Review - 2023 Nissan Navara SL Warrior

AF
By Alexi Falson on 13 Jun 2023
image for Review - 2023 Nissan Navara SL Warrior If you’re looking for a tough off-road Nissan Navara without stepping up to the flagship Pro-4X Warrior, the SL Warrior may be the perfect option for you.

The Navara SL Warrior takes the Navara’s work-ready platform and adds a series of off-road enhancements from Premcar while offering significant cost savings over the range-topper.

In essence, it’s an off-road-ready package straight from the factory, so let’s take a closer look and see just how much value is on offer in the Navara SL Warrior.

Pros

  • Generous off-road hardware list from Premcar

  • Outstanding performance on tough terrain

  • Increased GVM rating (3250kg)

  • Great value, ready-for-action package

Cons

  • Engine lacks power & torque compared to key rivals

  • Firm unlaidened ride quality

  • Interior design lacks excitement

  • Lacks active safety equipment of rivals

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Nissan Navara SL Warrior Competition




Nissan Navara SL Warrior



VS
Toyota HiLux Rogue/SR5
Ford Ranger Sport/Raptor
Mitsubishi Triton GLS
Isuzu D-Max
Mazda BT-50

Starting Price: $58,000

OnlineAuto Savings: Enquire now

How Much Does It Cost?

The Nissan Navara SL Warrior is priced from $58,000 with a manual gearbox before on-road costs, while the SL Warrior automatic is priced at $60,500.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using OnlineAuto’s car purchasing service, take advantage of the expertise of one of our car specialists to assist you in finding the best value model for you.

Nissan Navara - SL WARRIOR (4x4) Specifications

Model Date 2023
Make NISSAN
Model NAVARA
Series D23 MY23
Variant SL WARRIOR (4x4)
Body DUAL CAB P/UP
Fuel type DIESEL
Transmission 6 SP MANUAL
Drive 4x4
Engine TTCDI
Engine capacity 2298
Engine configuration DUAL OVERHEAD CAM / 16 valves
Engine RPM 3750 / 1500
Cylinders DTT4
Torque 450
KW 140
Fuel tank size 80.0
Fuel usage specs 7.3 / 0
CO2 192
ANCAP security rating 5

For more details and other variants, check Nissan Navara car page.

What Features Does the Nissan Navara SL Warrior Have?

Atop the features list of lesser models, the Navara SL Warrior picks up a heap of off-road equipment.

Feature highlights include a LED light bar, an underbody protective bash plate, a winch-compatible bullbar, 40mm lift for the suspension, a tow bar, upgraded springs, dampers and jounce bumpers, rubber floor mats, a tub liner, a GVM upgrade to 3250kg and a set of 17-inch Cooper Discoverer all-terrain tyres.

These are in addition to things like the 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a rear-view camera and safety equipment we’ll cover later in this review.

Range Features:

  • 17-inch Cooper Discoverer all-terrain tyres

  • LED light bar

  • 40mm suspension lift

  • Underbody protective bash plate

  • Upgraded springs, dampers and jounce bumpers

  • Tub liner

  • GVM upgrade to 3250kg

  • 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster

  • 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Is the Nissan Navara SL Warrior Comfortable to Drive?

The design brief for the Navara SL Warrior is simple: Premcar takes Nissan’s already-impressive Navara platform and adds a heap of off-road equipment that makes it ready for action right out of the box.

The end result is a much more impressive off-road package than the stock Navara that can tackle a heap of difficult terrain, without the need for spending extra on the flagship Pro-4X Warrior.

“An off-road monster loaded with equipment straight from the factory”  Glynn - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Power comes supplied by a turbo-diesel producing a heap and power and torque, though these figures are slightly behind what you’ll find in a comparable HiLux or Ranger, for example.

On the road, though, you won’t feel much of a difference thanks to the generous amount of torque on offer, while braked towing capacity remains at 3500kg and the gross vehicle mass (GVM) has actually increased to 3250kg, and payload figures stand at 1081kg.

Underneath, the upgraded and lifted suspension hardware helps to conquer tough terrain while improving handling on the road, and while the ride quality is on the stiffer side, the Navara SL Warrior feels solid and confident on the road.

As a package, the Navara SL Warrior is an impressive value proposition for those looking for an off-road package that is ready for action straight out of the box.

What are the Off-Road Specs of the Navara SL Warrior?

The Navara SL Warrior’s ground clearance figures stand at an impressive 260mm, with approach and departure angles rated at 36 and 19 degrees, respectively.

When needed, power is thrown to all fours via dual-range transfer case for an extra push, while the locking rear differential kicks into action when you’re really scrambling for traction.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The Navara SL Warrior’s 2.3-litre twin- turbo-diesel engine consumes a claimed 7.3L per 100km when paired with a manual gearbox, while the automatic SL Warrior is rated at 7.9L per 100km.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Nissan’s packaging for the SL Warrior focuses entirely on the off-road hardware that you’ll find sitting underneath, while the cabin remains effectively unchanged.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, so long as you don’t have huge expectations from the interior design - the priority here is just how well the SL Warrior pushes over terrain, not how fancy it looks inside.

“Interior upgrades are non-existent, with all the attention paid to the off-road driving experience.” Craig - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Having said that, the cabin is impressively practical, with a heap of space up front for tall drivers and clever storage areas to swallow up loose items.

The rear seats are more cramped than the Navara’s main rivals, though there is enough space for adults in the rear, while the addition of ISOFIX mounts in the second row makes it a useable family package.

A nice touch for the SL Warrior is a factory tub liner which will come as good news for those using their Navara for work, as well as off-road and family duties.

Is it Safe?

The Nissan Navara SL has received the five-star ANCAP safety tick, though it lacks some of the active safety equipment you pick up in some key rivals.

While the Navara SL Warrior still receives autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warnings and a rear-view camera, it misses out on features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings and a surround-view camera that the ST variants and above receive.

Our Verdict: Nissan Navara SL Worth it?

While it might not have all of the range-topping Warrior’s hardware, the SL Warrior is a fantastic package that is ready for action and offers huge cost savings from the flagship.

Looking at your best options for an off-road-ready ute straight from the factory? Get in touch with one of our automotive specialists who can talk you through your best options.

Five Specs You Need to Know

  1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty

  2. 12-month/20,000km service intervals

  3. Twin-turbo diesel produces 140kW/450Nm

  4. Available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic

  5. 3500kg braked towing capacity

Need some help finding the perfect dual-cab ute specifically for your lifestyle? Reach out to OnlineAuto’s team of automotive specialists.

AF

Alexi Falson

Alexi is an automotive journalist and road tester hailing from Byron Bay. He has an affection for both cars and motorbikes, a great admiration for the simplicity of old-school engineering, and a fascination of new technology making its way to modern cars. When he's not road testing, you'll find him surfing, hiking or helping people find their dream cars.

Have any questions? Call us on 1300 719 925

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