Nissan Navara pickup (2004-2015) - Practicality & boot space

The Nissan Navara offers a huge amount of storage space, but rear-seat passengers will be cramped in King Cab models

Carbuyer Rating

1.8 out of 5

Owners Rating
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Practicality & boot space Rating

3.6 out of 5

Built to carry heavy loads and drive through fields or building sites, the Nissan Navara isn't as comfortable or as sophisticated as many similarly priced SUVs. But compared to rivals like the Isuzu D-Max, it fares pretty well.

Despite its size, the Navara is reasonably easy to park, thanks to its boxy shape and big door mirrors. Parking sensors are useful, but only come as part of the Nissan Connect Premium system (standard on the Outlaw V6 and a £1,700 option elsewhere in the range).

Nissan Navara interior space and storage

The Nissan Navara is relatively spacious, while feeling durable and well made. Some plastics low down in the cabin feel quite harsh and cheap, but you almost expect that in a car like this.

The front seats have lots of legroom, however a limited amount of adjustment can make it difficult for some drivers to find a comfortable seating position.

Plenty of cubbyholes, storage areas and door bins feature in the cabin, but some of the controls and switches are poorly located. On the King Cab model, the rear-opening doors can be tricky to use and the small rear seats are best suited to carrying children – or adults for short distances only.

Leather trim is fitted as standard on Tekna and Outlaw models, making them feel more luxurious.

Nissan Navara boot space

Carrying large and heavy loads is one of the Navara’s primary purposes, and it does this with ease. Just make sure you don’t leave your kit unattended in the back, unless you choose a tonneau cover or hardtop from the options list.

Because the Navara is a big, tall car, you’ll need to lift that cargo quite high to get it in, but at least the tailgate (although heavy) folds down 90 degrees to form a totally flat load bed. We’d strongly recommend an optional load liner, which will prevent your payload scratching the Navara’s paintwork and will be more forgiving on your equipment, too.

The King Cab is the most spacious model in the back, with a 1,851mm-long load bed. The Double Cab model’s load bed is 1,511mm long, but both versions are the same width at 1,560mm (1,496mm between the wheelarches). Acenta models have moveable tie-down points.

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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