Nissan scraps the Navara Warrior and puts its ute focus on the Navara Pro PHEV, with more China-built models coming
Nissan Australia will not build a Warrior version of the new D27 generation Navara. A concept was shown to Australian media in November 2025 when the new Navara was revealed, and the diesel off-roader had been expected before the end of 2026. Nissan has instead redirected those resources to bringing the China-built Navara Pro plug-in hybrid to market sooner.
It is a big change for a nameplate that grew a strong following among Australian buyers. Earlier Warrior models were developed locally with Melbourne engineering firm Premcar and added suspension, tyre and underbody protection upgrades for off-road use.
Why the Warrior lost out
The decision followed the option to fast-track the Navara Pro PHEV. Nissan has no immediate plans to revive the Warrior program, and it has not confirmed a Warrior version of the plug-in hybrid. The diesel Navara Pro-4X remains the off-road flagship of the current range.
| Item | Navara Warrior (D27) | Navara Pro PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Cancelled before production | Confirmed for 2027 |
| Powertrain | Diesel | 2.0 litre turbo petrol plug-in hybrid |
| Power and torque | Not applicable | 300 kW and 800 Nm preliminary |
| Towing | Not applicable | 3500 kg braked target |
| Payload | Not applicable | About 1000 kg |
| Built in | Local Warrior work on an imported ute | China, with Nissan’s partners |
The ute Nissan is betting on
Nissan Australia’s official release confirms the Navara Pro PHEV for 2027, with Australia and New Zealand the first right-hand-drive markets. It pairs a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor inside an eight-speed automatic, and adds a mechanical four-wheel-drive system with differential locks. Battery size, electric-only range and pricing are still to be announced. We cover the full specification in our Navara Pro PHEV story.
Plug-in hybrid utes are no longer a novelty. If you want one sooner, the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV are already on sale, and our Shark 6 and Ranger PHEV comparison shows how they differ.
More China-built Nissans on the way
Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette has said the Navara Pro PHEV is the first of more China-sourced models, each subject to its own business case. Models shown in China that could be considered include the N7 electric sedan, the NX7 and NX8 SUVs and a production version of the Terrano PHEV off-roader. None is confirmed for Australia, though prototypes of other China-built Nissans are already being driven here.
What to watch next
- Final Navara Pro PHEV pricing, battery and range, due closer to launch
- Which China-built Nissan follows the ute
- Whether the Warrior name returns on a future model
Buyers who wanted a factory-backed off-road Navara now face a choice between the current Pro-4X and waiting for the plug-in hybrid. If running costs are part of that decision, our guide to whether petrol, hybrid or electric is cheapest to run can help.
