2026 Nissan Navara Warrior Concept previews next Aussie-engineered hero

The next Nissan Navara Warrior by Melbourne-based Premcar has been previewed by a concept at the new-gen ute's reveal this week.

19 Nov 2025 at 10:00 pm

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James Wong

Marketplace Editor

James Wong

Marketplace Editor

Nissan Australia and Premcar have pulled the covers off a rugged Navara Warrior Concept based on the latest D27-generation ute, previewing the next chapter for the locally developed off-road hero.

Based on the 2026 Nissan Navara Pro-4X, the new Warrior concept boasts a number of modifications which not only make the 4WD ute look tougher but also will enhance its off-road abilities, much like the Warrior-branded D23 Navaras before it.

Highlights include a suspension lift (with Lava Red coil springs and dampers); a wider track courtesy of aftermarket 17-inch wheels and 32.2-inch all-terrain tyres; revised suspension tuning “for both loaded and unloaded conditions”; as well as a Protection Package and distinctive ‘Warrior’ styling upgrades.

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Nissan and Premcar’s accompanying media release says the D27 Navara Pro-4X Warrior concept “hints at [the] direction for next-generation Warrior” and “we’ll have more to share on the timing for the Warrior program next year”.

The standard Navara’s release also notes “a new Navara Warrior is under development by Premcar, with the Pro-4X Warrior Concept previewing its potential design and capabilities”.

The new Navara Pro-4X Warrior concept is the latest chapter in the Japanese brand’s local partnership with Premcar, which has already seen more than 12,750 locally remanufactured Nissan vehicles delivered to Australian customers since the first Navara N-Trek Warrior in 2019.

Models with ‘Warrior by Premcar’ branding undergo “extensive local development and testing including on- and off-road validation in some of Australia’s harshest environments”, and are all currently remanufactured at the Victorian-based engineering firm’s facilities in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Epping.

In addition to the Warrior program, Premcar has further deepened its ties with Nissan Australia by being enlisted by the Japanese manufacturer to conduct a chassis localisation program for regular versions of the upcoming D27-generation Navara ute.

According to Premcar’s CEO and engineering director, Bernie Quinn, the Melbourne-based engineering firm spent 12 months and over 18,500km tuning the new Navara’s steering and suspension for Australian conditions, noting 137 damper codes and over 550 internal damper shims.

Further, the Navara’s dampers (with internal rebound springs) are bespoke to the Nissan relative to its Mitsubishi Triton twin, with components designed and manufactured in Australia.

As a result, Nissan and Premcar claim the Navara boasts improved steering response, feel and linearity, and improved primary ride control (how it behaves over large bumps and dips) and secondary ride comfort (how it manages smaller imperfections). The companies also claim the Navara has improved handling and roll and pitch control, and is easier to manoeuvre.

“The Warrior program has always been about understanding what Australian ute buyers truly need. Not just what looks good in a showroom, but what delivers genuine capability enhancement both on-road and off,” said Mr Quinn.

“This concept explores how we can apply six years of Warrior learnings and customer feedback to the advanced D27 platform… [and] how Premcar’s proven approach to suspension tuning, wheel and tyre optimisation, and capability enhancement could elevate the D27’s already impressive performance envelope.”

The core D27-generation Nissan Navara range will launch in the first quarter of 2026, starting with an auto-only dual-cab lineup.

Pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch, but we do know the high-spec ST-X and Pro-4X will arrive alongside “entry-level models focused on essential capability”.

D27 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior Concept highlights:

Lifted suspension system incl. front coil springs and dampers in Lava Red
Wider track via aftermarket 17-inch wheels
32.2-inch all-terrain tyres
Suspension tuning optimised for both loaded and unloaded conditions
Enhanced bullbar design with body-coloured wings and black centre section
Extended front overriders for improved approach angle protection
Unique light bezel incorporating lava red design feature
Wing undercovers finished in lava red
Integrated fender flare extensions on bull bar
Aftermarket driving lamps with lava red accents
Multi-stage underbody bash plate system in lava red finish
3500kg rated tow bar
Lava Red rear recovery points (×2)
Pro-4X factory-fitted fender flares with signature lava red elements
Tub liner for cargo area protection
Tailgate assist for improved usability
‘WARRIOR’ side door decals featuring mountain design element
Black sport bar with unique Pro-4X sailplane incl. black and Lava Red Warrior branding
Side decals featuring Pro-4X branding with tyre track design
‘WARRIOR’ tailgate emblem in black with Lava Red outline
Warrior-branded head restraints