A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Puma starts ZAR 433500 cheaperNavara from ZAR 433,500 · Puma from ZAR 389,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Navara
Puma
Engine Power
140
92
Torque
450
170
Engine Size
2488
999
Claimed Mileage
12.8
16.4
Ground Clearance
228
170
Boot Space
0
456
Airbags
7
8
Kerb Weight
2050
1325
Seating Capacity
Available
Available
Warranty
6
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Navara
71
/ 100
+10
pts
#2
Puma
61
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Navara has a slight advantage, but Puma remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Navara
+7 pts
Efficiency
Puma
+2 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Puma
+3 pts
Ownership
Navara
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Navara
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
Puma
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Navara
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Puma
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Navara
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Puma
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Navara
Puma
Ground Clearance
228
170
Wheelbase
3150
2594
Length
5260
4186
Width
1850
1805
Height
1855
1531
Kerb Weight
2050
1325
Gross Vehicle Weight
3150
1775
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
0
456
Towing Capacity
3500
1200
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1500
Front Track Width
1550
1541
Rear Track Width
1540
1534
Turning Radius
Available
5.4
Load Bed Length
Available
Available
Load Bed Width
Available
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
Available
Seats
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Engine
2.5L Turbo Diesel
1.0L EcoBoost Mild Hybrid
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbo Mild Hybrid
Displacement
2488
999
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
140
92
Torque
450
170
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
180
185
0-100 km/h
10.5
10.5
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
Standard
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
82.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
92.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Power @ RPM
150
6000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
400
2000-4500 rpm
Turbocharger
Available
Single Turbo
Engine Position
Available
Front Transverse
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
Available
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
7-Speed Automatic DCT
Drive Type
4x4
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Selectable 4WD
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Electronic
Not Available
Transfer Case
Low Range 4WD
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic CVT
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Paddle Shifters
Available
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Clutch Type
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Claimed Mileage
12.8
16.4
City Mileage
9
12
Highway Mileage
14
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
42
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Available
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Airbags
7
8
ABS
Available
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Available
Standard
Traction Control
Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Standard
Central Locking
Power with Remote
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Available
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Available
EBD
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Available
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Cruise Control
Available
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Drive Modes
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Seat Material
Leather
Sport Partial Leather
Seat Adjustment
Electric Driver
Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats
Available
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Available
Ambient Sport Lighting
Front Armrest
Yes
Standard
Cup Holders
4
4
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
60/40 Split
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Leather Seats
Available
Available
Rear Armrest
Available
Standard
Rear AC Vents
Available
Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Climate Control
Dual Zone
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All Doors
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Available
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Payload Capacity
1000
500
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Power Adjustment
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Standard
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Available
Wireless
Android Auto
Available
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Available
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
6
Navigation System
Available
Standard
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
12-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
Available
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Available
Voice Recognition
Available
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
LED Headlamps
Available
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Available
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Black Alloy
19-inch Sport Alloy
Body Cladding
Yes
Standard
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Chrome Finish
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Pearl White
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Available
Sport Rear Spoiler
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Available
Body Type
Available
Available
DRL
Available
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Approach Angle
32
25
Departure Angle
26
23
Wading Depth
600
600
Terrain Modes
Off-Road Mode
Available
Locking Differential
Rear Locking
Available
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-time 4WD
Underbody Protection
Available
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Tyre Size
255/60 R18
225/40 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Solid Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
300
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
Available
Parking Brake Type
Available
Available
Tyre Load Index
Available
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
Available
Wheel Rim Size
Available
Available
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Tyre Type
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Monocoque
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Available
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear Spring Type
Available
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R5,000
Battery Warranty
2 Years
Not Applicable
First Service At
5000
5000
Maintenance Plan
Available
Optional
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
Available
Service Plan Duration
Available
Available
Service Plan Distance
Available
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Alternator
Available
Available
Battery Type
Available
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Warranty Years
6
3
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
6 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
CO2 Emissions
220
118
Start Stop System
Available
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
Mild Hybrid
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
2.0
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
Unleaded 95 RON
Noise Level
Available
67
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Available
Spec
Navara
Puma
Real-world City Mileage Min
8
12
Real-world City Mileage Max
10
15
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
12
15
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
14
18
Owner Review Count
31
16
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Nissan Navara
wins with 71 pts
vs 61 pts for Puma
In structured scoring, Navara emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Puma may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Navara edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Navara 7 vs Puma 9. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Navara 20, Puma 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Navara 20, Puma 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Navara 9, Puma 12. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Navara 15, Puma 8. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Navara edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Navara scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Navara and Puma in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Navara scores 15 vs 8.
Efficiency: Navara scores 7 vs 9.
Safety: Navara scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: Navara scores 9 vs 12.
Ownership: Navara scores 20 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Navara
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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