Nissan is hinting at the possibility of introducing a high-performance NISMO variant for its upcoming 2026 Navara, potentially challenging the Ford Ranger Raptor in the hardcore ute segment.
Ivan Espinosa, Nissan's VP of Product Strategy & Planning, confirmed they are looking at developing a NISMO variant for the next-gen Navara. The new Navara is scheduled for launch in 2026 and is being developed alongside Mitsubishi's new Triton.
Nissan may collaborate with local engineering firms like Premcar (known for the Warrior program) to develop this high-performance variant.The initial launch will feature a diesel engine, with plans to introduce petrol plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions later in the model's lifecycle.
While there's interest in using the Y63's twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 (317kW/700Nm), there are no concrete plans for this engine in the Navara at present. Nissan is also exploring solid-state battery technology for future electrification, with pilot testing scheduled for late 2024.
The company sees Australia as a key market for such a high-performance variant, building on the success of their current offerings.
As Nissan prepares to launch its next-generation Navara in 2026, the potential addition of a NISMO variant signals the brand's ambition to compete in the high-performance ute segment. While details remain limited, this move could significantly shake up the market currently dominated by the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor.
