Nissan South Africa is on a roll — and after the recent debut of the flagship Navara Warrior, they’ve now unleashed the Navara Stealth, a stylish new special edition with bold blacked-out flair and an extra dose of rugged refinement. We attended the local launch in Magaliesberg, where the Stealth took us from tar to trail in impressive comfort and confidence.
The sixth element
Slotting into the local Navara double-cab range as the sixth derivative, the new Stealth is based on the LE+ grade and follows hot on the heels of the Warrior, which launched just four months ago. That gives Nissan a healthy mix of offerings, from the work-ready XE and SE, to the more luxurious LE, the battle-hardened Warrior, and now, the bold and broody Stealth.
Unlike the Warrior – which costs north of R900 000 – the Stealth offers similar attitude and additional kit at a more accessible price point, with two versions available. The 2WD variant kicks off at R695 200, while the 4×4 version will set you back R779 200.
Mean on the outside, comfy on the inside
The Stealth package adds a curated list of exterior goodies. These include model-specific nudge and sports bars, 17-inch black alloys wrapped in all-terrain tyres, and stealth-finished grille, roof rails, door handles, and side steps. Subtle (but stylish) decals on the doors and tailgate add just enough branding without going full Fast & Furious.
Step inside, and the all-black cabin theme continues with leather-trimmed seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system that cranks up your road trip playlist with ease. USB-C ports front and rear keep everyone’s devices juiced, and overall refinement is up there with the best in class – no noisy plastics or clunky interfaces here.
Built for the long road (and no road)
Under the bonnet, things are familiar – and that’s no bad thing. Power comes from the trusty 2.5-litre DDTi turbodiesel engine, delivering 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque, and paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Where the Stealth really shines is in its ride comfort and handling. Nissan’s decision to stick with the coil-sprung five-link rear suspension pays off in spades, offering a level of compliance and control that’s more SUV than bakkie. On tar, gravel and even a proper off-road trail through the Magaliesberg hills, the Stealth kept its cool.
New for this model are recalibrated dampers, designed for faster rebound and better ride stability. This might sound technical, but all you need to know is that it helps the bakkie recover more quickly after dips or bumps, keeping things smooth and planted whether you’re on a dirt road or dodging potholes in the urban jungle.
The all-rounder with attitude
It’s clear that the Navara Stealth is aimed at buyers who want a bit more than just practicality. It’s not quite the hardcore Warrior, but it’s also more than just a cosmetic upgrade. For R35 000 more than the standard LE, you get unique exterior touches, recalibrated suspension, upgraded wheels and tyres, and a cabin that oozes understated confidence.
Whether you’re hauling gear during the week, heading for the hills on weekends, the Stealth strikes a solid balance between form and function.
Built in Mzansi, for Africa
Like its siblings, the Stealth is built at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant just north of Pretoria. The facility’s flexibility to produce multiple derivatives without disrupting production timelines is part of Nissan’s broader African strategy – one that sees the Navara platform being used across Egypt, Morocco and now further afield on the continent.
Final thoughts
The Nissan Navara Stealth is a welcome addition to the double-cab segment – particularly for those who want something tough and capable, but also like their bakkie with a side of stealthy style. It’s not just a pretty face either: the Stealth impressed us across every surface we threw at it during the launch, and we’re looking forward to spending more time with it soon. For now, we’ll just say this: if you like your bakkie comfortable, and ready for action, the Stealth is worth a serious look.
Model line-up and pricing
- Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Stealth DC Stealth AT: R695 200
- Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi 4×4 Stealth DC Stealth AT: R779 200
*Prices include a 6-year/90 000km service plan and a matching warranty that is good for 150 000km.
