basis for long journeys.

Higher-spec models come equipped with features like:

• An advanced infotainment system with smartphone integration
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and power-adjustable seats

These features ensure that the Navara remains comfortable and connected, whether you're on a long-haul towing trip or a weekend off-road adventure.

Safety Features

Safety comes first when towing or in heavy off-road use. A raft of safety features on the Navara helps to protect occupants and provides added confidence to the driver. Including:

• Seven airbags
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)
• Forward Collision Warning
• Intelligent Emergency Braking

These are all systems working collaboratively to provide a safety net that lets drivers push the Navara's capabilities with some confidence.

This pickup from Nissan has been developed to be versatile and able, to cover the very diverse demands South African drivers have. It provides return roadway performance with robust off-road capacities, giving impressive towing abilities that rank it among the excellent choices for one who needs a vehicle both for work and play.

Whether it's tackling rough terrain in the Eastern Cape or towing heavy loads from coast to coast, the Navara will show anyone why it has reached favoritism quickly in the South African market.

With further evolution and enhancement from Nissan, the Navara will not be hard to have around for many ensuing years of continued competition in this competitive pickup segment.