
Originally Posted by
Horsepower
Strada is cheaper, more compact (it's a compact pickup).
Navara on the other hand is a midsize pickup. Hence, it's longer, wider, ergo the arresting presence on the road. That of course means it also is more expensive (200K more). It must be the weight distribution because it can also attack corners with better precision.
If I have the budget, I'd definitely get a Navara though Strada GLX is also okay for me. One thing I really like about Navara is the fuel consumption for such a large vehicle.
The most serious problem posted by the owners at the Strada thread that can render the engine dead was the SCV issue but it's really a minor thing apparently caused by fuel impurities (which perhaps can be remedied by a better fuel filter if it is so). Even if it’s out of warranty, it’s just cheap, around 16-18k probably after 3years. Minor quirks of the strada that you should expect when you drive out of the dealership are the uneven height, the other side being higher than the other, squeaky shocks, steering column issues, and the Right-hand drive Handbrake (it would be nice if they sell a proper LHD console). GLX used to be the best deal of the lot, until the safety features were deleted as basic as ABS.
Nissan Navara however, so far, doesn't have such problem that I know of. Being a massive midsize pickup, it is a couple of hundred thousand more than the GLX. It is worth I think as you get more metal and raw power for your money with features like ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (power brakes) and more importantly, road presence. If the Strada looks super ***y, Navara looks mighty bad ass especially in Black and very elegant but still bad ass in White. Astig is the word for that truck. hehehe.
EuroNCAP tested both Navara and Strada (Hilux isn't sold in Europe I think). Navara scored only 3-stars and Strada, 4-stars in frontal impact. Navara only edged Strada in child safety, something to consider if you travel with a child, and pedestrian protection, which is good when bump someone accidentally. Ranger has the best engine in my opinion having all that German technology underneath (Bosch and BorgWarner) though its shell is just not there yet.
So for me, Navara or Strada or Ranger if you want a serious go-anywhere LSD equipped 4x2 truck. Both Navara and Strada are more comfort oriented and hence are more spacious. I tried sitting at the back of the Ranger and having long legs is quite a problem as your knees will have to be squeezed in.
So, in a nutshell, Navara (fully loaded in 4x2 & 4x4) or Strada. Ranger if one has a primary car already.