AFTER a decade-long break since the first iteration, Nissan unveiled its new Navara double-cab to local consumers in 2017. The vehicle was a revelation back then, reintroducing softness to a segment celebrating hardness. A few years later, in late 2019, Nissan introduced the Stealth derivative of the new Navara, giving the softer vehicle a harder image. In 2025, Nissan brought an updated Stealth derivative to the market and AutoTrader was on hand to test drive the new model in the wilds of the Magaliesberg mountains. Although it once again doesn't look like much has changed, the engineers have been hard at work refining the vehicle's underpinnings. Sitting below the Warrior and ProX derivatives, the Stealth is based on the LE-spec Navara and gets some intimidating styling tweaks. Let's take a closer look:
Styling
Of course, the Stealth's basis is the visual aspect. The Stealth trades the chrome and satin silver trim finishes around the vehicle for a gloss lack. The roof rails, grille, mirror caps, door handles and side steps share the deep black finish and the doors and tailgate receive signature Stealth decals. A nudge bar, sports bar and 17-inch alloy wheels, all in black, complete the image.
On the inside, you will find all-black leather-trimmed seats, door panels and armrests that give the Stealth a stylish and comfortable touch and feel, as well as upgraded tech that matches the tone. A touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will keep you entertained, and multiple USB charge ports will keep your devices charged.
Engine and drivetrain
Under the bonnet, the Stealth sports a 2.5-litre DDTi diesel engine that sends 140kW and 450Nm through a seven-speed gearbox to all four wheels in the 4×4 models we had on launch. Nissan engineers have been working hard refining the legendary suspension that has made the Navara famous. Nissan has made some tweaks to the unique five-link rear suspension system, recalibrating front and rear dampers for faster rebound recovery, allowing especially the rear suspension to return to its normal position more quickly after compression. This leads to an improved drive with less fatigue, which is great for long drives off-road, which is exactly where the test drive headed!
Safety
The Navara LE, on which the Stealth is based, achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which includes frontal-offset, side impact and side pole impact tests. It is equipped with four airbags and other embedded features like an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
The Navara Stealth also incorporates features like Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Intelligent Emergency Braking and, as a standard across the range, Intelligent Trailer Sway Control (TSC).
The drive by AutoTrader's Lawrence Minnie
"Our launch route would take us from down in the Magaliesberg Valley up and over the Magaliesberg via a few winding routes and deeply rutted farm roads. The rutted farm roads were added to illustrate how the newly-tuned suspension fared. At the presentation, we were shown a video of the suspension in action from cameras mounted in the bed filming a bucket of water and from underneath the chassis of the rear differential in motion.
The difference was astounding compared to a popular competitor, with the Navaras bucket of water remaining full and the diff moving smoothly. In contrast, the competitor's bucket splashed everywhere, bouncing up and down erratically.
"The rutted farm road proved that the Navara's suspension is top-of-the-class for a comfy drive. We also spent some time on rough trails, climbing up a mountain and attacking a few 4×4 obstacles, like a deep mud pit. On all occasions, the Stealth barely blinked, proving that this may be a softer bakkie, but it can hang with the best of them."
The Navara Stealth is available in both 2×4 and 4×4 specifications and prices start at E695 200.
Ultimately, the Stealth is just a cool addition to the line-up. It does what it says on the tin: It's comfortable and stylish, and it gives buyers that little extra without straying into the chic double-cab market.
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