The Nissan Navara is a nameplate used for Nissan pickup trucks with D21, D22, D40 and D23 model codes. The nameplate has been used in Australia, New Zealand, Central America, South America, Asia, Europe, and South Africa. In North, Central and South America and some selected markets, it is marketed as the Nissan Frontier or Nissan NP300.
After more than ten years with the D21, Nissan unveiled the similar sized D22. It was replaced with the bigger, taller, longer D40 mid-size pickup. In 2014, Nissan released its successor, the D23, for international markets other than the U.S. and Canada. For these markets, it received the D41 Frontier in 2021 to replace the D40.
The Navara gets its name from the Navarre region of northern Spain. The European version was built at the Nissan Motor Ibérica factory in Barcelona.
D21 series (1985)
The D21 generation was the successor to the Datsun 720, sold as the Nissan Datsun Truck in Japan. The name Navara was used in some markets such as Australia / New Zealand.
Unlike previous generations, this model was available worldwide in two body styles. The "A" body was designed in Japan, and was available in single or dual cab variants, while the "S" body King Cab was designed in the United States, at Nissan's styling studios in San Diego, California. Each version had unique front styling, with the American version having a different bonnet, and wider flared front guards. In a few countries, such as Australia, both versions were sold. This was also assembled in Greece for the local market, where it was marketed as the Nissan Pickup and King Cab.
First generation (D22; 1997)
The D22 is a compact size pick up truck manufactured from 1997 to current, Nissan continue to build the D22 as a cheaper alternative to the D40 in many markets. Originally planned to follow the D21 Hard Body in being designed by Nissan Design International in La Jolla, CA, design of the D22 was reluctantly given to Japan during the 1994–1995 period. This was due to NDI being busy with many design projects for concepts and models, such as the Quest (VX54 II), Altima (L30), and Maxima (A32.5). Design of an updated D22 was eventually given to NDI in 1998.
North America
US production of the Frontier at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant began in 1997 with a 2-door regular cab and 2-door King Cab. A 4-door version of the D22 was designed and developed during 1997–1998, being first produced in April 1999 and launched in May 1999 in the US as the 2000 Frontier Crew Cab. Engines: Petrol (KA24DE) and Diesel (TD27) (2wd and 4wd) with 5-speed manual transmission. These models were also exported to Central and South America.
A special Desert Runner model was offered in 1999 for the 2000 MY. It was a 2WD King Cab model built on the 4WD frame, which gave it a boost in ride height, larger tires, and a 4- or 5-speed transmission. For 2001 the Desert Runner got a new look and a supercharged version of the V6 engine.
Facelift
In February 2000 at the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan introduced a facelifted D22 Frontier for 2001, with bolder styling in an effort to make it more appealing to younger buyers in its second generation. The regular cab would be discontinued after the 2001 MY. Sales and production started in North America, with Crew Cab and King Cab versions and new grille, bumper, headlights, taillights. Other body changes included built in fender flares and tailgates.
The D22s badged as "Frontier" had different grille, tailgate details and interior in contrast to the D22s badged as "Navara".
The D22 was no longer sold in Japan after 2002. Due to incompatible taxation rules and plummeting popularity of pickup trucks in Japan, Nissan discontinued it in their home market with no replacement afterwards, a fate shared by many of its competitors there.
The Egyptian plant exports to the Middle East, and a South African plant to African countries. Mexican production started in 2008: D22 truck Single Cab Chassis and Long Bed (2WD or 4WD, 2.4-litre petrol or diesel), Crew Cab (2WD and petrol) called the D22 Pickup.
In 2009, the D22 was updated with redesigned exterior door handles.
In June 2017, Peugeot announced to produce the Peugeot Pick-Up for Northern African states. It is equipped with a 2.5-litre inline-four turbo-diesel, producing and , 5-speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with optional gear reduction. It is a badge engineered version of the Dongfeng Rich, which has a partnership with PSA. It comes as a Crew Cab (5 passengers) short bed (1.40 m x 1.39 m cargo area) version (5.08 m in length) with a payload of 815 kg. Market introduction started in September 2017.