Nissan teases Navara PRO-4X Warrior concept

Nissan has taken the wraps of its fifth-generation D27 Navara ute and teased a forthcoming PRO-4X Warrior variant which it describes as a ‘concept’ but which looks a near-certainty to go into production in early 2026.

The Navara PRO-4X Warrior concept is based on the all-new MY26 D27 Nissan Navara, co-developed with Mitsubishi’s Triton as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

The concept vehicle was displayed to a group of Australia and New Zealand journalist at the Adelaide unveiling of the broader Navara range last week, with the Warrior version based on the range-topping PRO-4X grade variant of the new Navara.

Developed in collaboration with Premcar – Nissan Australia's engineering partner for the Warrior program since 2019 – it showcases design thinking around enhanced off-road capability and aggressive styling cues.

Among a comprehensive suite of enhancements, the PRO-4X Warrior features upgraded suspension, wheels and tyres, underbody protection and styling enhancements that provide a distinctive Warrior identity.

The lifted suspension system features front coil springs and dampers finished in signature lava red, with the vehicle sitting on a wider track courtesy of aftermarket 17-inch wheels clad with chunky 32.2-inch all-terrain tyres.

Premcar is well known for its suspension tuning expertise and was commissioned by Nissan to develop a specific Australian suspension tune for the broader Navara range, replacing the core vehicle’s dampers with specific Australian-made twin-tube shock absorbers.

The Melbourne-based engineering outfit has been given much more scope to make additional changes to the PRO-4X Warrior, adding a Protection Package comprising an enhanced bull-bar design, a multi-stage underbody bash plate system in lava red finish, a 3,500kg rated towbar, and two lava red rear recovery points to complement the existing black factory front points.

Other PRO-4X Warrior specific changes include extended front overriders for improved approach angle protection, unique light bezels incorporating lava red design features, wing undercovers finished in lava red, integrated fender flare extensions, and aftermarket driving lamps with lava red accents.

The concept also featured a tub liner for cargo area protection, 'Warrior’ side door decals, black sport bar with sail plane incorporating Warrior branding, a Warrior tailgate emblem, and Warrior-branded headrests.

While there’s plenty of focus on design elements to help the PRO-4X Warrior stand out from its stablemates, there are also more meaningful changes that should enhance its off-road capability, including the wider track, increased ride height, and enhanced underbody protection package.

A statement from Premcar said its suspension changes for the PRO-4X Warrior were designed to improve the vehicle's capability across diverse Australian terrain, from highway towing to remote area exploration, while maintaining ride quality and comfort.

Premcar’s partnership with Nissan dates to 2019 when the engineering specialist helped launch the original Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior, before moving on to the Warrior by Premcar program which aims to deliver vehicles specifically remanufactured for Australian conditions.

All Warrior vehicles undergo extensive local development and testing including in some of Australia's harshest environments, with the current lineup including the Navara SL Warrior, Navara PRO-4X Warrior, and the Patrol Warrior – all remanufactured at Premcar's purpose-built facilities in Epping, Victoria.

To date, the Warrior program has delivered over 12,750 locally remanufactured vehicles to Australian customers, establishing itself as a benchmark for factory-enhanced utes and 4x4 wagons designed specifically for Australian conditions.

Premcar CEO/Engineering Director Bernie Quinn said the Navara PRO-4X Warrior concept explored how the company could apply six years of learnings and customer feedback to the advanced D27 platform.

“The new Navara provides an exceptional foundation with its redesigned chassis and rugged sophisticated suspension architecture,” Mr Quinn said.

“This concept demonstrates how Premcar's proven approach to suspension tuning, wheel and tyre optimisation, and capability enhancement could elevate the D27's already impressive performance envelope.”

Like the rest of the D27 Navara lineup the PRO-4X Warrior is based on the same platform and mechanicals as the ‘New-Gen’ Mitsubishi Triton that launched here in early 2024.

The new Navara range wil be available in dual cab body style only, powered by a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.4-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel, driving through a six-speed automatic.

The engine develops category-competitive outputs of 150kW/470Nm, an increase of 10kW/20Nm over the outgoing model and consumes 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle test, an improvement of 0.2L/100km. However, the engine requires AdBlue additive to manage its exhaust emissions.

Based as it is on the top-spec PRO-4X variant the Warrior will feature the more sophisticated of two different Mitsubishi-developed dual-range 4WD systems, which Nissan has rebranded ‘Super 4WD’ and which offers full-time all-wheel drive capability in high-range courtesy of a Torsen Limited Slip centre differential.

There’s also a multi-terrain mode traction system with seven different terrain modes — Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock – which helps ensure the vehicle’s electronic traction control systems can respond to changing terrain and conditions.

Pricing for the new Navara range won’t be released until closer to the new model’s Q1 2026 launch, and if the PRO-4X Warrior does go ahead buyers should expect an increase over the current generation’s $71,643 (MRLP) price.