The Navara VE shares the head-turning looks of the top-of-the-line Navara PRO-4X. The interlocking frame grille and taller hood lend it credence, while the Quad LED Projector Headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights give it an unmistakable presence, even at night. 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65R17 tires are found at each corner. At the back, the re-designed bed not only gives it a beefier appearance, but increases the available cargo dimensions, too. A single-stamped piece tailgate with built-in spoiler and LED taillights completes the look. Oh, and that tailgate isn’t just for show. A new tailgate assist and integrated bumper step makes loading and unloading of stuff easier.

Underneath, the Navara’s frame itself has been strengthened, while the unique five-link rear suspension continues to give it best-in-class ride. New for this update are dual-rate coil springs which increases the payload capacity. The Navara VE Calibre 4x2, in particular, has the highest among the Navara range. It also comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control with Active Brake Limited Slip and Trailer Stability Assist for increased safety and driver confidence.

Hand-in-hand with the reinforced frame is Nissan’s formidable 2.5-liter YD25 4-cylinder engine. The Navara VE pushes out 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque—easily the best numbers for a mid-range pickup truck. It’s mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode for excellent responses and fuel economy (10.2 km/L in moderate and 12.65 km/L in light city traffic). And for those who do a lot of long-distance driving, cruise control is standard.

All power amenities—steering, door locks, and mirrors are present, but so is Nissan’s ultra-comfortable Zero Gravity seats. This optimizes driver and passenger support perfect for fatigue-free drives. Also new are redesigned rear seats that offer improved support. The Navara VE Calibre also has a Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control System with rear air vents to keep everyone cool.

Everyone can also stay entertained and connected with the Navara VE Calibre’s 8-inch Nissan Advanced Display Audio system. Not only does it integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but with four USB charging ports, including USB-C, it keeps devices juiced up on the go. Meanwhile, the leather-wrapped steering allows fingertip control to the infotainment system and multi-information display.

With families now considering pickup trucks as their vehicle of choice, Nissan is prioritizing safety. It gets 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and a reverse camera. It also enhances driver confidence with its Nissan Intelligent Mobility features as well. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Emergency Braking can actively prevent frontal crashes.

For long-term peace of mind, the Navara VE Calibre, like all other new Navara variants, benefits from a 5-year / 150,000-kilometer warranty—the longest in the segment. The five-year warranty extends the mechanical and electrical parts coverage for another two years or for the next 50,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, on top of the brand's standard three-year, 100,000 kilometer warranty offered with other vehicles in the current Nissan line-up.

Finally, Nissan Philippines understands how Filipinos love to dress up their ride, and with that, it comes with a long list of genuine accessories. These optional accessories certainly elevate the Navara VE Calibre’s presence and fits to each customer’s preference. Making it even easier, Nissan is making three packages available—the Exterior Protection Package, the Tough Package, and the Full Package. All these are available at your nearest authorized Nissan dealership.

Whether you want to give it a bit of personalization or keep it stock, there’s no doubt that the Nissan Navara VE Calibre offers the full pickup truck experience in a mid-range priced package. Nothing beats the Navara VE Calibre’s value proposition with its advanced technologies, power, ownership advantage, and of course, its price. It certainly tops the mid-range segment, and is a great option for those who’re considering a pickup truck.