Six-Speed Manual and Five-Speed Auto
Two transmissions are available on Navara: a six-speed manual that’s also found in the Pathfinder or a five-speed automatic.
The slick six-speed manual transmission offered as standard equipment provides the perfect balance between economy and performance. Five close-ratio lower gears (fifth is direct) are topped by a ‘long’ overdrive sixth gear for higher speed cruising. The resulting lower engine speeds translate into better economy and less noise.
The new transmission has a light, easy shift action and incorporates double and triple cone synchronisers on the four lower ratios (double on first, third and fourth, triple on second) to achieve this. Single cone, iron sintered baulk rings have been adopted on fifth, sixth and reverse.
Gear shifts follow a conventional ‘double H’ pattern with reverse situated next to sixth and accessed after first pushing down on the lever to avoid accidental selection.
All models are also available with a smooth five-speed automatic transmission. Compatible with the high levels of torque developed by the YD25 diesel and VQ40 petrol engines, the electronically controlled transmission has been given wider ratios and has been tuned to provide excellent performance and fuel economy, together with exemplary shift action.
Interior Space
The Navara Dual Cab features a three-seater rear bench in an enlarged cabin, providing ample room for five. The larger interior dimensions compared to the D22 Navara mean even more space for rear passengers with head, shoulder and knee room improved by 90mm, 98mm and 177mm respectively.
Cabin storage space has been thoughtfully conceived. The cabin has two glove boxes ahead of the front passenger offering a total of 6.4-litres of space, a 6.0-litre storage box within the centre console and a small storage area on top of the dashboard. Coin, cup and card holders can also be found in the centre console, while there’s a sunglass holder on ST-X models, in a practical overhead console in the roof.
