Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior 2022: super ute promises to be tougher than ever

The 2022 Nissan Pro-4X Warrior by Premcar has an awfully long name, but its goal is simple: to be as tough as it looks.

As Premcar engineering director Bernie Quinn put it: “we set out to create the world’s toughest Navara, and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved with this new Warrior”.

The new super ute is the second interaction in the Warrior saga following the well-received Navara N-Trek Warrior that debuted in 2019.

Like the original Warrior, the new ute has been fettled by Australian outfit Premcar, a name well-known to owners of fast Ford Falcons. The Pro-4X Warrior package is designed, tested and assembled down in Epping, Victoria by Australians with plenty of experience.

While the Warrior targets increased off-road ability like the Toyota Hilux Rugged X and Ford Ranger FX4 Max, Premcar has done the job while improving the Warrior’s on-road refinement.

What’s new with the Warrior’s suspension?

The changes start with a set of dampers overhauled to provide both a more compliant low-speed ride and more control in high-speed compressions. In addition, the progressive bump stops have been revised and should provide more controlled suspension movement at the extremes of travel.

The tweaks work in conjunction with a 40mm increase in ride height (up to 260mm) for greater clearance off-road. This greater clearance is achieved through a combination of taller springs and larger 275/70/17 Cooper Discoverer all-terrain rubber. 

Additionally, this has improved the approach angle from 32 to 36 degrees, though the departure angle with spare tyre and tow bar fitted stays similar at 19 degrees.

To help further with off-road capability, Premcar has broadened the track width from 1,570mm to 1,600mm. 

Of course, the extra width and height should add off-road ability, but it certainly doesn’t hurt the Warrior’s appearance. 

A new, winch compatible front bull-bar with integrated light bar fits the rough-and-tumble aesthetic that’s further enhanced with the standard decal package and blacked-out Nissan logos. Beneath the bull bar is a 3mm steel plate to protect the underbody.

What powers the PRO-4X Warrior?

Apart from the suspension changes, the Warrior’s figures carry over from the core Navara range. The 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, with buyers able to choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed torque converter auto. 

Regardless of your gearbox choice, the Warrior is fitted with off-road friendly features like a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential. 

The Warrior retains the Navara’s 3,500kg braked towing capacity and boasts a payload of 961kg for the manual or 952kg for the auto.

Does the Warrior have any creature comforts?

Inside, the Warrior is again familiar and has plenty of creature comforts like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a new 7-inch digital display between the analogue dials.

Finally, the safety suite is pretty impressive with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, frontal AEB and a 360-degree monitor with an off-road mode.

Australian pricing for the Navara Pro-4X Warrior by Premcar is yet to be confirmed.