You might know it as the Nissan Frontier in the U.S., but it's called the Navara in Europe. It's the same truck that was redesigned in 2014 and used by Mercedes-Benz as a base for the X-Class. Offered in many trims around the world, the Navara gained a more capable version in 2018. It's called the Off-Roader AT32, and it's only available in Europe.

Described by Nissan as the most capable Navara ever, the AT32 is also the company's first European truck developed with another brand. Specifically, the AT32 was engineered by engineered by Arctic Trucks, an Icelandic company specialized in building 4WD vehicles for the world's harshest terrains. Arctic truck offers a wide variety of upgrades for trucks and SUVs, including the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser, Nissan Patrol, Lexus LX, Volkswagen Amarok, and even the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.

The truck's "AT" badge stands for Arctic Trucks, while "32" represents the diameter of each tire in inches. Yes, the Navara AT32 means business when it comes to off-road, and we're going to find out all about it in the review below.

Continue reading to find out more about the Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32.

2018 Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32
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Pros
Cons

2018 Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 Exterior

- Increased ride height - Bigger wheels - Larger wheel arches - New side skirts - Improved underbody protection - Optional snorkel - "AT32" badges

The first thing that catches the eye while looking at the AT32 is that it sits higher above the ground compared to the regular Navara. This is because Nissan raised the trucks suspension by 20 mm (0.8 inches) to a new ride height of 243 mm (9.5 inches). The wheels also stand out, simply because they're bigger than usual. The off-road-spec tires measure 35 inches and are mounted on bespoke rims created by Arctic Trucks. The wheels have an interesting multi-spoke design finished in black and a red logo in the center.

The new wheels slide under new fender arches that are sturdier than the original units. Attached to the existing bodywork, the wheel arches are black instead of body color, which gives the truck a more rugged look. Naturally, they also offer greater protection to the body during extreme off-roading, an activity that the Navara can now perform.

Further protection is provided by the bigger side skirts. Also painted in black, they're large enough to work as side steps, making it easier to get inside the cabin. While not visible at first glance, the Navara AT32 also comes with improved underbody protection, including plates covering the engine, transmission, propeller, and fuel tank

Finally, you can add an optional snorkel, which is attached to the right-side fender and extends on the A-pillar. The Arctic Trucks package is rounded off by "AT32" badges on the front fenders and inserts with tire pressure information on the wheel arches. Just like the regular Navara, the AT32 can be further customized with parts from the Nissan Genuine Accessories catalog, which includes a bar kit for the bed in either black or chrome, bar lights, a plastic bedliner, a bed roll cover, a toolbox, and even a hard-top.

Everything else remains the same as on the standard Navara, so the AT32 is not as extreme as the Ford Ranger Raptor. Sure, it's more rugged and looks more capable than any other truck you can buy in Europe, but it's by no means a performance desert runner.

2018 Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 Interior

- Standard interior - 7-inch infotainment - NissanConnect system - 5-inch instrument cluster - Zero Gravity seats - Dual-zone climate control

Nissan had nothing to say about the truck's interior, so it's safe to assume that the AT32 package changes very little inside the cabin. So look for the same layout that Nissan introduced back in 2014. The Navara's interior shares many design cues with other Nissans. A large center stack houses the A/C vents, infotainment screen, and HVAC controls in the dashboard, while the center console includes the gear shifter and a storage compartment.

The infotainment display isn't particularly big for a modern vehicle at seven inches, but it provides all the apps you need for an enjoyable drive. The entertainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and the navigation system includes many options. The NissanConnect system comes with DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connections, so you can link any audio source for your favorite music.

The revised instrument cluster includes a five-inch screen called the Advanced Drive-Assist Display. It includes data about navigation, speed, Nissan Safety Shield and caller ID, enabling you to use all those features without taking your eyes off the road. Other features include Zero Gravity seats, automatic air conditioning with dual-zone climate control, intelligent key and engine start button, and a dimming rear-view mirror.

While it's a bit disappointing that the AT32 doesn't get any exclusive features, the regular Navara is a well-equipped truck that will offer you everything you need in a pickup.

2018 Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 Performance

- Revised suspension - 32-inch tires - Increased approach angle - Increased wading depth - Optional front differential lock

As mentioned in the exterior section, the Navara AT32 rides on a raised suspension system and bigger 32-inch tires. These have been selected specifically to improve off-road traction while maintaining good on-road performance. The large tire diameter allows the driver to reduce the pressure to further boost traction in soft sand or snow. The 32-inch wheels add an extra 20 mm (0.8 inches) to the increased ride height, giving the truck an extra 40 mm (1.6 inches) over the standard model.

As a result, maximum approach angle has been increased to 35 degrees (up from 30.4 degrees), while breakover angle is now 24 degrees (up from 22.2 degrees).

The optional snorkel improves performance too by boosting wading depth to 800 mm (31.5 inches), 200 mm (7.9 inches) more than the standard Navara. The snorkel also improves the air intake and protects the engine from heavy dust and water ingress.

Nissan also offers an optional front differential locker. The unit works in conjunction with the standard Navara’s rear differential locker to provide the best possible traction on every type of surface.

Standard driver assist equipment includes Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Intelligent Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor.

The AT32 package doesn't alter the drivetrain, so the truck is offered with the same engines as the regular Navara. The unit in question is a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder diesel rated at either 158 or 187 horsepower. There's also a 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel with 188 horsepower. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

2018 Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 Pricing

Pricing information is not yet available, but the AT32 package should add a premium to the standard the Double Cab model, which starts from £21,654. The AT32 upgrade is available for all trim levels, as long as it's a Double Cab version. As with every Nissan, the AT32 comes with a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty, plus Arctic Trucks’ five-year warranty on the extra components.

2018 Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 Competition

Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian SVP II

A special-edition introduced in 2018, the Barbarian SVP II boasts upgrades that are very similar to Arctic Trucks' Navara. While the exterior retains the features of the standard L200, the SVP II package adds bright orange accents to the Diamond Black or Atlantic Grey body, larger wheel arch extensions, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. The package also includes bed illumination, a spring-assisted tailgate with soft-opening damper, and bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights. Unlike the Navara AT32, the SVP II comes with extra goodies on the inside too.

Highlights include suede-like inserts and orange stitching for the seats and center armrest, "SVP" logos, SVP floor mats, orange illuminated footwells and door sills. It also includes standard Smartphone Link Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless operation, rain and dusk sensors, cruise control, and a reverse camera. The drivetrain is identical to the regular model, so the SVP II is powered by the same all-aluminum, 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. The mill cranks out 181 PS and 430 Nm of torque (179 horsepower and 371 pound-feet) through either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at £29,830, while production is limited to only 250 units.

Read our review of the 2018 Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian SVP II.

Final Thoughts

The Navara Off-Roader AT32 might not look as aggressive as the Ford Ranger Raptor, but it definitely has the skills to climb rocky terrain and conquer sand dunes. It might not do it as quick as the Raptor either, but it will get you almost anywhere safe and sound. And given that the Ranger Raptor won't come to Europe, Nissan is actually comfortable in this niche with a slightly beefed-up Navara. Especially since the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian SVP II won't be around for long due to the limited production run. The Navara AT32 is definitely a cool truck if your trucking routes include less accessible areas and dirt roads.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Nissan Navara.

Read more Nissan news.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.